Effect of adrenergic blockade with bretylium and phentolamine on glomerular filtration rate in the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Rich., adapting to saline water.

In resting conscious trout, Salmo gairdneri, a gradual increase in external salinity (brackish water) resulted in an immediate decline of glomerular filtration rate and urine flow. These renal responses were partly blocked by the administration of bretylium and phentolamine. The presence of adrenergic nerve endings in the trout kidney and these pharmacological results together provide evidence of neural control of renal haemodynamics. The action of vasoactive substances and innervation is discussed briefly in relation to their importance for normal renal function.