Angiotensin II and eicosanoids in the control of glomerular size in the rat and human

We examined the possibility that glomerular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates the action of angiotensin II (ANG II) on mesangial contraction and filtration surface area. Using isolated rat glomeruli we indirectly assessed mesangial contraction and filtration surface area through measurements of glomerular planar surface area (GPSA) by image-analysis microscopy. ANG II reduced GPSA by approximately 20% in human and rat glomeruli, with threshold concentrations of 1 X 10(-13) M and maximum effect at 5 X 10(-11) M ANG II. Inhibition of glomerular PG synthesis with indomethacin or meclofenamate potentiated the threshold response of ANG II to reduce GPSA. Arachidonic acid (5 micrograms/ml) blunted both the threshold and the maximum responses of GPSA to ANG II. PGE2, 10(-8) and 10(-9) M, also decreased glomerular contraction to ANG II. Endoperoxide (EP) analogues decreased GPSA and EP 045, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor blocker, eliminated the contractile responses of glomeruli to the EP analogues. Authentic TXA2, synthesized from sheep platelet microsomes, also reduced GPSA. We conclude that glomerular products of arachidonate cyclooxygenation may either relax or contract the mesangium, thereby preserving or reducing filtration surface area. PGE2 exerts protective actions to reduce the mesangial contraction of ANG II, primarily through postreceptor effects. TXA2 may decrease glomerular filtration rate in certain diseases through direct actions on the mesangium.