The electrophysiology of shark proximal tubules (Squalus acanthias) was investigated using conventional microelectrodes and cable analysis. Under in vitro perfusion with symmetrical Ringer solutions, tubule transepithelial resistance was 36.3 +/- 2.3 omega X cm2 (means +/- SE, n = 44). Other electrophysiological variables varied widely under control conditions. In unstimulated tubules (n = 16) the transepithelial voltage (VT,o) was lumen positive (1.2 +/- 0.2 mV), the basolateral membrane potential (Vbl,x) was -61.3 +/- 1.6 mV, and the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (fRa) was 0.67 +/- 0.02. Spontaneously stimulated tubules (n = 28) had lumen-negative VT,o values (-1.5 +/- 0.4 mV), low Vbl,x values (-41.3 +/- 1.7 mV), and low fRa values (0.30 +/- 0.02). The stimulated state can be induced in unstimulated tubules via treatment with cAMP. Multiple microelectrode impalements in a single tubule revealed epithelial cells sharing similar electrophysiological properties. Selective ion substitutions in the tubule lumen and peritubular bath uncovered an increased Cl conductance in the apical membrane of spontaneously and cAMP-stimulated tubules. Anthracene-9-carboxylic acid tended to reverse the stimulated state, and furosemide hyperpolarized Vbl,x. These results constitute the first evidence for secretory Cl transport in a renal proximal tubule. The electrophysiological responses to ion substitutions, stimulators, and inhibitors are strikingly similar to those of known Cl-transporting epithelia.