Effects of endothelin on rat renal proximal tubule Na(+)-Pi cotransport and Na+/H+ exchange

Endothelin (ET), a powerful vasoconstrictive peptide, is distributed ubiquitously in various organs, including the vascular endothelium and tubules of the kidney. Although localized more abundantly to the glomerulus and inner medullary collecting duct, ET receptors have been identified in the proximal tubule. The possible effects of ET on proximal tubule transport and the potential role of second messengers in this process have not been described fully. To define the role of ET in proximal tubule transport, renal cortical slices were incubated for 3 min in the presence of various concentrations of ET. Incubation with low concentrations of ET-1 (1 x 10(-9) to 1 x 10(-11) M) within the physiological range stimulated both Na(+)-Pi cotransport and Na+/H+ exchange. Pretreatment with staurosporine (0.6 microM) for 25 min abolished completely the ET-induced effects on Na(+)-Pi cotransport and Na+/H+ exchange. Similarly, preincubation with phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (200 nM) also abolished the effects of ET on these transporters. Incubation with ET decreased significantly intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Intravenous administration of pertussis toxin for 2 days prevented the ET-induced decrease in cAMP and abolished the stimulatory effects of ET on Na(+)-Pi cotransport and Na+/H+ exchange. These findings provide indirect evidence that ET participates in the regulation of proximal tubular Pi and bicarbonate homeostasis. These effects of ET are mediated by activation of protein kinase C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A.