Direct effect of methylprednisolone on renal sodium and water transport via the principal cells in the kidney

Abstract

Methylprednisolone increased u-AQP2 and u-ENaC. Neither the AVP-cAMP axis nor changes in the renin-angiotensin-Aldo system, or the natriuretic peptide system seems to bear a causal relationship with the increase in either u-AQP2 or u-ENaC. Most probably, the effect is mediated via a direct effect of methylprednisolone on the principal cells. The lack of decrease in urinary output and sodium reabsorption most likely can be attributed to the diuretic and natriuretic properties of the increased secretion of ANP.