The effect of probenecid on the transport of tetraethylammonium (TEA) was studied in renal cortical slices and isolated membrane vesicles to investigate the interaction of organic anion with the organic cation transport system in proximal tubule. Probenecid reversibly inhibited TEA uptake by renal cortical slices in a dose-dependent manner over the concentration range of 1 and 5 mM. The efflux of TEA was not affected by the presence of 3 mM probenecid. Kinetic analysis indicated that probenecid decreased Vmax without significant change in Km. Probenecid inhibited significantly tissue oxygen consumption at concentrations of 3 and 5 mM. However, probenecid did not significantly reduce TEA uptake in brush border and basolateral membrane vesicles prepared from renal cortex even at a concentration as high as 10 mM. These results indicate that probenecid reduces TEA uptake in cortical slices by inhibiting tissue metabolism rather than by an interaction with the organic ration transporter.