The relationship between renal tubular secretion of bumetanide and its saluretic effect was studied in six healthy subjects before and after probenecid (1 gm IV). Bumetanide was determined in serum and urine by HPLC. Continuous intravenous infusion of bumetanide (200 micrograms/hr) gave an average diuresis at steady state of 15 +/- 3 ml/min. Corresponding plasma concentration, urinary excretion rate, and renal clearance of bumetanide averaged 14.3 +/- 2.3 ng/ml, 64 +/- 31 micrograms/30 min, and 145 +/- 59 ml/min. After probenecid there was a marked change in bumetanide kinetics. Average plasma concentration rose to 41.7 +/- 8.1 ng/ml, whereas renal clearance and urinary excretion rate fell to 15.1% and 29.5% of control. There was also a concomitant decrease in diuresis and saluresis to 47% and about 40% of control. Probenecid also reduced the renal clearance of para-aminohippurate and inulin to 67% and 75% of control. Since the fractional water and sodium chloride excretion was also reduced about 33% and 42%, it is concluded that a large part of the diuretic effect of bumetanide depends on its active tubular secretion. As with furosemide and piretanide, bumetanide diuresis is elicited from the luminal side of the human nephron.