Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the adaptation of aldosterone biosynthesis to sodium restriction in the rat

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the secretion of aldosterone during restriction of dietary sodium intake. Rats were kept on control or low-sodium diet for one week. On the 7th morning of diet osmotic minipumps filled with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) SQ 20,881, or empty pumps, were implanted subcutaneously (sc). The rats were sacrificed 23 h later. Peripheral blood was analyzed for hormones and electrolytes. Adrenal capsular tissue (z. glomerulosa) was incubated for the determination of the conversion of [3H]corticosterone to [3H]aldosterone. Sodium depletion had no effect on plasma sodium, but it increased potassium concentration. Infusion of CEI had no significant effect on plasma electrolytes. Plasma renin activity was increased both by sodium depletion and CEI. The mean serum aldosterone level was twelve times higher in sodium depleted animals than in controls. Aldosterone level was reduced by about 60 per cent in CEI-infused animals both on control and low-sodium diet. The conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone was significantly stimulated by sodium deprivation. This effect was also inhibited by the CEI SQ 20,881.