HCO3 and pH dependence of net Cl transport (JClnet) by resting (metiamide-treated) frog gastric mucosa has been investigated in vitro by measuring short-circuit current (Isc = JClnet) and transepithelial conductance (G). With either 100% O2 or 95% O2-5% CO2 gassing, HCO3-free solutions caused large (greater than 50%) reductions in Isc and G. Increases in [HCO3] of the serosal, but not mucosal, solution caused increases in Isc and G. At least part of the effect appeared to be due specifically to the HCO3 moiety, as opposed to the pH changes that also occurred. In HCO3-free solutions (100% O2), increasing serosal solution pH above 7 with either permeable or impermeable buffers caused Isc and G to increase; permeable buffers were somewhat more effective than impermeable buffers. Measurements of intracellular pH (pHc) with [14C]DMO or [14C]methylamine showed that increases in extracellular pH (pHo) caused increases in cellular pH (pHc), and these changes in pHc were independent of buffer type. We conclude that HCO3 and/or high pHo stimulate Isc and G and that buffer permeability and cellular concentration can also affect transport.