Effects of indomethacin on renal response to atrial natriuretic peptide

We studied the effect of alpha-human natriuretic peptide (ANP, 100 micrograms iv) on renal sodium handling in eight healthy subjects before and after 7 days of indomethacin (50 mg 3 times a day). Sodium intake was 100 mmol/day. Prior to indomethacin, ANP caused a fourfold rise in sodium excretion over the first 20 min and a threefold rise in fractional sodium excretion. The clearance studies, performed during maximal water diuresis, showed increased fractional free water clearance and lithium clearance. Indomethacin caused marked sodium retention. Complete escape did not occur until the sixth day, when cumulative balance was 244 mmol (range 176-337). By this time renin and aldosterone were suppressed and fractional lithium and free water clearance reduced. The natriuretic effect of ANP was not attenuated, and the fractional excretion of sodium and chloride rose even more than without indomethacin. The reduction in lithium and free water clearance under indomethacin tended to be reversed by ANP. These data suggest that the natriuretic effect of ANP is not mediated by or dependent on renal prostaglandins. Indomethacin and ANP appear to have opposite effects on sodium excretion, maximal free water clearance, and lithium clearance.