Effect of furosemide on calcium and magnesium transport in the rat nephron

Superficial tubules were perfused in vivo to determine the effect of intraluminal furosemide on electrolyte transport in the loop of Henle and distal tubule of the rat with special reference to calcium and magnesium reabsorption. in vivo perfusion of single tubules allowed us the opportunity to investigate separate electrolyte transfers with altering the corticomedullary concentration gradient within the kidney. Intraluminal furosemide (3 X 10(-6) and 3 X 10(-5) M) resulted in proportionately greater calcium and magnesium inhibition relative to sodium and chloride in Henle's loop. Furosemide had little effect on transport function within the perfused superficial distal tubule. Distal calcium and magnesium reabsorption was dependent on their respective deliveries to this segment. Parathyroid hormone increased fractional calcium and magnesium reabsorption in Henle's loop and the distal tubule in the presence of intraluminal furosemide. These results are consistent with a luminal effect of furosemide in the loop of Henle that inhibits calcium and magnesium transport to a greater degree than sodium chloride. Intraluminal ethacrynic acid (10(-4) M) or its cysteine complex had no effect on electrolyte transport in the perfused rat nephron.