Scientific publications
The loop diuretic torasemide interferes with endothelin-1 actions in the aorta of hypertensive rats
Fortuño A., Muñiz P., Zalba G, Fortuño M.A., Díez J.
BACKGROUND
The direct effects of torasemide and furosemide on vasoconstriction and increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) were investigated in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
METHODS
Vascular responses were assessed in endothelium-denuded aortic rings using an organ bath system. Changes of [Ca(2+)]i in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were assessed using fura-2 methodology.
RESULTS
ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was reduced in a dose-dependent way by torasemide and furosemide (IC(50) values: 4.3+/-1.4x10(-5) and 9.8+/-5.6 x10(-5) M, respectively). The ET-1-induced biphasic [Ca(2+)]i increase was blocked by torasemide (IC(50)=2.0+/-0.2x10(-8) and 2.7+/-0.6x10(-6) M, respectively). Furosemide inhibited the initial rise in [Ca(2+)]i induced by ET-1, with no effect on the second rise. The specific chloride (Cl(-)) channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylate inhibits both ET-1-induced responses in VSMCs (IC(50)=8.0+/-0.3x10(-9) and 2.5+/-0.7x10(-7) M, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the ability of loop diuretics to interfere with the vascular actions of ET-1 may involve different molecular mechanisms. The ability of torasemide to block the vasoconstrictive action of ET-1 could include an inhibitory action on Cl(-) channels.
CITATION Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2001;16 Suppl 1:18-21