The role of vasopressin in the control of renal hemodynamics. The Brattleboro rat as an experimental model.

It has been demonstrated through the use of new techniques that the action of vasopressin on the kidneys is not limited to changing the water permeability of distal tubules and collecting ducts. However, it has yet to be established whether these additional actions, such as lowering Kf (possibly by contracting mesangial cells), or increasing postglomerular vascular resistance, are important factors in the control of GFR and renal blood flow. The use of animals with diabetes insipidus, particularly the Brattleboro homozygous (DI) rat, may help to circumvent a number of methodological problems and provide a useful model for assessing the role of vasopressin in the control of renal hemodynamics. Although that role may be exerted through a direct effect on the vascular tone, it may be an indirect effect in which the antidiuretic action of vasopressin alters fluid balance and elicits secondary changes in other vasoactive hormones. The complexity of this latter possibility suggests that other methodological problems (in the measurement and/or control of the related variables) may complicate the final resolution of this issue for some time to come.