Endogenous natriuretic peptides: effect on collecting duct function in rat kidney

In vivo microcatheterization of the medullary collecting duct of rat kidney was used to compare the functional effects of intravenous infusion of rat atrial natriuretic factor, human urodilatin (a peptide produced in the kidney), or porcine brain natriuretic peptide. All three peptides resulted in striking and quantitatively similar inhibition of NaCl and water reabsorption in the duct. In addition, all three induced significant K+ secretion in this part of the nephron. These results could not be explained by functional alterations in upstream tubular segments. We conclude that the three peptides are equivalent in their transport effects on the inner medullary collecting duct system, when administered at the same (presumably supramaximal) dose.