Effect of insulin on water and urea transport in the inner medullary collecting duct

Abstract

The effect of insulin on water and urea transport was examined in normal isolated rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Hydraulic conductivity (Lp, x 10(-6) cm.atm-1.s-1), diffusional water permeability (Pdw, x 10(-5) cm/s) and [14C]urea permeability (x 10(-5) cm/s) were studied at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4. Insulin (6 x 10(-8) M; 200 microU/ml) added to the bath fluid enhanced Lp from 0.40 +/- 0.10 to 1.21 +/- 1.40 (P < 0.01) and Pdw from 42.40 +/- 3.40 to 58.50 +/- 5.00 (P < 0.02) and also stimulated Lp in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-stimulated Pdw (10 microU/ml), insulin increased Pdw even more. Prostaglandin E2 (10(-5) M) added to the bath reversibly increased insulin-induced Lp. Forskolin (10(-4) M) blocked the action of insulin. Colchicine (10(-4) M) and V1-receptor antagonist (10(-4) M) inhibited the development but not the maintenance of insulin-stimulated Pdw. Vanadate (2.5 x 10(-6) M) enhanced Pdw. Polymyxin B (10(-5) M) inhibited the insulin-stimulated Pdw, whereas in a glucose-free medium insulin did not enhance Pdw. Urea transport was not affected by insulin. These data suggest that insulin may enhance water transport, probably by stimulating glucose transporters, which would serve as a water channel. We cannot rule out the possibility that insulin may be eliciting existing ADH-like mechanisms of water transport, beyond the microtubule step, to establish water transport.