Angiotensin II: a Powerful Controller of Sodium Transport in the Early Proximal Tubule

Angiotensin II has recently been shown to exert potent control over sodium and water absorption in the proximal convoluted tubule. This transport stimulation is effected by receptors on both the luminal and basolateral membranes of cells located predominantly in the early, S1 proximal tubule. Angiotensin II increases transport primarily by a Gi protein-mediated reduction in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which enhances the affinity of the Na(+)-H+ antiporter. Change in early proximal acidification ultimately causes alteration in the amount of sodium chloride leaving the proximal tubule and entering the urine. These direct tubular transport actions by angiotensin II may participate importantly in various physiological actions of the kidney, including the renal response to change in dietary sodium intake and in extracellular volume, as well as in pathophysiological processes such as hypertension.