Basal Na absorption in the rat colon is coupled to that of Cl in an electroneutral fashion. We previously determined that aldosterone or dexamethasone induces amiloride-sensitive mucosal-to-serosal Na flux approximately equal to the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current in rat distal colon in vitro. However, the effect of these steroids on coupled Na-Cl absorption was not examined. For this purpose, we determined the unidirectional flux of Na and Cl in voltage-clamped distal colon segments from rats treated with aldosterone or dexamethasone. Amiloride was used as a probe for conductive Na absorption, and acetazolamide and Cl-free solutions were used as probes for coupled Na-Cl absorption. Our results indicate that the nature of colonic Na absorption is markedly changed after treatment with these steroids. In contrast to findings in the untreated rat, colonic Na absorption after treatment with aldosterone or dexamethasone was largely independent of the presence of Cl. Net Cl absorption and acetazolamide sensitivity were both greatly diminished. Thus, aldosterone and dexamethasone have multiple effects on Na transport in rat distal colon. In addition to the stimulation of conductive Na absorption by aldosterone, an effect well described in other epithelia, there is marked suppression of coupled Na-Cl absorption. Dexamethasone was less effective in suppressing Cl absorption but equally effective in stimulating conductive Na absorption. These steroid effects were greater in the terminal 1-2 cm of the rat colon.