Aldosterone stimulates Na+-absorption in rabbit distal colon. Due to circadian variations in plasma aldosterone level, Na+-transport varies in this epithelium. In vitro measurements (Ussing-chambers) yielded a trans-epithelial voltage (Vt) of 13 +/- 1.6 mV for low-transporting epithelia (LT) and 25.7 +/- 2 mV for high-transporting epithelia (HT). However, the comparison of transepithelial conductance (Gt) in LT epithelia (2.73 +/- 0.21 mS/cm2) and HT epithelia (2.96 +/- 0.41 mS/cm2) revealed no difference. Colons from both groups were stimulated by exogenous aldosterone (4 h prior to experiment). The transepithelial values changed as follows: LT epithelia showed a significantly increased Vt (26.1 +/- 4 mV) and Gt (3.74 +/- 0.23 mS/cm2), whereas in HT epithelia both parameters remained unchanged. Transepithelial amiloride-sensitive conductance was higher in HT than in LT. However, only in LT epithelia aldosterone increased this conductance. To get a more detailed view of the action of aldosterone, we used intracellular microelectrodes to calculate the resistances of apical (Ra), basolateral (Rbl) and paracellular (Rp) pathway. The calculation of the resistances was based on a lumped equivalent circuit model and changes in Ra were induced by 50 microM/l mucosal amiloride. Comparison of the control tissues revealed a lower Rbl only in HT tissues. In both groups stimulation by exogenous aldosterone led to a marked decrease of Ra. Furthermore Rbl was reduced to the same value as in HT control tissues. A leak resistance (Rl) was found, which was modulated by aldosterone in LT- and in HT epithelia. Differences in amiloride-sensitive transepithelial conductance between both epithelia groups could be explained by a regulation of Rl.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)