Prostaglandin E2 Mediates Connecting Tubule Glomerular Feedback.

Connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CTGF) is a mechanism in which Na reabsorption in the connecting tubule (CNT) causes afferent arteriole (Af-Art) dilation. CTGF is mediated by eicosanoids, including prostaglandins and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids; however, their exact nature and source remain unknown. We hypothesized that during CTGF, the CNT releases prostaglandin E₂, which binds its type 4 receptor (EP4) and dilates the Af-Art. Rabbit Af-Arts with the adherent CNT intact were microdissected, perfused, and preconstricted with norepinephrine. CTGF was elicited by increasing luminal NaCl in the CNT from 10 to 80 mmol/L. We induced CTGF with or without the EP4 receptor blocker ONO-AE3-208 added to the bath in the presence of the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid synthesis inhibitor MS-PPOH. ONO- AE3-208 abolished CTGF (control, 9.4±0.5; MS-PPOH+ONO-AE3-208, -0.6±0.2 μm; P<0.001; n=6). To confirm these results, we used a different, specific EP4 blocker, L161982 (10^-5 mmol/L), that also abolished CTGF (control, 8.5±0.9; MS-PPOH+L161982, 0.8±0.4 μm; P<0.001; n=6). To confirm that the eicosanoids that mediate CTGF are released from the CNT rather than the Af-Art, we first disrupted the Af-Art endothelium with an antibody and complement. Endothelial disruption did not affect CTGF (7.9±0.9 versus 8.6±0.6 μm; P=NS; n=7). We then added arachidonic acid to the lumen of the CNT while maintaining zero NaCl in the perfiisate. Arachidonic acid caused dose-dependent dilation of the attached Af-Art (from 8.6±1.2 to 15.3±0.7 μm; P<0.001; n=6), and this effect was blocked by ONO-AE3-208 (10^-7 mol/L). We conclude that during CTGF, the CNT releases prostaglandin E₂, which acts on EP4 on the Af-Art inducing endothelium- independent dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]