On the role of digoxin-like substances, ANP, and AVP in natriuresis induced by hypertonic saline infusion in dogs.

The increase of sodium concentration in cerebrospinal fluid or in plasma triggers the osmoregulatory mechanism, namely, the enhancement of renal free-water reabsorption and natriuresis. The increase of free-water reabsorption has been recognized for many years as a consequence of the osmotically released vasopressin (AVP). However, the control of renal sodium excretion in the mechanism of osmoregulation has not been clarified It has been suggested to be, at least in part, of hormonal nature, implying the decreased release of aldosterone and the increased release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), digoxin-like substances (DLIS), and AVP. Neither of these factors, however, has been unequivocally linked to the mechanism of immediate natriuresis caused by an acute increase in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma sodium concentration. It was reconfirmed in our present experiments in anesthetized dogs that aldosterone, ANP, and DLIS could hardly play a role in the immediate natriuresis after the i.v. infusion of hypertonic saline (20% NaCl solution infused in 20 min in an amount that was 0.13% of body weight). However, the role of AVP in this type of natriuresis seems more promising as a V1/V2 receptor antagonist applied i.v. before the hypertonic saline loading completely prevented the increase of renal sodium excretion. Natriuresis after the isotonic saline load was not impaired by the same antagonist of vasopressin receptors.