Effects of angiotensin II and phenylephrine on urinary endothelin in normal female volunteers

Endothelin (ET) is a 21-amino acid peptide produced and secreted mainly by endothelial cells. Small amounts of ET are found in plasma, whereas large amounts are present in the urine. Despite the abundance of ET in the kidneys and urine, little is known about its regulation and clinical significance. The present study was designed to examine the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and phenylephrine (Phe) on the excretion of ET in normal female volunteers. Ang II and Phe were infused for 1 hour each and titrated to increase the mean arterial pressure by 20 mm Hg. There was a 60-minute recovery period before the second drug, and the order of the drugs was randomized. Infusion of Phe induced mild diuresis and natriuresis, which were associated with a significant increase in the excretion of ET. In addition, Phe significantly increased plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). In contrast, infusion of equipressor doses of Ang II decreased urinary sodium excretion and did not significantly alter the excretion of ET. Moreover, Ang II induced only a small and nonsignificant increase in plasma ANF. These results demonstrate that (1) physiological doses of Ang II do not affect excretion of either ET or ANF; (2) Phe markedly increased the excretion of ET and ANF, independently of its effect on blood pressure; and (3) neither agent changed plasma ET, but Phe increased plasma ANF.