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Evidence for cholinergic innervation in dog renal tissue
C J Pirola1, A L Alvarez, M S Balda
1Departamento de Sustancias Vasoactivas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The American Journal of Physiology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Sympathetic denervation of kidneys increases urine and sodium excretion. Cholinergic nerve terminals in the kidney, independent of sympathetic nerves, may regulate water and sodium reabsorption.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Kidney function is regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
- The role of cholinergic innervation in renal function remains less understood compared to sympathetic innervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and functional significance of cholinergic innervation in the kidney.
- To determine if cholinergic nerves influence renal handling of sodium and water.
Main Methods:
- Renal denervation and administration of acetylcholine and atropine in anesthetized dogs.
- Measurement of urine volume, fractional sodium excretion, and free water clearance.
- In vitro analysis of muscarinic receptor binding and choline uptake in renal tubular cells.
Main Results:
- Sympathetic denervation led to increased urine volume, sodium excretion, and free water clearance.
- Acetylcholine administration mimicked and enhanced these effects, while atropine blocked them.
- [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding and choline uptake in renal cells were unaffected by denervation, suggesting intrinsic cholinergic components.
Conclusions:
- The kidney possesses a cholinergic innervation independent of sympathetic nerves.
- This cholinergic system appears to play a role in regulating renal sodium and water reabsorption.