PTH sensitive adenyl cyclase activity in different segments of the rabbit nephron

PTH sensitive adenylate cyclase activity was measured in 9 different segments of the nephron, isolated by microdissection from collagenase-treated rabbit kidney slices. The enzyme of the following segments was stimulated by PTH, 1 U/ml: PCT. (proximal convoluted tubule); PR (pars recta); CAL (cortical portion of the thick ascending limb); DCT (distal convoluted tubule); BCT (first, branched portion of the collecting tubule); the segments which did not respond to PTH were: TDL (thin descending limb): MAL (medullary portion of the thick ascending limb); CCT (cortical portion of the collecting tubule distally adjacent to BCT); MCT (collecting tubule from the outer medulla). PTH sensitive adenylate cyclase per mm tubule in PR was half that measured in PCT. Half maximal stimulation corresponded to 50-100mm U/ml PTH (1-2 times 10-8M) in both PCT and PR, and to about 350 mm U/ml in CAL. PTH (1 U/ml) stimulation factors ranged from 5 to 60 depending on the structures. It is concluded that in addition to PCT and PR, CAL and BCT might be target structures involved in the physiological actions of PTH on the kidney.