Differential effect of angiotensin II on blood circulation in the renal medulla and cortex of anaesthetised rats

The renal medulla is sensitive to hypoxia, and a depression of medullary circulation, e.g. in response to angiotensin II (Ang II), could endanger the function of this zone. Earlier data on Ang II effects on medullary vasculature were contradictory. The effects of Ang II on total renal blood flow (RBF), and cortical and medullary blood flow (CBF and MBF: by laser-Doppler flux) were studied in anaesthetised rats. Ang II infusion (30 ng kg(-1) min(-1) I.V.) decreased RBF 27 +/- 2 % (mean +/- S.E.M.), whereas MBF increased 12 +/- 2 % (both P < 0.001). Non-selective blockade of Ang II receptors with saralasin (3 mug kg(-1) min(-1) I.V) increased RBF 12 +/- 2 % and decreased MBF 8 +/- 2 % (P < 0.001). Blockade of AT(1) receptors with losartan (10 mg kg(-1)) increased CBF 10 +/- 2 % (P < 0.002) and did not change MBF. Losartan given during Ang II infusion significantly increased RBF (53 7 %) and decreased MBF (27 +/- 7 %). Blockade of AT(2) receptors with PD 123319 (50 mug kg(-1) min(-1) I.V.) did not change CBF or MBF. Intramedullary infusion of PD 123319 (10 mug min(-1)) superimposed on intravenous Ang II infusion did not change RBF, but slightly decreased MBF (4 +/- 2 %, P < 0.05). We conclude that in anaesthetised surgically prepared rats, exogenous or endogenous Ang II may not depress medullary circulation. In contrast to the usual vasoconstriction in the cortex, vasodilatation was observed, possibly related to secondary activation of vasodilator paracrine agents rather than to a direct action via AT(2) receptors.