The effects of basic and neutral amino acids on the reabsorption of 125I-lysozyme by the renal proximal tubule were examined in rats. In whole animal experiments control animals were given an intravenous (i.v.) injection of 125I-lysozyme alone while experimental animals received an i.v. injection of either a basic or a neutral amino acid prior to the injection of 125I-lysozyme. In control animals the renal content of 125I-lysozyme 30 min after injection was 35% of the injected dose. After injection of basic amino acids there was a significant decrease in the renal uptake of lysozyme. There was no effect of neutral amino acids on the reabsorption of lysozyme. In microperfusion experiments proximal convoluted tubules were perfused in vivo for 3 min with a solution containing 125I-lysozyme and either lysine or alanine. In tubules perfused with lysine there was a significant decrease in the reabsorption of lysozyme, whereas alanine had no effect on lysozyme uptake. Electron microscope autoradiography revealed that lysozyme was located in endocytic vesicles and lysosomes in both experimental groups. However, the autoradiographic grain density was significantly decreased in tubules perfused with lysine as compared with those perfused with alanine. These findings demonstrate that basic amino acids inhibit the reabsorption of the cationic protein lysozyme by the proximal tubule cells.