Prostaglandin blockade blunts the natriuresis of elevated renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure

Previous studies have shown that renal interstitial volume expansion (RIVE) increases renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure and urinary sodium excretion. In the present study we investigated whether blockade of prostaglandin synthesis inhibits the increase in fractional sodium excretion induced by RIVE. Expansion of the renal interstitial volume was achieved by injecting 50 microliters of 2.5% albumin solution into a polyethylene matrix chronically implanted in the left kidney. Fractional sodium excretion (FENa), renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (PI), and urinary prostaglandin excretion (UPGE2) were measured before and after RIVE in eight control, seven meclofenamate-treated, and eight indomethacin-treated rats. RIVE in the control animals resulted in significant increases in PI (delta + 4.2 +/- 0.8 mmHg), in FENa (delta + 1.02 +/- 0.27%), and in UPGE2 (% delta + 150 +/- 38%) without significant changes in glomerular filtration rate. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with meclofenamate or indomethacin attenuated the natriuretic response and blocked the increase in UPGE2 associated with RIVE. In summary, direct increases in renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure increase UPGE2 and urinary sodium excretion. This natriuretic response is markedly diminished by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. These studies suggest that prostaglandin synthesis may have an important role in mediating the natriuretic effect of increased renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure during renal interstitial volume expansion.