Endogenous nitric oxide inhibits chloride transport in the thick ascending limb

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that endogenously produced nitric oxide (NO) directly reduces NaCl transport by the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TALH). Results indicated a significant role for locally produced NO, which may act through an autocrine mechanism to directly affect TALH sodium chloride transport. Hence, TALH NO synthesis and inhibition of chloride transport may contribute to the diuretic and natriuretic effects of NO seen in vivo.