EDRF modulates renal hemodynamics during unilateral ureteral obstruction in the rat

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) results in vasoconstriction of the ipsilateral kidney, and vasodilatation of the intact opposite kidney. To investigate the role of endogenous nitric oxide, an endothelial-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), in the regulation of renal hemodynamics during UUO, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized for study 24 hours after left UUO or sham-operation. Total vascular resistance (TVR) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were measured using radioactive microspheres during control periods and following infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (2.5 mg/kg). Blood pressure and RVR were increased by L-NAME, with a greater increment in the RVR/TVR ratio of the kidney with ipsilateral UUO than in the intact opposite kidney or sham-operated kidneys. Infusion of L-arginine (L-Arg), a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, did not alter the RVR/TVR ratio of either kidney of rats with UUO, but reduced the ratio in sham-operated animals. L-NAME tended to reduce urine flow and urinary sodium and cyclic GMP excretion, whereas L-Arg resulted in a marked diuresis, natriuresis, and increased excretion of cyclic GMP in both operative groups. We conclude that EDRF activity is increased in the kidney with ipsilateral UUO, which serves to counteract renal vasoconstriction. This response is not limited by availability of substrate (L-Arg). Vasodilatation of the intact opposite kidney appears to be mediated by factors other than EDRF.