The effect of isoproterenol on fluid and electrolyte transport in the inner medullary collecting duct

In the late distal and cortical collecting tubule, which is the principal regulatory site for potassium (K) excretion, vasopressin stimulates, and epinephrine via β-adrenergic action, inhibits K secretion. In the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) we have shown that vasopressin also stimulates K secretion. The present experiments were designed to determine whether the β-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, would induce K reabsorption in the IMCD, and (or) prevent a secretory response to acute KCl infusion. Two groups of rats, with or without isoproterenol administration (3 μg/h), were subjected to retrograde microcatheterization of the IMCD before and during infusion of 0.83 mol/h KCl. Isoproterenol reduced plasma K concentration and urinary K excretion, but the response to acute KCl infusion was qualitatively similar to control. Isoproterenol decreased delivery of potassium, chloride, and fluid to the IMCD, there was no net transport of K along the duct in either group, and KCl infusion did not result ...