Role of protein kinase C in proximal bicarbonate absorption and angiotensin signaling

Using in vivo microperfusion in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the Munich-Wistar rat, we investigated the impact of varying protein kinase C (PKC) activity on the rate of bicarbonate reabsorption and on its regulation by angiotensin II. Activation of PKC with luminal perfusion of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 5 x 10(-7) M) caused bicarbonate absorption in the S1 PCT to increase by 25%, from 346 +/- 7 to 432 +/- 4 peq.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001), without affecting intracellular cAMP level. Another PKC stimulator, dioctanoylglycerol, had the same effect. Inhibition of PKC activity with luminal perfusion of 5 x 10(-6) M sphingosine had the opposite effect, decreasing bicarbonate absorption by 45% to 190 +/- 2 peq.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001). Pretreatment with PMA or with sphingosine each attenuated by approximately one-third the bicarbonate absorptive response usually observed following angiotensin II administration. Similar results for the action of PKC, but of smaller magnitude, were found in the S2 PCT. In conclusion, activation of PKC increases bicarbonate and water absorption in the S1 and S2 PCT in vivo, and PKC may participate in as much as one-third of the transport stimulation induced by angiotensin II.