Metabolism of prostacyclin in the rabbit kidney

In the isolated rabbit kidney perfused with Tyrode's solution, we examined the metabolism of radiolabeled prostacyclin. [9-3H]Prostacyclin was infused into the kidney and the radiolabeled products from the renal venous effluent were separated by thin layer chromatography and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major products were 7,9-dihydroxy-4,13-diketo-dinor-prostanoic acid and dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha. They represented 25% and 10% of the total radioactivity, respectively. Metabolism of prostacyclin by the kidney may be an important determinant of the effects of prostacyclin on renal function.