The transport of Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3(-) across the epithelium of the rat submaxillary salivary duct is postulated to be due to the coupling of the basolateral Na+-K+-ATPase with various ion transport systems in the luminal and basolateral membranes. Na+ reabsorption depends on the presence of a rheogenic (Na+ conductance) and an electroneutral (Na+:H exchange) pathway, both of which are sensitive to amiloride. K+ secretion is postulated to be mediated by a K+: H+ antiport, coupling between Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion, thus depending on local H+ ion concentration. The ratio between electroneutral Na+ influx and K+ efflux, therefore, determines the rate of HCO3(-) secretion. In the absence of Na+ influx, although K+ efflux falls, HCO3(-) secretion rises to a value equal to that of K+ secretion. The maintenance of K+ secretion in the absence of luminal Na+ requires an additional Na+-entry step across the basolateral membrane, also postulated to be due to Na+:H+ exchange.