Effect of Serotonin on Renal Hemodynamics and Sodium Excretion in the Dog

Abstract

The effects of constant intravenous infusion of serotonin with doses of 5 and 10 µg/kg/min. on glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, urine flow and sodium excretion were studied in trained, unanesthetized female dogs. A small but significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate associated with increased renal plasma flow occurred at the 5 µg/kg/min. dose indicating a specific effect of serotonin on the kidney. Similar changes were noted with the 10 µg/kg/min. dose plus a marked antidiuretic effect that occurred in the absence of any significant change in mean arterial blood pressure and an intact neurohypophysis indicating a direct action on water reabsorption in the kidney. Urinary sodium excretion decreased with both doses as a result of a decline in glomerular filtration rate associated with increased tubular reabsorption. These results indicate that serotonin has a specific effect on the kidney and suggest that this substance may alter the caliber of the glomerular vessels to decrease renal vascular resistance.