HEPATORENAL FACTORS IN CIRCULATORY HOMEOSTASIS. XX: ANTIDIURETIC ACTION OF HEPATIC VASODEPRESSOR, VDM (FERRITIN)

Abstract

The hepatic vasodepressor, VDM, recently identified as ferritin (or apoferritin) has now been found to possess antidiuretic properties. Profound reductions in urine flow follow its intraven. admn. to hydrated rabbits and dogs, whether given as liver VDM concentrates, crystalline ferritin or its iron-free protein moiety, apoferritin. The amts. required to produce striking antidiuretic effects range from 150-300 ug. of ferritin or apoferritin N/kg. body wt. The antidiuresis is not associated with any evidence of a foreign protein reaction nor with any fall in blood pressure. Several instances were encountered of development of progressive refractoriness to antidiuretic effects of homologous and heterologous liver VDM concentrates and ferritins. Acquired refractoriness to repeated injns. of heterologous ferritin is attributed to development of immunological resistance; but that to homologous ferritin is without present explanation. The antidiuretic property of ferritin acquires additional interest from observations in this laboratory that ferritin is present in blood in exptl. and clinical conditions associated with oliguria.