Abstract
We have previously shown that oxytocin (OT) is a major humoral mediator in postnephrectomy natriuresis. As immunoassayable OT has been demonstrated in the spinal cord, the aim of this investigation was to determine whether OT receptors in the spinal cord are also involved in this natriuresis. The experiments were performed on anesthetized male rats. Before acute unilateral nephrectomy, an oxytocin-receptor antagonist was injected intrathecally in the thoracolumbar region in rats. Postnephrectomy natriuresis was attenuated by this injection but not by intrathecal injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Our results suggest that OT receptors within the spinal cord may influence the autonomic nervous regulation of renal function. In an additional experiment, intravenously infused hexamethonium did not prevent the adaptive natriuresis in the remaining kidney. We conclude that OT receptors in the spinal cord are involved in the postnephrectomy natriuresis, possibly as a component in the afferent signal pathway.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
