Chronic dDAVP infusion in rats decreases the expression of P2Y2 receptor in inner medulla and P2Y2 receptor-mediated PGE2 release by IMCD

Activation of P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2-R) in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of rat decreases AVP-induced water flow and releases PGE2. We observed that dehydration of rats decreases the expression of P2Y2 receptor in inner medulla (IM) and P2Y2-R-mediated PGE2 release by IMCD. Because circulating vasopressin (AVP) levels are increased in dehydrated condition, we examined whether chronic infusion of desmopressin (dDAVP) has a similar effect on the expression and activity of P2Y2-R. Groups of rats were infused with saline or dDAVP ( 5 or 20 ng/h sc, 5 or 6 days) via osmotic minipumps and euthanized. Urine volume, osmolality, and PGE2 metabolite content were determined. AQP2- and P2Y2- and V2-R mRNA and/or protein in IM were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. P2Y2- R-mediated PGE2 release by freshly prepared IMCD was assayed using ATP gamma S as a ligand. Chronic dDAVP infusion resulted in low-output of concentrated urine and significantly increased the AQP2 protein abundance in IM. On the contrary, dDAVP infusion at 5 or 20 ng/h significantly decreased P2Y2- R protein abundance (similar to 40% of saline-treated group). In parallel, the relative expression of P2Y2- R vs. AQP2- or V2-R mRNA was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the P2Y2-R-mediated PGE2 release by IMCD was significantly decreased in rats infused 20 ng/h but not 5 ng/h of dDAVP. Urinary PGE2 metabolite excretion, however, did not change with dDAVP infusion. In conclusion, chronic dDAVP infusion decreases the expression and activity of P2Y2- R in IM. This may be due to a direct effect of dDAVP or dDAVP-induced increase in medullary tonicity.