Abstract

We have investigated the contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin to the action of norepinephrine (NE) on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and vascular tone in the Tyrode's perfused rat kidney. Lowering the Ca++ concentration (0.6 mM) reduced and raising the Ca++ concentration (5.4 mM) enhanced the renal vasoconstriction and PG output elicited by NE. Calcium channel blockers diltiazem or nimodipine inhibited the vasoconstriction and PG output caused by NE. Ca++-free Tyrode's solution containing ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid abolished NE-induced vasoconstriction and reduced PG output by 25 to 38%. Addition of intracellular Ca++ antagonists 8-(diethylamino) octyl 3,4,5 trimethoxybenzoate, dantrolene or ryanodine to Ca++-free Tyrode's solution inhibited NE-induced PG output. Calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide or calmidazolium diminished PG output and the renal vasoconstriction elicited by NE in the presence and absence of Ca++. Mepacrine and indomethacin inhibited NE-induced renal vasoconstriction and PG output. Arachidonic acid-induced PG output was abolished by indomethacin but was unaltered by mepacrine, Ca++ antagonists or calmodulin inhibitors. We conclude that NE produces renal vasoconstriction by a mechanism that depends primarily on extracellular Ca++ and calmodulin, whereas NE-induced PG output depends on both extra- and intracellular Ca++ and calmodulin.