Sauvagine, a new polypeptide from Phyllomedusa sauvagei skin

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Abstract
The occurrence of sauvagine, a new polypeptide from amphibian skin, and its actions on rat blood pressure and diuresis were studied. Sauvagine was found to be present in the skin of all the 10 Phyllomedusa species so far studied, amounts ranging from a few micrograms to 240 μg per g fresh skin. The polypeptide displayed in the rat an intense, long-lasting hypotensive action accompanied by tachycardia. Hypotension was not modified by either atropine or propranolol, excluding the participation of the autonomic nervous system in its production. Tachycardia, on the contrary, was partially inhibited by propranolol. Hypotension is probably the main cause of the intense antidiuresis seen in hydrated rats following sauvagine administration. Reduction in urina volume was accompanied by a decrease in GFR and an increase in tubular Na+ reabsorption.