Ethanol-Induced Water Diuresis Is Not Prostaglandin Dependent

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated an effect of alcohol on arachidonic acid metabolism. These studies were undertaken to determine if the water diuresis of alcohol is due to enhanced prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, a known antidiuretic hormone antagonist. 6 rabbits, weighing between 2.5 and 3.2 kg, were studied in standard metabolic cages during 4 periods: control, indomethacin administration, ethanol administration, and ethanol and indomethacin. 10 ml of 100% alcohol was added to their water in periods 3 and 4, and 5 mg/kg indomethacin was given during periods 2 and 4. We recorded urine output, urine osmolality, sodium excretion, potassium excretion, and PGE₂excretion. Urine flow rate significantly increased in periods 3 and 4 from 79 ± 7 to 177 ± 13 and 165 ± 11 cm³/day, respectively, p < 0.001 for both, compared to control. Indomethacin, therefore, did not prevent the water diuresis. Urinary PGE₂ excretion was low (125 ± 13 ng/day) with ethanol administration compared to control (897 ± 71 ng/day, p < 0.001). Levels were similar to those seen with the inhibitor indomethacin (105 ± 22 ng/day, n.s.). These low levels with ethanol were observed at the same time of the significant free water diuresis. We conclude that the water diuresis produced by acute ethanol administration is not mediated by enhanced renal PGE₂ production.

Alcohol induced effects on kidney

“…It decreased arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in the kidney lipids (29). However, the water diuresis produced by acute ethanol administration is not mediated by enhanced renal PGE2 production (30).…”

Ethanol-Induced Water Diuresis: One of a Spectrum of Renal Defects Resulting from Ethanol Toxicity

“…Thus, our experience seems to confirm the conclusion of Zawada el al. [5] that the water diuresis produced by ethanol admin istration probably represents only one of a spectrum of renal defects which may result from ethanol toxicity. 180-187(1978).…”

“…Linkola et al [3] reported that the diuretic effect of ethanol may occur without reduction of vasopressin levels. Since ethanol may affect prostaglandin synthesis [4] , studies were undertaken to determine whether diure sis due to ethanol was mediated by enhanced renal syn thesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a potent vasopressin antagonist.We were very interested in the article by Zawada et al [5] . These authors investigated urine output, urine osmo lality, sodium, potassium and PGE2 excretion in rabbits during four periods: ( 1 ) control, (2) indomethacin admin istration, (3) ethanol administration and (4) ethanol and indomethacin administration.…”

“…In addition, urinary PGE2 excretion did not increase during ethanol administration despite the high urine flow rate is consid ered to be a stimulus to renal prostaglandin synthesis and excretion. On this basis, Zawada et al [5] concluded that not only the water diuresis produced by acute ethanol administration is not mediated by enhanced renal PGE2 production, but also demonstrated a suppressive effect of ethanol on renal prostaglandin synthesis. We report here our experience in a department of medicine where, be tween 1983 and 1985, we studied approximately 200 chronic alcoholics.…”