How Do Loop Diuretics Act?

Summary

In the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, NaCl reabsorption is mediated by a Na⁺/2Cl⁻/K⁺ cotransport system, present in the luminal membrane of this nephron segment. Loop diuretics such as furosemide (frusemide), piretanide, bumetanide and torasemide bind reversibly to this carrier protein, thus reducing or abolishing NaCl reabsorption. This leads to a decrease in interstitial hypertonicity and thus to a reduced water reabsorption. In nephron segments other than the thick ascending limb, loop diuretics have no quantitative importance with respect to their saluretic and diuretic activities. Loop diuretics also reduce Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ reabsorption in the thick ascending limb in a way which is still not clear. Furthermore, these drugs increase the urinary K⁺ excretion by enhancing distal tubular K⁺ secretion and reducing K⁺ reabsorption in the loop of Henle. Finally, by reduction of active NaCl transport, loop diuretics drastically reduce the substrate requirement and oxygen dependence of the thick ascending limb cells. This renders these cells, which are characterised by high transport rates and only limited substrate reserves, less vulnerable in acute renal failure.