Effects of activation of vasopressin-V1-receptors on regional kidney blood flow and glomerular arteriole diameters

Objectives We tested whether vasoconstriction of juxtamedullary glomerular arterioles contributes to vasopressin V-1-receptor-mediated reductions in medullary perfusion (MBF). Design and methods The left kidney of pentobarbitone anaesthetized rabbits was denervated, a perivascular flow probe placed around the renal artery and laser-Doppler flow probes positioned in the inner medulla end on the cortical surface. Rabbits then received a 30 min intravenous infusion of [Phe(2), IIe(3),Orn(8)] vasopressin (V-1-AG; 30 ng/kg per min; n = 7) or its vehicle (n = 7). Kidneys were perfusion fixed at the final recorded mean arterial pressure (MAP) and filled with methacrylate casting material. Diameters of afferent and efferent arterioles were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results V1-AG increased MAP (19 +/- 3%) and reduced MBF (30 +/- 8%) but not cortical perfusion or total renal blood flow. Vehicle-treatment did not significantly affect these variables. After vehicle- and V-1-AG-treatment, juxtamedullary afferent arteriole luminal diameter averaged 15.35 +/- 1.31 and 15.88 +/- 1.86 mum, respectively (P = 0.92), while juxtamedullary efferent arteriole luminal diameter averaged 17.75 +/- 1.86 and 18.36 +/- 2.24 mum, respectively (P = 0.93), Conclusions VI-AG reduced MBF but did not significantly affect juxtamedullary arteriolar diameter. Our results therefore do not support a role for juxtamedullary arterioles in producing V-1-receptor-mediated reductions in MBF, suggesting that downstream vascular elements (e,g, outer medullary descending vasa recta) might be involved.