Possible involvement of endothelin peptides and L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway on the effect of endotoxin in the rabbit isolated perfused kidney.

Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) when infused through the renal artery of the rabbit isolated perfused kidney prepared as constant pressure mode, caused a decrease in flow rate and kidney weight indicating its primary vasoconstrictor effect. This effect was predominant in kidneys from rabbits pretreated with LPS. Endothelin-1 at a concentration of 10(-10) M and big endothelin-1 at a concentration of 10(-8) M produced equal vasoconstrictor effects in kidney.