Opposite rank order of potency for alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists on water and solute excretion in the rat: two sites and/or receptors?

Preliminary studies determined that, unlike other purported alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, 2,6-dimethyl clonidine (2,6-DMC) increased urine flow rate independent of vasopressin. We therefore compared the dose-response curves of three alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, clonidine, UK 14,304 and 2,6-DMC. Unilaterally nephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and the left kidney was exposed and the ureter cannulated. A 31-gauge needle was advanced into the renal artery to permit direct intrarenal infusion of the study drugs. All three agonists produced a dose-related increase in urine flow rate and sodium excretion. A clear opposite rank order of potency was observed when the urine flow rate was analyzed as free water and osmolar clearance. For free water clearance, clonidine much greater than UK 14,304 much greater than 2,6-DMC, with 2,6-DMC producing little change. The effect on osmolar clearance was opposite with 2,6-DMC much greater than clonidine = UK 14,304. The V2 antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-pentamethylene-proprionic acid), 2-d-isoleucine,4-isoleucine]arginine-vasopressin blocked the effects of clonidine but not 2,6-DMC. In a water-loaded rat model, 2,6-DMC but not clonidine increased the delivery of filtrate out of the proximal segments of the nephron. These results are consistent with the postulate that lower doses of 2,6-DMC increase solute excretion independent of vasopressin, possibly in proximal segments of the nephron. Clonidine on the other hand increases free water clearance and this effect is mediated through an interaction with the renal actions of vasopressin. Whether these disparate effects represent two distinct receptors or two sites of alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the kidney is not known.