Prostaglandin mediated natriuresis during glucagon infusion in dogs

Ten mug/min glucagon infused intravenously for 30 min in conscious dogs (weight 15-25 kg) is shown to increase renal prostaglandin activity and to produce a natriuretic effect, which is impaired by indomethacin pretreatment. Cardiac output, heart rate, renal blood flow and urine cAMP excretion are similarly increases in non-pre-treated and indomethacin pre-treated dogs. Glucagon infusion does not consistently change plasma renin activity in non-pre-treated dogs, while the renin secretion is almost totally blocked when glucagon is administered to dogs that are pre-treated with indomethacin. The results are consistent with the view that the natriuretic response to glucagon is largley dependent upon increased renal blood flow. An addition tubular prostaglandin mediated and possible anti-aldosterone effect is, however, also involved.