Prolonged fasting increases the response of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but not vasopressin levels, in postweaned northern elephant seal pups
Rm. Ortiz et al., Prolonged fasting increases the response of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but not vasopressin levels, in postweaned northern elephant seal pups, GEN C ENDOC, 119(2), 2000, pp. 217-223
The 8- to 12-week postweaning fast exhibited by northern elephant seal pups
(Mirounga angustirostris) occurs without any apparent deleterious effects
on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. However, during the fast the role of
vasopressin (AVP) has been shown to be inconclusive and the involvement of
the renin-angio-tensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has yet to he examined. To
examine the effects of prolonged fasting on these osmoregulatory hormones,
15 postweaned pups were serially blood-sampled during the first 49 days of
their fast. Fasting did not induce significant changes in ionic or osmotic
concentrations, suggesting electrolyte homeostasis. Total proteins were re
duced by day 21 of fasting and remained depressed, suggesting a lack of deh
ydration. Aldosterone and plasma renin activity exhibited a correlated, lin
ear increase over the first 49 days of the fast, suggesting an active RAAS.
Aldosterone exhibited a parabolic trend over the fast with a peak at day 3
5, suggesting a shift in the sensitivity of the kidney to aldosterone later
in the fast. AVP was elevated at day 49 only, but concentrations were rela
tively low. RAAS was modified during the postweaning fast in pups and appea
rs to play a significant role in the regulation of electrolyte and, most li
kely, water homeostasis during this period. (C) 2000 Academic Press.