Endothelin-1 is an autocrine factor in rat inner medullary collecting ducts.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) may be an important factor in the regulation of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) physiology. This segment of the nephron synthesizes ET-1, expresses endothelin receptors, and responds to exogenous ET-1 by reducing Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and water transport. Taken together, these findings suggest an autocrine role for ET-1 in the regulation of IMCD function; however, because of the polarized nature of the IMCD, it is not known if ET-1 secretion, receptors, and receptor activation occur on the same side of the cell. To examine this question, rat IMCD cells were grown to confluence on semipermeable membranes. These cells exhibited polar morphology with high transepithelial electrical resistances. Immunoreactive ET-1 was secreted primarily into the basolateral side. Furthermore, 125I-ET-1 bound predominantly to the basolateral surface. Finally, ET-1 (10(-8) M) stimulated prostaglandin E2 production only when added to the basolateral side. These data indicate, therefore, that ET-1 is capable of autocrine regulation of IMCD cells and that this effect occurs predominantly on the basolateral side.