Diuretic Agents: Actions on a Molecular Level

The criteria upon which diuretics are classified are based upon their site of action within the nephron. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors act in the proximal tubule, high-ceiling diuretics in the ascending loop of Henle, the thiazides in the early distal tubule and the potassium-sparing diuretics in the late distal tubule and in the collecting duct. According to the localization of carbonic anhydrase acetazolamide acts on three different sites in the proximal tubule cells. The loop diuretics inhibit the secondary active chloride reabsorption. Experiments on the isolated stripped rabbit colon under the condition of stimulated chloride secretion reveal striking similarities between the receptors for chloride reabsorption in the luminal cell membranes of the ascending loop of Henle and in the serosal cell membranes of the colon. The potassium-sparing diuretics act by blocking sodium channels in the distal parts of the nephron. The lumen negative potential difference decreases and potassium secretion is diminished.