Previous investigations have suggested that there is a functional heterogeneity along the length of the proximal convoluted tubule. This study was designed to confirm and extend these suggestions by examining the intrinsic absorption of fluid and the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on net fluid absorption in isolated, anatomically defined segments of rabbit superficial proximal tubules. The EPCT (early proximal convoluted tubule), LPCT (late proximal convoluted tubule), and PR (pars recta) segments were studied under controlled conditions by the isolated perfused tubule technique. In 23 EPCT, base-line fluid absorption was 1.38 +/- 0.04 (SE), a rate significantly higher than those of 11 LPCT (0.62 +/- 0.02; P less than 0.001) and 12 PR (0.52 +/- 0.03 nl mm-1 min-1, P less than 0.001) segments. In 10 EPCT, mean control fluid absorption was 1.31 +/- 0.04 nl mm-1 min-1; addition of PTH resulted in a decrease to 0.95 +/- 0.05 nl mm-1 min-1 (P less than 0.001); and, after removal of PTH, fluid absorption increased (P less than 0.001). Parathyroid hormone had no effect on either seven LPCT segments or six PR segments. These results demonstrate differences in intrinsic capacity to absorb fluid by anatomically defined segments of the rabbit proximal tubule. This functional heterogeneity is further supported by the observed differential response to PTH by the various anatomic segments of the proximal tubule.