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Prolonged blood pressure elevation after endothelin administration in bilaterally nephrectomized rats
M Kohno1, K Murakawa, K Yasunari
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|August 1, 1989
Summary
The kidneys help clear endothelin, a peptide that raises blood pressure. Removing kidneys prolonged endothelin
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Renal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide with significant hemodynamic effects.
- The role of the kidney in the clearance and metabolic fate of exogenously administered endothelin is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemodynamic effects of endothelin administration in rats with and without kidneys.
- To determine the impact of bilateral nephrectomy on plasma endothelin concentrations and its clearance.
Main Methods:
- Conscious, almost unrestrained rats underwent either bilateral nephrectomy or sham operation.
- Porcine endothelin was administered intravenously as a bolus.
- Systemic blood pressure and plasma endothelin concentrations (via radioimmunoassay) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Endothelin administration caused a transient decrease followed by a gradual increase in blood pressure.
- Blood pressure elevation was significantly greater and more prolonged in bilaterally nephrectomized rats compared to sham-operated rats.
- Bilateral nephrectomy significantly delayed the plasma clearance of endothelin, prolonging its half-life.
Conclusions:
- The kidneys play a crucial role in the plasma clearance of intravenously administered endothelin.
- Impaired renal function leads to a prolonged plasma half-life of endothelin.
- The extended duration of elevated blood pressure following endothelin administration in nephrectomized rats is associated with its delayed clearance.