Acute effect of human recombinant insulin-like growth factor I on renal function in humans

We examined the acute effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on renal function in 8 normal subjects who received a 3-hour intravenous infusion of IGF-I at a rate of 0.4 micrograms/kg.min. After starting the IGF-I infusion, the plasma IGF-I concentration rose quickly and achieved a plateau after 90 min that was threefold above the basal value. During IGF-I infusion, progressive rises in glomerular filtration rate (from 93 +/- 4 to 121 +/- 6 ml/173 m2.min; p < 0.01) and renal plasma flow (from 529 +/- 31 to 703 +/- 55 ml/1.73 m2.min; p < 0.01) were observed, with no change in filtration fraction. The plasma levels of potassium and phosphate decreased significantly during the last 90 min of the study, while the plasma sodium concentration remained unchanged. A significant decrease in the fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, and phosphate was observed during the last 90 min of the IGF-I infusion period. The heart rate rose modestly with no change in mean arterial pressure. These findings show that, when administered acutely, IGF-I is a potent renal vasodilator, but is antinatriuretic. IGF-I also enhances potassium and phosphate uptake by extrarenal tissues and reduces renal potassium and phosphate excretion.