Effect of bovine heart atrial natriuretic and diuretic fractions on sodium transport in isolated toad skin.

Abstract

The effects of two bovine heart atrial fractions (AF I and AF II) were investigated in toad skin. When added to the inner (serosal) solution, AF I caused a maximal reversible depression of the transepithelial potential and short-circuit current of about 60% and AF II induced maximal decline of these parameters of only 35%. When added to the outer (mucosal) solution, the effect of both fractions was often only partially reversible. Isaacson's amiloride test showed that AF I decreased the numerical estimates of all the components in the electrical equivalent circuit. The net Na+ flux decreased due to a fall in Na+ flux in the active direction. Incubation with Ca2+-free Ringer's solution decreased and Ca2+ ionophore A 23187 increased the effect of AF II. Partial replacement of sodium by choline in the outer solution slightly reduced the effect and substitution of normal Ringer's solution with sulfate or isethionate Ringer's solution in the outer solution significantly enhanced the effect of the AF. These results indicate that bovine heart atrial natriuretic fractions decrease the sodium potential (ENa), sodium conductance (GNa) and passive conductance (Gsh). The fall in net Na+ transport measured with sodium tracer fluxes confirms the decrease in ENa and GNa.