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L G Navar

Publications and source records attributed to L G Navar.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Cyclooxygenase-2 modulates afferent arteriolar responses to increases in pressure.

This study was designed to examine the contribution of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the afferent arteriolar autoregulatory responses to increases in perfusion pressure and its relationship with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). In rat kidneys, afferent arteriolar diameter responses to increases in perfusion pressure were assessed in vitro with the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. Basal afferent arteriolar diameter at 100 mm Hg averaged 21.0+/-1.2 microm (n=7), and the vasoconstrictor response to increasing perfusion pressure to 160 mm Hg averaged 18.4+/-1.2%. Superfusion with the COX-2 inhibitor NS398 (10 micromol/L) did not influence basal diameters, but it did significantly enhance the vasoconstrictor response to the increase in perfusion pressure (32.9+/-4.0%). In contrast to previous findings that the nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (10 micromol/L) enhanced afferent arteriolar autoregulatory responses in normal rat kidneys, in this study, administration of 10 micromol/L S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline did not further modulate the vasoconstrictor response to increases in perfusion pressure in the NS398-treated kidneys of normal rats (31.8+/-4.7%). When tubuloglomerular feedback activity was interrupted by papillectomy and the addition of 50 micromol/L furosemide to the blood perfusate (n=5 for each), the afferent arteriolar constrictor responses to increasing perfusion pressure to 160 mm Hg averaged 7.9+/-0.9% and 10.7+/-0.7%, respectively, and they were significantly attenuated compared with the responses observed in control kidneys. NS398 treatment did not modulate the afferent arteriolar autoregulatory responses in papillectomized or furosemide-treated kidneys. These results indicate that COX-2-derived metabolites contribute to the nNOS modulation of pressure-mediated afferent arteriolar autoregulatory responses.

Animals↗

Renal function in mice: effects of volume expansion and angiotensin II.

The present study was performed to validate a simple means for assessing renal function in anesthetized mice and to characterize the renal hemodynamic responses to acute volume expansion and how these responses are altered by concurrent angiotensin II (AngII) infusions. Inulin and para-aminohippurate clearances were used to assess GFR and renal plasma flow (RPF) in three groups of male C57Bl/6 mice anesthetized with inactin (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). To avoid the hypotension associated with repeated blood sampling, a single blood sample was taken after three timed urine collections. Renal function and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured under euvolemic conditions (2.5 microl/min, intravenously, n = 7) during isotonic saline volume expansion (12.5 microl/min, intravenously, n = 5) and during volume expansion with concurrent AngII infusion (5 ng/min x g, n = 5). MAP in the control group was 77 +/- 2 mmHg; volume expansion alone did not change MAP significantly (83 +/- 2 mmHg), but led to significantly greater values in both GFR and RPF (1.35 +/- 0.14 versus 1.01 +/- 0.1 ml/min x g and 11.26 +/- 1.39 versus 6.29 +/- 0.5 ml/min x g, respectively). Infusion of AngII during volume expansion led to significant elevations of MAP (100 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) and prevented the increases in GFR and RPF elicited by volume expansion (0.77 +/- 0.08 and 5.35 +/- 0.48 ml/min x g, respectively). Volume expansion also elicited marked increases in absolute and fractional sodium excretion (6.1 +/- 1.0 versus 0.62 +/- 0.2 microEq/min x g and 3.1 +/- 0.7 versus 0.4 +/- 0.1%, respectively). AngII infusion attenuated the absolute and fractional sodium excretion responses to volume expansion (3.4 +/- 1.2 microEq/min x g and 2.5 +/- 0.5%, respectively). The present findings demonstrate that anesthetized mice exhibit marked renal hemodynamic and excretory responses to isotonic saline volume expansion. Concomitant AngII infusion attenuates these responses in spite of greater increases in arterial pressure.

Angiotensin II↗

P2 purinoceptor saturation by adenosine triphosphate impairs renal autoregulation in dogs.

Recent studies have suggested a role for P2 purinoceptors on vascular smooth muscle cells in the mechanism of renal autoregulation. Experiments were performed in anesthetized dogs (n = 9) to examine renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulatory efficiency before and after saturation of P2 purinoceptors with acute intra-arterial administration of ATP (1 mg/kg per min). Dogs were pretreated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine (NLA) (50 microg/kg per min), to avoid endothelial P2 receptor-mediated effects on nitric oxide release caused by the intra-arterial ATP infusions. NLA treatment decreased RBF (5.3+/-0.3 to 3.6+/-0.2 ml/min per g) and sodium excretion (3.6+/-0.4 to 0.9+/-0.2 ml/min per g) without producing significant changes in GFR (0.92+/-0.04 to 0.90+/-0.06 ml/min per g) or RBF autoregulatory efficiency. ATP administration to NLA-treated dogs resulted in further decreases in RBF (2.8+/-0.2 ml/min per g), GFR (0.58+/-0.05 ml/min per g), and sodium excretion (0.6+/-0.2 micromol/min per g). In addition, there was marked impairment of RBF autoregulatory efficiency during ATP infusion. The slopes of the arterial pressure-blood flow relationships at renal arterial pressures of >75 mmHg were significantly altered, from 0.003+/-0.001 to 0.2+/-0.002 ml/min per g per mmHg. Discontinuation of ATP infusion restored RBF autoregulatory efficiency. Norepinephrine (5 microg/kg per min) administration in these NLA-treated dogs decreased RBF (2.5+/-0.3 ml/min per g; n = 4) to a similar extent, compared with ATP, but did not impair RBF autoregulation. These results support the hypothesis that P2 purinoceptors may be involved in mediating autoregulatory adjustments in renal vascular resistance.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Intrarenal angiotensin II generation and renal effects of AT1 receptor blockade.

The intrarenal renin-angiotensin system plays a critical role in the paracrine regulation of renal function and the pathophysiology of hypertension. Angiotensin II (AngII) is formed intrarenally from systemically delivered angiotensin I (AngI) and intrarenally formed AngI. Intrarenal AngII content, which is greater than can be explained by the circulating AngII concentrations, is compartmentalized such that proximal tubule concentrations of AngI and AngII greatly exceed plasma concentrations. Proximal tubule cells are thought to secrete AngII or precursors of AngII into the tubular fluid to activate luminal AngII receptors. Recent immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated an abundance of AT1 receptors on the luminal surface of proximal and distal tubule cells and on afferent and efferent arteriolar vascular smooth muscle cells and mesangial cells of glomeruli. Activation of luminal AT1 receptors stimulates tubular sodium reabsorption rate. To evaluate the direct effects of AT1 receptor blockade on renal function in AngII-dependent hypertension, experiments were performed on two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertensive rats. Although the nonclipped kidney is renin-depleted, the intrarenal AngII levels are not suppressed, and AngII concentrations in proximal tubular fluid remain high (10(-8) M). Candesartan was administered into the renal artery of nonclipped kidneys to avoid the confounding consequences of decreases in arterial pressure. Blockade of intrarenal AT1 receptors elicited significant increases in GFR, renal blood flow, sodium excretion, and fractional sodium excretion, suggesting synergistic actions on tubular transport and vascular smooth muscle cells.

Angiotensin I↗

Concentrations and actions of intraluminal angiotensin II.

Although the presence of angiotensin II (AngII) receptors on the luminal membranes of proximal tubule cells has been recognized for many years, recent immunohistochemical studies using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to the AngII type 1 (AT1) receptor have demonstrated an abundance of the AT1 receptor not only on the luminal surface of proximal tubule cells but also on the luminal surfaces of distal nephron segments. An important role for these receptors in the regulation of tubular transport mechanisms was indicated by the recent findings of remarkably high proximal intratubular concentrations of AngII (in the range of 10(-9) to 10(-8) M). The high intratubular concentrations of AngII, as well as angiotensin I and angiotensinogen, are much greater than can be explained on the basis of delivery via glomerular filtration. When coupled with the findings demonstrating the presence of angiotensinogen and angiotensinogen mRNA in proximal tubule cells, the data indicate that AngII or precursors of AngII are secreted directly into the proximal tubule lumen by the epithelial cells. Although the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of intratubular AngII concentrations remain to be determined, micropuncture studies have provided direct evidence that activation of intraluminal AT1 receptors by AngII exerts a substantial stimulatory influence on sodium and bicarbonate transport by both proximal and distal tubules. Collectively, these data provide support for the hypothesis that activation of luminal AT1 receptors by AngII present in the tubular fluid contributes importantly to regulation of the tubular reabsorption rate.

Angiotensin II↗

Renal responses of the nonclipped kidney of two-kidney/one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats to type 1 angiotensin II receptor blockade with candesartan.

Recent studies with normal rats indicated that systemic administration of the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker candesartan elicited divergent renal hemodynamic and excretory responses depending on the magnitude of associated decreases in mean arterial pressure. To evaluate the responses to candesartan in hypertensive rats, experiments were performed 25 d after unilateral renal arterial constriction with a 0.25-mm clip. The rats were anesthetized and prepared for acute clearance experiments. Control arterial pressure responses to a bolus AngII dose (50 ng) averaged 35+/-7 mmHg; the control decreases in cortical renal blood flow (RBF), measured with laser Doppler flowmetry, were 58+/-9%. The vasoconstrictor responses to AngII were abolished by candesartan doses of 1 and 0.1 mg/kg. Treatment with 0.01 mg/kg candesartan attenuated the arterial pressure responses but did not prevent the cortical RBF decreases. The highest dose of candesartan (1 mg/kg) elicited rapid reductions in arterial pressure (from 154+/-5 to 122+/-9 mmHg), leading to associated decreases in RBF (from 5.5+/-0.2 to 4.6+/-0.4 ml/min x g) and sodium excretion (from 0.4+/-0.1 to 0.2+/-0.1 microEq/min x g). The 0.1 mg/kg dose of candesartan led to gradual reductions in arterial pressure (from 155+/-5 to 140+/-5 mmHg), and there were significant increases in RBF (from 5.4+/-0.2 to 6.8+/-0.4 ml/min x g) and decreases in renal vascular resistance. However, this dose still decreased urine flow and sodium excretion. In contrast, when candesartan was administered at 0.01 mg/kg, a dose that did not significantly decrease arterial pressure, there were significant increases in RBF (26+/-11%) and urine flow (43+/-19%) and proportionately greater increases in sodium excretion (284+/-89%) and fractional sodium excretion (351+/-99%). These data demonstrate the divergent renal hemodynamic and sodium excretory responses to AT1 receptor blockade in hypertensive rats, depending on the magnitude of decreases in arterial pressure. The lower candesartan dose, which did not cause hypotension, elicited substantial increases in RBF and proportionally much greater increases in sodium excretion, revealing the direct renal vasodilation and natriuretic effects of AT1 receptor blockade.

Angiotensin II↗

Renal uptake of circulating angiotensin II in Val5-angiotensin II infused rats is mediated by AT1 receptor.

Previous studies have demonstrated that augmentation of intrarenal angiotensin II (ANG II) levels during ANG II induced hypertension involves both endogenous formation and accumulation of circulating ANG II. The present work extends these findings and determines whether accumulation of infused ANG II in the kidney requires AT1 receptor activation by using Val5-ANG II as the infused peptide. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were uninephrectomized and divided into three groups: control (n = 6), Val5-ANG II (exogenous form) infused (n = 8), and Val5-ANG II infused rats treated with losartan (n = 8). Val5-ANG II, which has the same biological and immunoreactive properties as endogenous ANG II, was infused at 40 ng/min via an osmotic minipump implanted subcutaneously. By day 12, systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased significantly in Val5-ANG II infused rats (197 +/- 7 mm Hg). As previously shown, the development of hypertension in ANG II infused rats was prevented by losartan treatment. Blood and kidney samples were harvested, subjected to HPLC to separate Val5-ANG II (exogenous) from Ile5-ANG II (endogenous) and the fractions were measured by radioimmunoassay. In the Val5-ANG II infused rats treated with losartan, total plasma ANG II levels were elevated to a greater extent than in rats not treated with losartan (289 +/- 20 v 119 +/- 14 fmol/mL). However, losartan markedly decreased by 88% the enhancement of intrarenal Val5-ANG II content that occurred in the rats infused with Val5-ANG II alone. These results demonstrate that AT1 receptor blockade markedly reduces the intrarenal uptake of circulating ANG II that occurs in ANG II induced hypertension.

Angiotensin I↗

Heterogeneous activation mechanisms in the renal microvasculature.

Vascular smooth muscle cells in different renal microvascular segments utilize different activation mechanisms to respond to mechanical and vasoactive stimuli. L-type Ca2+ channel blockers vasodilate primarily the preglomerular vascular resistance component responsible for autoregulation. Local interstitial infiltration of Ca2+ channel blockers increases glomerular pressure and markedly reduces vascular responsiveness of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism. Ca2+ channel blockers selectively attenuate the afferent vasoconstrictor responses to increases in perfusion pressure. Although both afferent and efferent arterioles constrict in response to angiotensin II (Ang II), afferent but not efferent constriction requires Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels. Sensitivity of the preglomerular arterioles to Ang II is also heterogeneous with the greatest sensitivity in glomerulus-near, terminal segments. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a vasoconstrictor agonist that selectively activates Ca2+ entry pathways in afferent arterioles but has no effect on efferent arterioles. In isolated preglomerular smooth muscle cells, increasing extracellular [KCl] increases intracellular Ca2+ by stimulating voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx. Ang II, norepinephrine, and ATP also elicit similar increases in intracellular Ca2+. Mechanical and agonist-induced voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx is thus a primary pathway in the control of cytosolic Ca2+ in afferent arterioles. Efferent arterioles, however, rely primarily on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and other Ca2+ influx pathways.

Animals↗

Integrating multiple paracrine regulators of renal microvascular dynamics.

There has been tremendous growth in our knowledge about the multiple interacting mechanisms that regulate renal microvascular function. Paracrine signals originating from endothelial and epithelial cells exert profound influences on the basal tone and reactivity of the pre- and postglomerular arterioles. Selective responsiveness of these arterioles to various stimuli is possible because of differential activating mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells of afferent and efferent arterioles. Afferent arterioles rely predominantly on voltage-dependent calcium channels, while efferent arterioles utilize other mechanisms for calcium entry as well as intracellular calcium mobilization. The autoregulatory responses of preglomerular arterioles exemplify the selectivity of these complex control mechanisms. The myogenic mechanism responds to increases in renal perfusion pressure through "stretch-activated" cation channels that lead to depolarization, calcium entry, and vascular contraction. Autoregulatory efficiency is enhanced by the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism which responds to flow-dependent changes in tubular fluid composition at the level of the macula densa and transmits signals to the afferent arterioles to alter the activation state of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Recent studies have implicated extracellular ATP as one paracrine factor mediating TGF and autoregulatory related signals to the afferent arterioles. Other paracrine agents including nitric oxide, angiotensin II, adenosine, and arachidonic acid metabolites modulate vascular responsiveness in order to maintain an optimal balance between the metabolically determined reabsorptive capabilities of the tubules and the hemodynamically dependent filtered load.

Animals↗

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase modulates rat renal microvascular function.

This study was performed to determine the influence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) on renal arteriolar tone under conditions of normal, interrupted, and increased volume delivery to the macula densa segment and on the microvascular responses to angiotensin II (ANG II). Experiments were performed in vitro on afferent (21.2 +/- 0.2 microns) and efferent (18.5 +/- 0.2 microns) arterioles of kidneys harvested from male Sprague-Dawley rats, using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. Superfusion with the specific nNOS inhibitor, S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (L-SMTC), decreased afferent and efferent arteriolar diameters, and these decreases in arteriolar diameters were prevented by interruption of distal volume delivery by papillectomy. When 10 mM acetazolamide was added to the blood perfusate to increase volume delivery to the macula densa segment, afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor responses to L-SMTC were enhanced, but this effect was again completely prevented after papillectomy. In contrast, the arteriolar diameter responses to the nonselective NOS inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) were only attenuated by papillectomy. L-SMTC (10 microM) enhanced the efferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor response to ANG II but did not alter the afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor responsiveness to ANG II. In contrast, L-NNA (100 microM) enhanced both afferent and efferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor responses to ANG II. These results indicate that the modulating influence of nNOS on afferent arteriolar tone of juxtamedullary nephrons is dependent on distal tubular fluid flow. Furthermore, nNOS exerts a differential modulatory action on the juxtamedullary micro-vasculature by enhancing efferent, but not afferent, arteriolar responsiveness to ANG II.

Acetazolamide↗

Renoprotective effects of nitric oxide in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in the rat.

Experiments were performed in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether increased nitric oxide (NO) activity during the development of hypertension exerts a protective effect on renal cortical blood flow (CBF) and medullary blood flow (MBF). The effects of acute NO synthase inhibition on renal function and on CBF and MBF, measured by laser-Doppler flow probes, were evaluated in control and ANG II-infused hypertensive rats, prepared by the infusion of ANG II at a rate of 65 ng/min via osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously for 13 days. In normotensive rats (n = 8), intravenous infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (NLA; 20 micrograms.100 g-1.min-1) decreased CBF by 21 +/- 4% and MBF by 49 +/- 8% and increased blood pressure from 118 +/- 1 to 140 +/- 2 mmHg. In ANG II-infused rats (n = 7), CBF and MBF decreased by 46 +/- 5% and 25 +/- 6%, respectively, during infusion of NLA. Arterial pressure increased from 160 +/- 5 to 197 +/- 7 mmHg, which was a greater absolute increase than in normotensive controls. Basal renal blood flow (RBF), estimated from p-aminohippurate clearance and hematocrit, was similar in both the control (6.0 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1.g-1) and hypertensive (6.0 +/- 0.6 ml.min-1.g-1) rats. However, NLA-induced reductions in RBF averaged 60 +/- 5% in the hypertensive rats, compared with 31 +/- 9% observed in control rats. GFR in control (0.97 +/- 0.03 ml.min-1.g-1) and hypertensive rats (0.78 +/- 0.12 ml.min-1.g-1) decreased to a similar extent during the first 30-min period of NLA infusion. GFR returned toward control levels in control rats; in contrast, GFR remained significantly decreased in the ANG II-infused rats (0.58 +/- 0.11 ml.min-1.g-1). Basal urinary sodium excretion (0.2 +/- 0.08 mueq.min-1.g-1), fractional excretion of sodium (0.3 +/- 0.13%), and urine flow (4.9 +/- 0.39 microliters.min-1.g-1) in hypertensive rats did not increase significantly after NLA treatment as occurred in normotensive controls. These data suggest that a compensatory increase in nitric oxide activity partially counteracts the vasoconstrictor influence of elevated ANG II levels to regulate renal hemodynamics and maintain cortical perfusion in the renal circulation.

Angiotensin II↗

Effects of acute AT1 receptor blockade by candesartan on arterial pressure and renal function in rats.

Experiments were performed on normal anesthetized rats to determine the effects of candesartan, a novel AT1 receptor antagonist, on the arterial pressure and renal hemodynamic responses to bolus doses of angiotensin II (ANG II) and on renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion. Control arterial pressure responses to bolus ANG II doses of 10, 50, 100 and 1,000 ng were 26 +/- 6, 54 +/- 7, 57 +/- 7, and 79 +/- 7 mmHg; the decreases in cortical renal blood flow (CRBF), measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry, were 47 +/- 9, 64 +/- 8, 71 +/- 6, and 82 +/- 6%. The vasoconstrictor responses to ANG II up to 1,000 ng were completely blocked by candesartan doses of 1 and 0.1 mg/kg, whereas treatment with 0.01 mg/kg candesartan attenuated the arterial pressure and CRBF responses. The higher doses of candesartan (1 and 0.1 mg/kg) elicited rapid decreases in arterial pressure, leading to associated decreases in sodium excretion. Renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urine flow also decreased following treatment with candesartan at 1 mg/kg. In contrast, when candesartan was given at 0.01 mg/kg, which did not decrease arterial pressure significantly, there were significant increases in GFR (16 +/- 4), RBF (9 +/- 2), urine flow (11 +/- 2), sodium excretion (35 +/- 7), and fractional sodium excretion (39 +/- 8%). The inability to overcome blockade, even with very high ANG II doses, indicates that candesartan is a potent noncompetitive blocker of ANG II pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects. The lower candesartan dose that did not cause significant hypotension elicited substantial increases in RBF, GFR, and sodium excretion, revealing the direct renal vasodilator and natriuretic effects of AT1 receptor blockade.

Angiotensin II↗

Cyclooxygenase-2 participates in tubular flow-dependent afferent arteriolar tone: interaction with neuronal NOS.

To delineate the microvascular role of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in modulating tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) signals and to determine its relationship to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), afferent (AA) and efferent (EA) arteriolar diameters of rat kidneys were assessed using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. The Cox-2 inhibitor NS-398 (10 microM) did not alter AA diameters in untreated kidneys but significantly constricted AAs by 17.0 +/- 2.2% in kidneys treated with 10 mM acetazolamide, which enhances TGF-mediated AA constriction by increasing distal volume delivery. The NS-398-induced AA constriction was prevented after interruption of distal delivery by transection of the loops of Henle. The effect was selective for AAs since NS-398 did not influence EAs of untreated or acetazolamide-treated kidneys. Pretreatment with the nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (10 microM) prevented the NS-398-induced AA constriction observed during acetazolamide treatment. Although we previously demonstrated that acetazolamide treatment enhanced AA constrictor response to S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline, the enhancement by acetazolamide was inhibited by pretreatment with 10 microM NS-398 (16.4 +/- 1.9 and 15. 0 +/- 0.5% with and without acetazolamide, respectively, P > 0.05). These results indicate that, during increased activation of TGF-dependent vasoconstrictor signals, Cox-2 generates vasodilatory metabolites in response to increased nNOS activity and thus participates in the counteracting modulation of TGF-mediated AA constriction.

Acetazolamide↗

Interactive nitric oxide-angiotensin II influences on renal microcirculation in angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

The present study was conducted to determine the contribution of nitric oxide to angiotensin II (Ang II) reactivity of afferent and efferent arterioles from Ang II-infused hypertensive rats. Experiments were performed in vitro with the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique in kidneys harvested from hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats (181+/-1 mm Hg) that had received 60 ng/min Ang II subcutaneously for 13 days. Superfusion with 0.1, 1, and 10 nmol/L Ang II reduced afferent arteriolar diameter (18.1+/-0.6 microm; n=12) by 10.0+/-0.7%, 28.1+/-1.7%, and 52.8+/-1.9%, respectively, and efferent arteriolar diameter (17.2+/-1.4 microm; n=8) decreased by 9.3+/-0.7%, 27.0+/-1.2%, and 50.4+/-1.6%, respectively. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition with 100 micromol/L N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (NLA) reduced resting afferent and efferent arteriolar diameters to 14.7+/-0.4 and 14.3+/-1.2 microm, respectively, and enhanced afferent but not efferent arteriolar reactivity to Ang II. The enhanced afferent arteriolar reactivity to Ang II was eliminated by addition of the nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 10 micromol/L), which reversed the NLA-induced decrease in diameter. Addition of 10 micromol/L SNAP, without NLA, blunted efferent but not afferent arteriolar reactivity to Ang II. Afferent (n=7) and efferent arteriolar diameters (n=6) decreased by 48.5+/-2.2% and 41.0+/-1.9%, respectively, in response to 10 nmol/L Ang II. These results suggest that in this model of hypertension, maintained nitric oxide production in afferent arterioles counteracts the enhanced afferent arteriolar reactivity that occurs in Ang II-induced hypertension.

Angiotensin II↗

Intrarenal nitric oxide activity and pressure natriuresis in anesthetized dogs.

Recent studies have indicated that changes in intrarenal nitric oxide (NO) production participate in mediating arterial pressure-induced changes in urinary sodium excretion. Until recently, however, the means to measure changes in intrarenal NO activity in vivo have not been available. For the present study, changes in renal tissue NO activities were assessed directly using an NO-selective microelectrode inserted into the cortical tissue of anesthetized dogs. Control studies demonstrated that the electrode was responsive to intrarenal bolus injections of acetylcholine and to the NO donor S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). Intrarenal nitro-L-arginine (50 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) decreased renal tissue NO concentration by 593+/-127 nmol/L (P<0.05; n=7). Infusions of SNAP (1, 2, and 3 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 25 minutes) in nitro-L-arginine-treated dogs (n=5) resulted in dose-dependent increases in renal tissue NO activity, which showed a positive correlation with changes in urinary excretion rates of NO metabolites, nitrates and nitrites, (r=0.62, P<0.05) and sodium (r=0.78, P<0.01). During graded reductions of renal arterial pressure within the autoregulatory range (144+/-3 to 73+/-2 mm Hg; n=10), there were decreases in tissue NO activity that were positively correlated with changes in renal arterial pressure (r=0.45; P<0.05), urinary nitrate/nitrite excretion (r=0.64, P<0.005), and urinary sodium excretion (r=0.46; P<0.05). These data support the hypothesis that acute changes in renal arterial pressure result in alterations in intrarenal NO activity, which may be responsible for the associated changes in sodium excretion.

Animals↗

Animal rights.

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Animal Rights↗

The kidney in blood pressure regulation and development of hypertension.

Systemic arterial pressure is a dynamic and responsive physiologic parameter that can be influenced by many different factors. In particular, short-term changes in arterial pressure are caused by a myriad of mechanisms that affect cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and cardiovascular capacitance. In the long run, however, most of these actions can be buffered or compensated by appropriate renal adjustments of sodium balance, ECFV, and blood volume. As long as the mechanisms regulating sodium excretion can maintain sodium balance by appropriately modulating the sensitivity of the pressure-natriuresis relationship, normal arterial pressure can be sustained. Derangements that compromise the ability of the kidneys to maintain sodium balance, however, can result in the kidney's need for an elevated arterial pressure to reestablish net salt and water balance.

Blood Pressure↗