Prostaglandin-vasopressin interactions on the renal handling of calcium and magnesium.

The role of prostaglandins in the regulation of sodium and water excretion has been widely studied, but little is known about the influence of prostaglandins (PGs) on the tubular handling of calcium, magnesium or phosphorus. Recent observations have suggested that PGE2 and vasopressin may interact and influence reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the cortical collecting duct. The present study investigated the effect of meclofenamate (2 mg/kg), and inhibitor of PG synthesis, on the excretion of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Experiments were performed in antidiuretic and water diuretic rats to examine potential PG-vasopressin interactions on the reabsorption of these ions by renal tubules. In antidiuretic rats given meclofenamate, urine osmolality increased whereas urine flow and the fractional excretion of water, urea, sodium, calcium and magnesium decreased by 30 to 50%. In water diuretic animals, urine osmolality and urea excretion were unaltered after meclofenamate administration. Fractional excretion of sodium, water, calcium and magnesium declined approximately 50% in water diuretic rats given meclofenamate. Urinary excretion of PGE2 was not significantly different in water diuretic and antidiuretic rats averaging 262 +/- 78 vs. 167 +/- 35 pg/min, respectively. Meclofenamate significantly reduced urinary excretion of PGE2 in both groups. The results indicate that renal PGs modulate renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and magnesium, as well as sodium and water.