Amylin induces natriuresis by a central angiotensin-dependent mechanism

This study provides evidence that amylin acts centrally to increase sodium excretion in the sheep. Amylin was infused at 8 mg/h into a carotid artery (IC), via a lateral ventricle (ICV), intravenously (IV) or intra-renally (IR) into conscious sheep ( n = 5 per group). Renal sodium excretion increased by at least 3-fold after 1 h of amylin infusion by ICV (66 ± 14 to 367 ± 35 mmol/min) and IC (78 ± 14 to 244 ± 22 mmol/min) routes of administration. Amylin infusion IV caused a 1.5-fold increase in sodium excretion while IR infusion did not have a significant effect. The natriuretic effect of ICV infused amylin was blocked by pre-treatment with the angiotensin AT 1 receptor antagonist, losartan (1 mg/h). No changes in blood pressure or heart rate were recorded at this dose of amylin by any route of administration. Plasma renin concentration increased (1.32 ± 0.22 to 2.55 ± 0.73 pmol/Ang I/h; P < 0.05) following IR infusion of amylin, and remained unchanged when amylin was infused by the other routes of administration. We conclude that amylin causes changes in sodium excretion in sheep through a central, angiotensin-dependent pathway and that amylin may increase renin secretion by a direct effect on the kidney.