Endothelin-3 effects on renal function and prostanoid release in the rat isolated kidney

Abstract

The direct effects of rat endothelin (ET-3) on renal function and prostanoid levels were examined in the isolated, oncotically perfused kidney of the rat. ET-3 at 0.75 and 2.0 ng/ml produced sustained increases in perfusion pressure of 46 and 83 mm Hg, respectively, as compared with control kidneys. Glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher than control after additions of ET-3 as was the absolute and fractional excretion of water and electrolytes. ET-3 increased perfusate 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG)F1 alpha (breakdown product of PGI2) levels and stimulated greater urinary excretion of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. ET-3 did not affect urinary excretion or perfusate levels of thromboxane B2. Time-dependent increases in renin release were suppressed by ET-3. Indomethacin (10 microM) prevented ET-3-induced increases in urinary and perfusate prostanoids; however, renal vasoconstrictor and excretory responses were the same in the presence or absence of indomethacin. These results indicate that ET-3 acts directly on the perfused rat kidney to increase the release of prostanoids from the vascular and urinary compartments. A modulatory influence of prostaglandins on the acute renal hemodynamic and excretory effects of ET-3 was not observed under these conditions.