Functional endothelin ETB receptors on renal papillary tubules

Addition of endothelin-1 or endothelin-3 to rat renal papillary tubules produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the cAMP response to vasopressin stimulation. The average EC50 values were 1.1 +/- 0.6 and 2.6 +/- 1.1 nM, respectively, indicating mediation by an endothelin ETB receptor. Phorbol myristate acetate (1 microM) also inhibited the vasopressin-cAMP response and this inhibition was not additive with that to endothelin, indicating that the endothelin inhibition is mediated by activation of protein kinase C. These findings demonstrate functionally relevant endothelin ETB receptors on renal papillary tubules. Such receptors are a possible target for endothelin-3 produced within the kidney.