Interactions between ADH and prostaglandins in isolated erythrocyte-perfused rat kidney

Interactions between antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and renal prostaglandins in the regulation of sodium reabsorption and urinary concentrating ability were studied in isolated erythrocyte-perfused rat kidneys (IEPK). In this model, hemodynamic characteristics are comparable to those found in vivo, and tubular morphology is preserved throughout the period of perfusion. [Deamino]-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) markedly reduced fractional sodium excretion (FE Na) in the IEPK from 3.5 +/- 0.6 to 0.45 +/- 0.14%. After indomethacin, FE Na fell still further to 0.08 +/- 0.02%. In the absence of dDAVP indomethacin had no effect on sodium excretion; FE Na was 2.4 +/- 0.6% in control and 2.0 +/- 0.4% in indomethacin-treated groups. dDAVP increased urine osmolality in the IEPK to 741 +/- 26 mosmol/kg. When prostaglandin synthesis was blocked with indomethacin, urinary osmolality increased further to 1,180 +/- 94 mosmol/kg. In isolated kidneys perfused without erythrocytes (IPK), dDAVP decreased FENa from 14.5 +/- 1.8% to 9.6 +/- 1.2%; addition of indomethacin had no further effect. dDAVP increased urine osmolality only modestly to 350 +/- 12 mosmol/kg in the IPK and indomethacin did not increase concentrating ability further (342 +/- 7 mosmol/kg). Thus the IEPK (unlike the IPK) can excrete a markedly hypertonic urine in response to ADH. ADH also enhances tubular reabsorption of sodium in the IEPK. Prostaglandins inhibit both these actions of ADH but do not directly affect sodium excretion in the absence of the hormone.