Sodium intake as a determinant of urinary prostaglandin excretion. Studies in the Brattleboro rat

In order to investigate the effects of changes in sodium (Na) balance on the renal production of prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2 alpha in the absence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), studies were performed in Brattleboro rats, without endogenous ADH, and in heterozygote Long Evans rats which served as controls. All rats received a diet virtually devoid of Na, with distilled water ad libitum, and Na intake was modified by adding different quantities of Na to the drinking water. Three groups were studied for each strain: normal Na intake, low Na intake and Na loading. At the end of a 14 day diet period, urinary PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay in collections obtained for three consecutive days. In the Na depleted animals, both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha decreased. The PGE2/PGF2 alpha ratio (E/F ratio) was unchanged. In contrast, Na loading induced a significant decrease of PGE2 but PGF2 alpha increased, though not significantly. The E/F ratio was significantly decreased. The results were qualitatively similar in the presence or absence of ADH, but the Brattleboro rats, overall, excreted less PGs than controls. The results suggest that changes in Na balance are major factors influencing urinary PG excretion. These substances probably play a role in the modifications of Na handling by the kidney in different balance states.