Effects of angiotensin on proximal tubular reabsorption

Effects of angiotensin II on rat, rabbit, and bovine proximal tubular reabsorption have been demonstrated with a variety of techniques, including in vivo microperfusion, free-flow micropuncture of surface and juxtamedullary nephrons, perfusion of isolated tubules in vitro, and cell culture. Blockade of endogenous angiotensin production in vivo with converting-enzyme inhibition, or of receptors with saralasin, consistently inhibits proximal reabsorption of fluid in both superficial and juxtamedullary proximal tubules. Angiotensin effects on the proximal tubule are not neurally mediated, for they persist in denervated kidneys and are seen in nerve-free isolated tubules. Physiological concentrations of angiotensin (10(-11)-10(-9) M) stimulate electroneutral sodium transport from the basolateral membrane, whereas pharmacological doses (10(-7) M and above) inhibit reabsorption. The stimulatory effects appear to be receptor mediated. In addition to these direct effects of angiotensin on the proximal tubule epithelium, endogenous angiotensin may also alter peritubular physical forces to further enhance proximal reabsorption. These effects of angiotensin may represent an important homeostatic mechanism during states of extracellular fluid volume depletion.