Tubuloglomerular Feedback and Single Nephron Function after Converting Enzyme Inhibition in the Rat

Experiments were done in normal rats to assess kidney, single nephron, and tubuloglomerular feedback responses during renin-angiotensin blockade with the converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) SQ 20881 (E. R. Squibb SNGFR based only on distal collections was significantly increased by CEI. A significant difference was observed between SNGFR values measured from proximal and distal tubule sites (6.0+/-1.6 nl/min) and this difference remained unchanged after CEI administration. Slight decreases in fractional absorption were suggested at micropuncture sites beyond the late proximal tubule, whereas early distal tubule flow rate was augmented by CEI. Tubuloglomerular feedback activity was assessed by measuring changes in proximal tubule stop-flow pressure (SFP) or SNGFR in response to alterations in orthograde microperfusion rate from late proximal tubule sites. During control periods, SFP was decreased 11.2+/-0.4 mm Hg when the perfusion rate was increased to 40 nl/min; during infusion of CEI, the same increase in perfusion rate resulted in a SFP decrement of 6.7+/-0.5 mm Hg (P<.001). When late proximal tubule perfusion rate was increased from 0 to 30 nl/min, SNGFR was decreased by 15.0+/-1.2 nl/min during control conditions, and by 11.3+/-1.3 nl/min during CEI infusion. Attenuation of feedback responsiveness during CEI was also observed at lower perfusion rates with both techniques. These results indicate that blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with CEI reduces the activity of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism which may mediate the observed renal vasodilation.