Although it is well recognized that the ileum secretes bicarbonate, understanding of the mechanisms of the transport of this ion has been limited by the inability to measure fluxes in vitro. However, by clamping the bathing fluid at a set pH using a pH stat system, accurate measurements of bicarbonate movement can be made. Bicarbonate transport in rabbit ileum in vitro was measured by simultaneously employing both the pH stat and short-circuit techniques. The role of acid-base balance was assessed by systematically altering buffer bicarbonate concentration, pH, and partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2). Bicarbonate secretion was strongly correlated with both serosal [HCO3-] (r = 0.824, P less than 0.01) and serosal pH (r = 0.793, P less than 0.01). Bicarbonate absorption was not significantly altered by mucosal [HCO3-], pH, or PCO2. Paracellular movement of bicarbonate, as assessed by voltage clamping and diffusion potential experiments, did not appear to be a major component of transcellular transport. Epinephrine stimulated bicarbonate absorption significantly, both in Cl-containing and Cl-free Ringer solution but did not alter bicarbonate secretion. Epinephrine-induced decreases in short-circuit current were correlated with enhanced bicarbonate absorption. Bicarbonate secretion was inhibited by serosal chloride and serosal bumetanide; mucosal chloride stimulated bicarbonate secretion. Mucosal chloride did not affect bicarbonate absorption. Glucocorticoids enhanced both bicarbonate absorption and secretion. These results suggest that there are discrete apical and basolateral transport mechanisms that regulate bicarbonate transport. Bicarbonate secretion may be mediated by a basolateral bumetanide-sensitive, chloride-inhibitable transporter and by an apical chloride-bicarbonate exchange process.