Rb+ uptake into LLC-PK1/Cl 4 cells can be subdivided into three components: 1) ouabain-sensitive uptake, 2) bumetanide-sensitive uptake, and 3) ouabain- and bumetanide-insensitive uptake. Exposure of cells to near-UV light in the presence of low concentrations of bumetanide produces a specific, irreversible inhibition of the bumetanide-sensitive uptake component, while not affecting the other two uptake components. Irreversible inhibition of bumetanide-sensitive transport is observed when measuring either cellular uptake or efflux and also when measuring 86Rb+ uptake into membrane vesicles. The irreversible inhibition is both concentration and time dependent and is blocked under conditions where the interaction of bumetanide with the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter is disturbed. We conclude that bumetanide, at low concentrations, can specifically and irreversibly inhibit the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter of LLC-PK1/Cl 4 cells. We suggest that this irreversible inhibition is the result of the photoactivation of an ether linkage in the bumetanide molecule, leading to a covalent binding of bumetanide to the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter.