Vasopressin and angiotensin II in the conscious dog: synergistic effects on renal excretory parameters?

Abstract

1. The renal effects of angiotensin II were investigated (a) with and without acute blockade of the effects of aldosterone and (b) with and without concomitant infusion of vasopressin. Angiotensin II (2 ng min−1 kg−1) and/or vasopressin (5 pg min−1 kg−1) was infused intravenously into conscious water-diuretic dogs and the effects were quantified by measurements of renal excretion of water, Na+ and K+, as well as determination of plasma renin activity and plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide and catecholamines. 2. Angiotensin II alone increased blood pressure by 7% (P<0.05), decreased effective renal blood flow markedly and reduced urine flow and osmolar and free water clearances. Na+ and K+ excretion did not change significantly. Aldosterone blockade with canrenoate increased Na+ excretion by a factor of 10; subsequent infusion of angiotensin II decreased Na+ excretion by about 50%, the other renal effects being qualitatively similar to those seen without blockade. As expected, vasopressin also decreased diuresis and free water clearance substantially; however, the effect of combined infusion of angiotensin II and vasopressin was not compatible with the notion of additive effects of the two peptides. 3. Angiotensin II alone or in combination with vasopressin did not change the plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide, adrenaline, noradrenaline, or dopamine. Vasopressin alone exerted its antidiuretic effect without affecting plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration or renal excretion of Na+ and K+. 4. It is concluded that the antinatriuretic effect of angiotensin II is markedly dependent on the preexisting rate of Na+ excretion and that it is not possible to detect a persisting antidiuretic effect of angiotensin II in conjunction with the antidiuretic action of a moderate dose of vasopressin.