What is the role of the proximal convoluted tubule in the reabsorption of useful substances, and how does it use active transport?

Sourav PanNovember 9, 2024

Answered

The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) plays a crucial role in the reabsorption of useful substances from the filtrate produced by the glomerulus and in maintaining homeostasis. Here’s a detailed overview of its function and the mechanisms of active transport involved in this process.

Role of the Proximal Convoluted Tubule

1. Reabsorption of Substances:
   • The PCT is responsible for reabsorbing approximately 65% of water, 100% of glucose, 100% of amino acids, and significant amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride from the tubular fluid back into the bloodstream. This process is essential for conserving nutrients and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
2. Structure Adaptations:
   • The PCT is lined with simple cuboidal epithelial cells that have a brush border (microvilli) on their apical surface, which increases the surface area for absorption. These cells are rich in mitochondria, providing the necessary energy for active transport processes.

Mechanisms of Active Transport

1. Sodium-Potassium Pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase):
   • The basolateral membrane of PCT epithelial cells contains Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pumps that actively transport sodium ions (Na⁺) out of the cell into the interstitial fluid while bringing potassium ions (K⁺) into the cell. This process uses ATP and establishes a sodium gradient, with lower concentrations of Na⁺ inside the cell compared to the tubular lumen.
   • Function: This active transport creates an electrochemical gradient that favors the passive movement of Na⁺ from the tubular lumen into the epithelial cells through various co-transporters.
2. Co-Transport Mechanisms:
   • Sodium ions move into the PCT cells along with other solutes via co-transporters (symporters). For example:
     • Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter (SGLT): This transporter allows glucose to be reabsorbed alongside sodium as sodium moves down its concentration gradient into the cell.
     • Sodium-Amino Acid Co-Transporters: Similar mechanisms exist for amino acids, allowing them to be reabsorbed efficiently.
   • These processes are examples of secondary active transport, where the energy derived from the sodium gradient (created by primary active transport) is used to move other substances against their concentration gradients.
3. Bicarbonate Reabsorption:
   • Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) is reabsorbed through a combination of active and passive mechanisms. Carbonic anhydrase within PCT cells converts CO₂ and H₂O to carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate. The H⁺ is secreted into the tubular lumen, while bicarbonate is transported back into the blood.
   • This process helps regulate blood pH and maintain acid-base balance.
4. Chloride Reabsorption:
   • Chloride ions (Cl⁻) are reabsorbed passively following sodium due to electrochemical gradients created by sodium reabsorption. In some cases, chloride can also be actively transported via specific channels or co-transporters.