title: The role of prostaglandins in Na retention of porta-cava shunted rats.
abstract: The importance of prostaglandins (PG) in Na and water retention of liver cirrhosis was studied in rats with porta-cava shunt (PCS) compared to control, non-shunted animals. Balance studies were performed in metabolic cages with diets of high, normal and low Na. An experimental phase, during which the animals received either 5 mg X kg-1 of indomethacin daily or placebo, was preceded by a control period and followed by a post-indomethacin period identical to the control phase. In each diet, indomethacin, but non placebo, caused a positive Na balance, correlated with Na intake, which in overall pooled data amounted to -1453 +/- 255 muEq in PCS rats, significantly larger than that measured in controls, of -295 +/- 320 muEq (P less than 0.01). This was attended by a reverse change in K balance of -35.6 +/- 349 muEq versus -1566 +/- 582 muEq (P less than 0.01); glomerular filtration rate (GRF) was unchanged. These data demonstrate that PGs contribute to the control of Na homeostasis in the presence of PCS.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins; D014667:Vasopressins; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium; D007213:Indomethacin