Role of endogenous endothelin on renal functions in rats

This study was conducted to determine the involvement of endogenous endothelin (ET), a novel potent vasoconstricting peptide, in systemic and renal hemodynamics and in the renin-angiotensin system by inhibiting ET action via infusion of a specific ET antiserum at a time of altered sodium balance. Infusion of 1:50 diluted ET antiserum, which completely inhibited renal vasoconstriction by the exogenously administered ET (0.25 to 1.0 nmol/kg), caused an increase in urinary sodium excretion and fractional excretion of sodium and a decrease in plasma renin concentration without significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and urine volume compared with the values with nonimmune serum in conscious rats fed a low-salt diet. A time control study showed no significant changes in all parameters. These results suggest that the state of low- compared to high-salt intake causes a relatively stronger activity of endogenous ET, and that the endogenous ET contributes to the adaptative modulations of sodium excretion via renal tubular action and renin release in association with the changed state of sodium balance.