Tubuloglomerular feedback responses during peritubular infusions of calcium channel blockers

Experiments were performed in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats to evaluate the dependence of the effector limb of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism on transmembrane calcium flux through potential-operated calcium channels. Peritubular capillary infusions of the calcium channel blockers, verapamil and nifedipine, were used to achieve high intrarenal levels without influencing arterial blood pressure. Proximal tubule stop-flow pressure (SFP) and single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) tubuloglomerular feedback responses were obtained during control conditions and during simultaneous peritubular capillary infusion with an isotonic saline solution containing either verapamil or nifedipine. Infusion of either 10(-3) M verapamil or 10(-3) M nifedipine, at a rate of 20 nl/min, increased resting SFP (measured during conditions of zero distal volume delivery) and markedly attenuated both the SFP and SNGFR feedback responses to a late proximal perfusion rate of 30 nl/min. Infusion of verapamil (10(-3) M) also increased the slope of the relationship between SFP and renal arterial perfusion pressure between 80 and 120 mmHg (0.43 +/- 0.03 vs 0.24 +/- 0.02, P less than 0.001, n = 10). These findings support the hypothesis that the preglomerular contractile elements responsive to signals from the macula densa cells are activated by calcium influx through potential-operated calcium channels. Furthermore, the preglomerular contractile elements sensitive to calcium channel blockers can dilate further even when orthograde flow to a single macula densa segment is interrupted.