Modulation of jejunal ion and water absorption by endogenous angiotensin after dehydration.

In the pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rat, dehydration for 24 h increased ion and water absorption from the jejunum. Dehydration also elevated plasma concentrations of angiotensin peptides and plasma renin activity but did not significantly alter plasma aldosterone concentrations. Infusion of tyramine, norepinephrine, and angiotensin II (AII) also stimulated jejunal absorption in a manner similar to dehydration. The elevation of jejunal absorption in response to dehydration is totally inhibited by the converting enzyme inhibitor captopril and the angiotensin receptor antagonist [lle7]AIII. Thus, increased jejunal absorption following dehydration is mediated by the renin-angiotensin system and is not secondary to either aldosterone or to antidiuretic hormone release. Further experiments demonstrated that the increase in jejunal absorption in response to dehydration was unaffected by propranolol but was totally abolished by phentolamine, prazosin, and peripheral sympathectomy. It is proposed that AII stimulates jejunal absorption by enhancing transepithelial transport processes and/or by altering the balance of Starling forces governing fluid absorption across enteric capillaries. Angiotensin thus appears to be a physiologically important mediator of jejunal absorption in states characterized by extracellular volume depletion.