Atrial peptide and cGMP effects on NaCl transport in inner medullary collecting duct.

We examined the action of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on Na+ and Cl- transport in in vitro microperfused inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCD) isolated from rat kidneys. First we studied the isotopic fluxes at low perfusion rates (7 nl/min). The results showed that ANF added to bath decreased lumen-to-bath flux (Jl----b) of Na+ and increased Na+ bath-to-lumen flux (Jb----l). This was substantiated by a direct demonstration that ANF reduces net Na+ and Cl- absorption. The effect of ANF on Jl----b and Jb----l of Na+ was also observed at high perfusion rates (25 nl/min). The inhibitory effect of ANF was observed even when Na+ Jl----b was stimulated by vasopressin (VP). ANF (6 x 10(-11) M) added to bath increased Cl- Jb----l and generated a negative lumen potential difference (PD). These two effects were inhibited by furosemide and by the replacement of Na+ by choline and Cl- by SO4(2-) in the bath fluid. These observations are compatible with the existence of a Na(+)-Cl(-)-K+ cotransport mechanism stimulated by ANF. Moreover, the effects of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) added to the bath on PD, Jl----b, and Jb----l of Na+ were similar to those observed with ANF. Thus, physiological concentrations of ANF inhibit directly Na+ and Cl- absorption in IMCD by two mechanisms, 1) by increasing cotransport Na(+)-Cl(-)-K+ secretion and 2) by inhibiting NaCl absorption both in the absence and in the presence of VP. These effects on NaCl transport appear to be mediated by cGMP.