Effect of potassium loading on prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha excretion in the Brattleboro rat

In order to assess the relative roles played by potassium (K) and the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the renal production of prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2 alpha, the 24 hour urinary excretion of these substances was measured in Brattleboro rats (devoid of ADH) and in control Long Evans heterozygote rats. Rats of each strain received either a normal K intake or a K load for 8 days. Urinary PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay in three consecutive 24 h urine collections obtained after the above periods. K loading induced an increase in PGF2 alpha (p less than 0.01), PGE2 showing a non significant trend to decrease. The E/F ratio was decreased in K loaded animals. The changes were qualitatively similar in presence or absence of ADH, but animals with diabetes insipidus had lower levels of PGs than control animals. The results suggest the possibility that K loading induces an increase in the activity of the renal enzyme PGE2-9-ketoreductase. The resulting increase in PGF2 alpha could play a role in K excretion and this response is probably independent of ADH.