Effect of spironolactone on the renin-aldosterone system in rats

PRA, PRC and the plasma concentration of aldosterone (Aldo) were measured in rats (Sp-rats) receiving a daily sc injection of Spironolactone, (Sp, 20 mg in olive oil) and in control rats (C-rats) receiving olive oil only. Animals were studied one day after starting treatment, 5 days on treatment or after 5 weeks on the study. PRA, PRC and Aldo were significantly increased in Sp-rats as compared to C-rats throughout all the study. In additional Sp-rats and C-rats, the urine volume, serum Na+ and K+ concentration, Na+ and K+ intake and the urinary excretion of Na+, K+ and aldosterone-18-glucuronide (UAldV) were serially measured during 5 weeks. The total radioactivity plasma clearance after an i.v. bolus injection of 3H-aldosterone was subsequently measured in (5 Sp-rats and 5 C-rats). No significant differences in serum Na+ and K+ concentration and in Na+ and K+ balance were observed between Sp-rats and C-rats. UAldV was significantly higher in Sp-rats than in C-rats during all the study. After 5 weeks on treatment the total radioactivity plasma clearance was significantly higher in Sp-rats than in C-rats. These results indicate that Sp, at high dosage, stimulates renin release and aldosterone secretion by a mechanism unrelated to alterations in Na+ and K+ balance.