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Effect of endothelin on renal function in rats
A López-Farré1, I Montañés, I Millás
1Medical Research Institute, Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|April 12, 1989
Summary
Synthetic porcine endothelin significantly reduced kidney function in rats, decreasing glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow. This peptide may contribute to kidney damage after injury.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide.
- Its specific effects on renal hemodynamics and function require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of synthetic porcine endothelin on renal function in a rat model.
- To assess changes in glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and electrolyte excretion.
Main Methods:
- Administration of synthetic porcine endothelin (1 nmol/kg) as a bolus to rats.
- Monitoring of glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, sodium excretion, and mean arterial pressure.
- Measurement of renal vascular resistance.
Main Results:
- A transient 72% decrease in glomerular filtration rate and a 76% decrease in renal plasma flow were observed.
- Sodium excretion decreased transiently, while renal vascular resistance sustainedly increased.
- No sustained effect on mean arterial pressure was noted at the studied dose.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin administration results in a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate and renal perfusion.
- This peptide may play a role in the renal functional alterations observed in conditions of renal injury.