Renal medullary hexosamine content following antidiuresis and water-loading in the rat. Effects of antisera against rat urinary and testicular hyaluronidase.

The effect of antiserum raised against rat urinary (renal) hyaluronidase has been examined in rats subjected to antidiuretic stimuli (water-deprivation or vasopressin infusion). Prior administration of antiserum abolishes the reduction in medullary and papillary extractable hexosamine which normally accompanies antidiuresis. Antiserum against rat testicular hyaluronidase was found to be without effect during water-deprivation. Water-loading significantly increased the level of extractable hexosamine. The findings are considered in relation to previous observations on the effects of antisera on renal and urinary composition and collecting duct morphology under identical experimental conditions. It is suggested that a functional relationship exists between the net degradation of medullary mucopolysaccharides by hyaluronidase and the concentrating capacity of the kidney.