Prostaglandin-dependent polyuria in hypercalcemia

The present experiments examined the role of prostaglandin biosynthesis in the increase in urine flow rate seen in rats with hypercalcemia induced by the administration of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. In a first group, rats receiving the vitamin D metabolite developed hypercalcemia, polyuria, and increased urine prostaglandin E excretion. Indomethacin resulted in a fall in urine prostaglandin E excretion. A second group was fluid restricted to ascertain whether increased thirst could be an etiologic mechanism of the polyuria. This resulted in a trivial fall in urine flow rate despite a fall in body weight and a rise in both urine and plasma osmolality. In a final group, prostaglandin inhibition restored the vasopressin sensitivity of the hypercalcemic kidney. Accordingly, the polyuria seen in hypercalcemic rats after the administration of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is associated with an increase in urine prostaglandin E excretion and can be reversed by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In addition, this polyuria can occur independent of the thirst mechanism. Finally, there is evidence that the vasopressin resistance of the hypercalcemic kidney could be reversed by prostaglandin inhibition.