CHRONIC EFFECTS OF LEAD ON RENIN AND RENAL SODIUM-EXCRETION

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  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 95  (5) , 759-770
Abstract
Rats were chronically given 0.5 mg/ml Pb in drinking water. This produced blood and renal Pb concentrations of approximately 30 .mu.g/dl and 20 .mu.g/gm, respectively, significant kidney swelling, but no change in body weight or hematocrit. After 6 wk of Pb treatment and during ingestion of a Na-free diet, PRA [plasma renin activity] was elevated (controls: same diet, no Pb) but there was no change in PRS [plasma renin substrate]. After 5 mo. the PRA was significantly higher in the Pb-treated group even on a 1% NaCl diet, but the difference between groups disappeared on a Na-free diet; i.e., the renin response to Na deprivation was blunted. As early as 6 wk after beginning Pb treatment, the treated group manifested reduced ability to decrease Na excretion following removal of NaCl from the diet; steady-state Na excretion was normal on either the 1% NaCl or Na-free diet. Changes in the renin-angiotensin system and renal Na handling may be important toxic effects of low doses of Pb on the kidneys of rats.