Recent studies of rabbit colon have indicated the presence of a vanadate-sensitive K+-dependent proton pump, suggesting the existence of an H+-K+-ATPase. The participation of such a mechanism for colonic K+ absorption in the rat has not been determined. To this purpose, we attempted to detect the presence of pH-linked mechanisms for K+ absorption in rat distal colon using 86Rb as a marker for K+. We found that Rb+ absorption in Na-Ringer directly correlated with the in vitro partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) in aldosterone-stimulated but not in control rats. Similar studies performed using Na-free Ringer demonstrated that PCO2 markedly augmented Rb+ absorption in both control and aldosterone-stimulated rat colon. Rb+ absorption was inhibited by orthovanadate, SCH28080, and mucosal ouabain in Na-free Ringer, but there was no effect of omeprazole, furosemide, or bumetanide. Barium applied to the serosa was also effective in inhibiting Rb+ absorption, suggesting that Rb+ exit from the cell was conductive. These findings are consistent with the presence of an active K+ pump that is activated by pretreatment with aldosterone and increased in vitro PCO2 and that is inhibited by orthovanadate, SCH28080, and mucosal ouabain. The constellation of findings suggests that participation of an ATPase that is not typical of either Na+-K+-ATPase or H+-K+-ATPase.