Hormone signaling systems in inner medullary collecting ducts.

The inner medullary collecting duct is a complex tissue that exhibits a variety of hormone signaling systems. These include the following: adenylyl cyclase activity stimulated by vasopressin (AVP), beta-adrenergic agonists, or prostanoids and inhibited by alpha 2-adrenergic agents or adenosine; guanylate cyclase activity in response to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); phospholipase C activity stimulated by ANP, AVP, bradykinin, endothelin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and muscarinic cholinergic agents; and phospholipase A2 activity stimulated by AVP, bradykinin, EGF, and endothelin. The signal transduction mechanisms for each of these hormone signaling systems is succinctly reviewed, and the interactions between different signaling pathways are discussed. Central to this interaction is the mutually inhibitory relationship between activation of adenylyl cyclase and phospholipases. Increasing cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate content impairs activation of phospholipases A2 and C; conversely, stimulation of phospholipase C impairs AVP-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity via activation of protein kinase C.