Role of adenosine in tubuloglomerular feedback and acute renal failure.

Abstract

1. Adenosine (ADO) can induce renal vasoconstriction and a fall in glomerular filtration rate. When the rate of ATP hydrolysis prevails over the rate of ATP synthesis the kidney generates ADO at an enhanced rate. 2. Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) is the vascular response to changes of the NaCl concentration in the tubular fluid at the macula densa segment, which is the result of transepithelial electrolyte reabsorption by the proximal tubule and the loop of Henle. 3. TGF can be inhibited by ADO-A1 receptor antagonists and is potentiated by substances that can elevate extracellular ADO concentrations. These observations led to the hypothesis that ADO is an element of the signal transmission processes in the juxtaglomerular apparatus. 4. Renal ischaemia and nephrotoxic substances can induce acute renal failure (ARF). ADO receptor antagonists have been shown to ameliorate renal function in several different models of ARF in laboratory animals and humans. 5. A number of factors, such as extracellular volume contraction, low NaCl diet, angiotensin II and cyclooxygenase inhibitors enhance to a similar extent: (a) the renal vascular response to endogenous and exogenous ADO; (b) the TGF response of the nephron; and (c) the severity of ARF. All three phenomena are susceptible to antagonism by ADO receptor antagonists. 6. Therefore, we conclude that ADO plays a significant role in normal and pathological states of kidney function.