bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenylate cyclase-coupled vasopressin receptor activates AQP2 promoter via a dual effect on CRE and AP1 elements
Authors: Yasui M. , Zelenin S. M. , Celsi G. , Aperia A.
Published: December 2017

Vasopressin plays an essential role for the regulation of water balance by activating the collecting duct-specific water channel, aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Here we present evidence that vasopressin may also act as a long-term, transcriptional regulator of AQP2. The studies were performed on LLC-PK1 cells, which normally express V2 receptor (V2R) and which were transfected with a fragment of the human AQP2 promoter. Activation of the adenylate cyclase-coupled V2R in LLC-PK1 cells induced phosphorylation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element binding protein (CREB) and expression of c-Fos. Binding of these factors to the CRE and AP1 site did, in combination, lead to AQP2 promoter activation. These results establish the role of vasopressin as a regulator of transcription and are the first example of how a message from a highly specific receptor is, via a dual effect of the cAMP signal on CREB and immediate early gene expression, transduced to the transcription of a final target protein with known biological effects.
Metanephric osteopontin regulates nephrogenesis in vitro
Authors: Rogers S. A. , Padanilam B. J. , Hruska K. A. , Giachelli C. M. , Hammerman M. R.
Published: December 2017

Renal expression of osteopontin is enhanced in the setting of acute ischemic injury. Because of the parallels that exist between recovery from renal ischemia and renal development, we characterized the role that osteopontin plays during metanephrogenesis in the rat. Osteopontin mRNA is present in kidneys obtained from rat embryos as early as embryonic day 13 (E13). Immunohistochemical staining of metanephroi obtained from E16 rat embryos and metanephroi obtained from E13 embryos and cultured for 3 days in vitro demonstrated that osteopontin is expressed both in the developing nephron and in the ureteric bud. Addition of anti-osteopontin antibodies to metanephric organ cultures results in failure of the metanephric blastema to undergo normal tubulogenesis. Addition of the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-containing peptide, cyclo-RGDfV, or the anti-alpha(v)beta3-integrin antibody, LM609, to cultures has a similar effect. These findings establish that osteopontin is produced within the rat metanephros during development in vivo and suggest that the binding of osteopontin to the alpha(v)beta3-integrin is required for tubulogenesis to occur in vitro. Blastemal cells within metanephroi cultured in the presence of OP199 manifest increased apoptosis compared with controls. It is possible that osteopontin plays an important anti-apoptotic role during the process of metanephric blastema condensation that is a prerequisite for the formation of nephrons in vivo.
Facilitated transport in vasa recta: theoretical effects on solute exchange in the medullary microcirculation
Authors: Edwards A. , Pallone T. L.
Published: December 2017

A new theoretical model describing the exchange of water and solutes between the renal medullary interstitium and the microcirculation was developed to account for the presence of water channels and urea transporters, both of which were recently identified in the descending vasa recta (DVR) of the renal medulla. Small solutes, which are excluded from the water channels, are freely exchanged through a parallel pathway shared with water. The transcapillary concentration gradients of sodium and urea across the water channels induce water efflux from DVR, whereas classic Starling forces across the shared pathway favor volume uptake by DVR. Because small solute concentration gradients are large in the inner medulla, the model predicts net water removal from DVR, in agreement with experimental observations. The descending and ascending vasa recta (AVR) function as a countercurrent exchanger, the efficiency of which is inversely related to the net amount of solute taken up by the medullary microcirculation. Our results indicate that net solute removal from the medulla is governed by convective uptake into AVR and thus depends predominantly on the parameters affecting AVR transcapillary volume flux. The simulations also suggest that the urea transporter significantly enhances the exchange of both sodium and urea and might serve to abrogate a reduction in exchanger efficiency imparted by water channels.
Renal resistance to ANF in salt-depleted rats is independent of sympathetic or ANG-aldosterone systems
Authors: Veress A. T. , Honrath U. , Chong C. K. , Sonnenberg H.
Published: December 2017

Chronic salt depletion was used as a model to study the mechanism of renal resistance to the natriuretic effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Rats were pretreated with furosemide and placed on a low-salt diet (<0.008% NaCl) for 1 wk before a clearance experiment. Compared with animals on a normal salt diet (0.4% NaCl), the natriuretic reponse to ANF administration was reduced by one order of magnitude and was quantitatively trivial. To assess the influence of the sympathoadrenergic system, different groups of rats were either subjected to acute unilateral renal denervation, to chronic adrenal enucleation to reduce circulating catecholamines, or to pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA) to destroy sympathetic postganglionic nerve endings. None of these treatments was able to fully or even partially restore ANF natriuresis. To determine whether an effect of angiotensin on the kidney prevented the response, the specific receptor antagonist losartan (DuP-753) was administered during the week prior to the experiment. This treatment also did not influence ANF resistance. Similarly, bilateral adrenalectomy 2 wk before the experiment did not affect the renal ANF resistance in salt-depleted rats. The depressed excretory response could not be explained on the basis of reduced renal perfusion pressure or glomerular filtration rate. We conclude that undetermined compensatory mechanism(s) ensures renal salt conservation in this model in the face of even supraphysiological levels of ANF.
Molecular sieving of small solutes by outer medullary descending vasa recta
Authors: Pallone T. L. , Turner M. R.
Published: December 2017

Molecular sieving of small solutes by outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR). Descending vasa recta (DVR) plasma equilibrates with the medullary interstitium by volume efflux (Jv), as well as by influx of solutes. Jv is driven by transmural osmotic pressure gradients due to small hydrophilic solutes (delta pi s), NaCl and urea. DVR endothelium probably contains a "water-only" pathway most likely mediated by the aquaporin-1 (AQP1) water channel. We measured the ability of microperfused OMDVR to concentrate lumenal 22Na and [3H]raffinose when Jv was driven by transmural NaCl gradients. Collectate-to-perfusate ratios of 2 x 10(6) M(r) fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran volume marker (RDx), 22Na (RNa), and [3H]raffinose (Rraf) were measured in the absence and presence of Jv. During volume efflux (Jv > 0), RDx was 1.37 +/- 0.31. RNa increased from 0.64 +/- 0.03 when Jv = 0 to 0.82 +/- 0.05 when Jv > 0 and Rraf increased from 0.83 +/- 0.03 to 1.13 +/- 0.05: Mathematical simulations predict RNa and Rraf most accurately when the OMDVR reflection coefficient to the tracers is assigned a value near unity. This indicates that the OMDVR wall contains a pathway for osmotic volume flux that excludes small hydrophilic solutes, a behavior consistent with that of aquaporins.
PKC isoforms in rat medullary thick ascending limb: selective activation of the delta-isoform by PGE2
Authors: Aristimuno P. C. , Good D. W.
Published: December 2017

In the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) of the rat kidney, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) reverses inhibition of HCO3 absorption by arginine vasopressin (AVP). This effect of PGE2 is blocked by chelerythrine or staurosporine and mimicked by phorbol ester, suggesting a critical role for protein kinase C (PKC). The present study was designed to examine directly regulation of PKC isoforms by PGE2 in the inner stripe of the outer medulla and in microdissected MTALs. Immunoblots with isoform-specific anti-PKC antibodies detected alpha-, beta II-, delta-, epsilon-, and zeta-isoforms in both inner stripe and MTAL. The beta I- and gamma-isoforms were not detected. Translocation and activation of PKC were assessed by immunoblot analysis and by direct measurement of enzyme activity using an immune complex kinase assay. In inner stripe tissue incubated with 10(10) M AVP, PGE2 10(6) M for 20 min) induced translocation of PKC-delta from the cytosolic fraction to the membrane fraction. This translocation was associated with an 85% increase in PKC-delta activity in the membrane fraction and a 70% decrease in PKC-delta activity in the cytosolic fraction. PGE2 had no effect on the subcellular distribution or the activities of the other isoforms. Activation of PKC-delta was confirmed directly in microdissected MTALs, in which PGF2 caused a near complete loss of PKC-delta from the cytosolic fraction. PGE2 did not induce translocation of PKC-delta in the absence of AVP. These results demonstrate that 1) the MTAL expresses Ca(2+)-dependent (alpha, beta II) and Ca(2+)-independent (delta, epsilon, zeta) PKC isoforms; 2) PGE2 causes selective activation of PKC-delta, which likely mediates the action of PGE2 to reverse AVP inhibition of HCO-3 absorption; and 3) PGE2 activation of PKC-delta requires the presence of AVP, which may explain the fact that PGE2 influences HCO-3 transport only when AVP is present.
Segmental localization of urea transporter mRNAs in rat kidney
Authors: Shayakul C. , Knepper M. A. , Smith C. P. , DiGiovanni S. R. , Hediger M. A.
Published: December 2017

Renal epithelia express at least two distinct urea transporter mRNAs, termed UT1 and UT2, that are derived from a single UT gene by alternative splicing. Previous immunolocalization studies using a polyclonal antibody that does not distinguish between the protein products of these two transcripts revealed that expression of urea transporter protein is restricted to inner medullary collecting ducts and descending thin limbs of Henle's loop. To identify which transcripts account for protein expression in these two structures, we carried out reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction studies in microdissected structures using UT1- and UT2-specific primers. UT1 mRNA was detected only in the inner medullary collecting duct, consistent with its identification as the vasopressin-regulated urea transporter. In contrast, UT2-mRNA was detected in the late part of descending thin limbs of short loops of Henle and in the inner medullary part of descending thin limbs of long loops of Henle. This localization is consistent with the predicted role of UT2 in medullary urea recycling. Thus, in conjunction with foregoing physiological studies, our data indicate that these transporters play central roles in the urinary concentrating mechanism.
Microlocalization and effects of adrenomedullin in nephron segments and in mesangial cells of the rat
Authors: Owada A. , Nonoguchi H. , Terada Y. , Marumo F. , Tomita K.
Published: December 2017

We examined microlocalization of mRNA coding for adrenomedullin (AM), using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the effects of AM on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) generation and water transport in microdissected rat nephron segments. We also examined intraglomerular site of the expression of AM and AM-stimulated cAMP generation in cultured rat mesangial cells (MC). RT-PCR demonstrated the signals for AM mRNA in glomerulus (Glm), cortical collecting duct (CCD), outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD), and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) but not in proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) or medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL). AM (10(-7) M) stimulated cAMP generation in Glm >> CCD = IMCD > OMCD but not in PCT or MTAL, which corresponded to the results of the expression of AM mRNA. AM (10(-8) M) slightly increased osmotic water permeability by 24% in perfused terminal IMCD. Northern blot analysis revealed high expression of AM mRNA in MC. AM (10(-7) M) stimulated cAMP generation in MC both in the presence and absence of fetal calf serum, suggesting that AM-dependent cAMP generation was evident both in cycling MC and in quiescent MC. AM may work as a diuretic peptide mainly by increasing glomerular filtration rate via cAMP in MC.
UTP and ATP induce different membrane voltage responses in rat mesangial cells
Authors: Huber-Lang M. , Fischer K. G. , Gloy J. , Schollmeyer P. , Kramer-Guth A. , Greger R. , Pavenstadt H.
Published: December 2017

UTP and ATP induce different membrane voltage responses in rat mesangial cells. Recent studies have indicated that UTP and ATP might modulate mesangial cell function in a different manner. Here we compared the effect of UTP and ATP on membrane voltage (Vm) and ion currents in mesangial cells in primary culture, and we examined whether different nucleotide receptors are involved. In patch-clamp experiments in the fast whole cell configuration, UTP (in contrast to ATP) caused a sustained and concentration-dependent depolarization (half-maximal effective dose, 10(-5) M), but ATP caused only a transient depolarization. During the depolarization, UTP induced a sustained increase of the whole cell conductance (Gm), whereas ATP induced only a transient increase of Gm. When cells were dialyzed with Cs2SO4 and extracellular Cl- was replaced by 145 mM sodium gluconate, addition of UTP or ATP (both 10(-4) M) did not significantly increase Gm. Addition of ATP in the presence of UTP caused an additional depolarization by 5 mV, which was followed by a hyperpolarization by 21 mV. Repetitive application of ATP led to an attenuation of the ATP-induced depolarization. Then, in the presence of ATP, UTP still induced a significant depolarization by 10 mV. Suramine and reactive blue 2 did not inhibit the depolarization induced by UTP, but these inhibited the Vm response to ATP. In microfluorescence experiments, UTP and ATP caused a concentration-dependent increase of the intracellular calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) in mesangial cells. Application of both UTP and ATP had no additive effect on [Ca2+]i. The results suggest that mesangial cells possess, in addition to P2y purinoceptors, separate nucleotide receptors for UTP.
Disassociation of oxidant-induced ATP depletion and DNA damage from early cytotoxicity in LLC-PK1 cells
Authors: Andreoli S. P. , Mallett C. P.
Published: December 2017

To determine the mechanism(s) of oxidant-mediated cell lysis in renal tubular epithelial cells, we determined ATP depletion, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and cytotoxicity in LLC-PK1 cells exposed to 500 microM hydrogen peroxide for 1 h with and without inhibitors of lipid peroxidation including a lazaroid compound, 2-methylaminochroman (2-MAC), and Trolox, a vitamin E analog. ATP levels were determined by luciferin-luciferase, DNA damage by the alkaline unwinding technique, lipid peroxidation by the generation of malondialdehyde, and early cytotoxicity (5 h) by the release of 51Cr, whereas late cytotoxicity (24 h) was determined by release of [3H]leucine from prelabeled cells. Cells exposed to 500 microM hydrogen peroxide demonstrated significant (P < 0.01) ATP depletion, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation, followed by cell death at 5 h. Concentrations of 0.1–25 microM 2-MAC or 25–500 microM Trolox each markedly and significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited lipid peroxidation and early cytotoxicity but had little to no effect on ATP depletion or DNA damage. Thus oxidant-stressed cells remained intact for several hours despite significant ATP depletion and DNA damage when lipid peroxidation was inhibited with the antioxidant compounds. At 24 h, 2-MAG and Trolox had lost their protective effect, suggesting that mechanisms other than lipid peroxidation play a role in later cytotoxicity. We conclude that ATP depletion and DNA damage are not the primary mediators of early cytotoxicity following oxidant stress, whereas lipid peroxidation plays an central role in mediating early cytotoxicity following oxidant injury.
Endothelial cells protect vascular smooth muscle cells from H2O2 attack
Authors: Linas S. L. , Repine J. E.
Published: December 2017

Endothelial-dependent vascular responses are altered in ischemic acute renal failure. Oxidants formed during reperfusion of ischemic kidneys injure the renal microvasculature and prevent recovery of renal function. To determine whether endothelial cells (EC) modulate oxidant attack on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), rat mesenteric artery VSMC were grown on coverslips and then coincubated with bovine pulmonary artery EC grown in wells. In the absence of EC, H2O2 caused time- and concentration-dependent increases in VSMC injury as indicated by release of [3H]adenine. In contrast, addition of EC reduced H2O2-mediated (5 mM, 1 h) VSMC adenine release from 63.8 +/- 4.5% to 28.6 +/- 2.9% (P < 0.001). The protective effect of EC did not occur when H2O2 was added to the surface of VSMC unopposed to EC and was partially reversed when EC were treated with aminotriazole to inactivate catalase (41.7 +/- 2.7%). To determine whether EC nitric oxide (NO) modified H2O2 attack on VSMC, EC were treated with N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). The protective effect of EC was partially abrogated with L-NNA (53.8 +/- 4.3%). Treatment of EC with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) for 24 h prior to coincubation with VSMC enhanced the protective effect of EC. IL-1 beta-induced protection was reversed with L-NNA. No protection was observed when VSMC were treated with 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, forskolin, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Our conclusions are as follows. VSMC are protected by EC from luminal but not contraluminal oxidant attack. The protective effect of EC is mediated by catalase- and NO-dependent inactivation of oxidants. EC dysfunction could account for renal injury caused by oxidants formed during reperfusion of ischemic kidneys.
Decreased potassium stimulates bone resorption
Authors: Bushinsky D. A. , Riordon D. R. , Chan J. S. , Krieger N. S.
Published: December 2017

Metabolic acidosis induces net calcium efflux (JCa+) from cultured bone, in part, through an increase in osteoclastic resorption and a decrease in osteoblastic formation. In humans provision of base as potassium (K+) citrate, but not sodium (Na+) citrate, reduces urine Ca (UCa), and oral KHCO3 decreases bone resorption and UCa in postmenopausal women. Potassium deprivation alone leads to an increase in UCa. To determine whether decreased extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]) at a constant pH, PCO2, and [HCO-3] alters JCa+ and bone cell activity, we measured JCa+, osteoblastic collagen synthesis, and osteoclastic beta-glucuronidase release from neonatal mouse calvariae cultured for 48 h in medium of varying [K+]. Calvariae were cultured in control medium (approximately 4 mM [K+]) or medium with mildly low K+ (MLK, approximately 3 mM [K+]), very low K+ (VLK, approximately 2 mM [K+]), or extremely low K+ (ELK, approximately 1 mM [K+]) (n > or = 9 in each group). Compared with control, ELK, but not MLK or VLK, resulted in a marked increase in JCa+ and an increase in beta-glucuronidase release and a decrease in collagen synthesis. JCa+ was correlated directly with medium beta-glucuronidase activity and inversely with collagen synthesis. To determine whether the reduction in medium [K+] was associated with a decrease in intracellular pH (pHi), we measured pHi in MC3T3-E1 cells, a mouse osteoblastic cell line. Incubation in 1 mM [K+] led to a significant decrease in pHi compared with 3 mM [K+]. Thus incubation in a reduced [K+] medium stimulates JCa+ and osteoclastic enzyme release and inhibits osteoblastic collagen synthesis, which may be mediated by a reduction in bone cell pH.
Parathyroid hormone inhibits Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase through Gq/G11 and the calcium-independent phospholipase A2
Authors: Derrickson B. H. , Mandel L. J.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that the 3–34 analog of parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes a 15–30% inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) activity in rat renal proximal tubules through the generation of an increase in intracellular arachidonic acid, followed by its conversion to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) [C. P. Ribeiro and L. J. Mandel. Am. J. Physiol. 262 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 31): F209-F216, 1992; and C. P. Ribeiro, G. Dubay, J. R. Falk, and L. J. Mandel. Am. J. Physiol. 266 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 35): F497-F505, 1994]. The present study also uses proximal tubule suspensions to further elucidate this signaling pathway. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), 500 microM, an inhibitor of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins), and an anti-Gq/G11 antibody (1:500) both blocked the inhibition of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by PTH-(3–34). Furthermore, a 42-kDa protein was identified in proximal tubules by the anti-Gq/G11 antibody (1:1,000). Bromoenol lactone (BEL), 1 microM, a suicide inhibitor of the calcium-independent 40-kDa phospholipase A2 (PLA2), prevented PTH-(3–34) inhibition of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, unless exogenous 10 microM 20-HETE was added. In addition, BEL blocked the PTH-(3–34)-induced increase in arachidonic acid release in the proximal tubules. We conclude that a member of the Gq family and the calcium-independent 40-kDa PLA2 participate in the PTH-(3–34) signaling pathway in rat proximal tubules by mediating the steps between the binding of PTH-(3–34) to its receptor and the subsequent generation of arachidonic acid.
Chronic hypoxia induces LLC-PK1 cell proliferation and dedifferentiation by the activation of protein kinase C
Authors: Sahai A. , Mei C. , Zavosh A. , Tannen R. L.
Published: December 2017

The effect of chronic hypoxia on the proliferation and dedifferentiation of LLC-PK1 cells was examined. Cultures were exposed either to hypoxia (3% O2) or normoxia (18% O2), and [3H]thymidine incorporation, cell number, and sodium-dependent glucose (Na/Glc) uptakes were assessed. Cultures exposed to hypoxia for 16 h significantly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation followed by a significant increase in cell number both at 24 and 48 h in comparison with respective normoxic controls. Cultures exposed to 24 and 72 h of hypoxia exhibited significant inhibition of Na/Glc uptake when compared with their respective normoxic counterparts. Significant inhibition of cell ATP levels were observed under hypoxic conditions. Acute reoxygenation of hypoxic cells normalized cell ATP levels without any effect on the Na/Glc uptake. Hypoxia also activated protein kinase C (PKC) at 1 and 4 h followed by a subsequent return to baseline with reactivation at 24 h, which remained sustained up to 72 h, suggesting both acute and sustained activation of PKC. Furthermore, the hypoxia-induced alterations in [3H]thymidine incorporation as well as Na/Glc uptake were mitigated by inhibitors of PKC. These results indicate that chronic hypoxia induces both proliferation and dedifferentiation of LLC-PK1 cells mediated, in part, by the activation of PKC.
Specific coupling of a cation-sensing receptor to G protein alpha-subunits in MDCK cells
Authors: Arthur J. M. , Collinsworth G. P. , Gettys T. W. , Quarles L. D. , Raymond J. R.
Published: December 2017

Extracellular cations such as Ca2+ stimulate a G protein-coupled, cation-sensing receptor (CaR). We used microphysiometry to determine whether an extracellular cation-sensing mechanism exists in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The CaR agonists Ca2+ and Gd3+ caused cellular activation in a concentration-dependent manner. mRNA for the CaR was identified by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using nested CaR-specific primers, identification of an appropriately located restriction site, and sequencing of the subcloned fragment obtained by PCR. G protein activation was evaluated using the GTP photoaffinity label [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanalide (AA-GTP). After stimulation with Gd3+ and cross-linking, plasma membranes were solubilized and immunoprecipitated with antisera specific for Gq/11 alpha and Gi alpha family members. Gd3+ increased incorporation of AA-GTP into Gq/11 alpha precipitates by 146 +/- 48% and into G alpha i-2 and G alpha i-3 to a lesser extent but not into G alpha i-1. Direct effects of Gd3+ on the G proteins were ruled out using partially purified mammalian G proteins expressed in Escherichia coli or Sf9 cells. We conclude that MDCK cells possess a cell-surface CaR that activates Gq/11 alpha, G alpha i-2, and G alpha i-3 but not G alpha i-1.
Role of renal nerves and endogenous dopamine in amino acid-induced glomerular hyperfiltration
Authors: Muhlbauer B. , Spohr F. , Schmidt R. , Osswald H.
Published: December 2017

The present study was performed to clarify whether urinary dopamine excretion (UDAV) and renal nerves are involved in the increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) induced by amino acid (AA) infusion. In thiopental-anesthetized rats, L-phenylalanine-free solutions of 10 AA (10%) either with (AATyr, n = 10) or without (AA0, n = 10) L-tyrosine (0.5%) were infused. Compared with baseline values, AATyr increased GFR from 0.83 +/- 0.05 to 1.00 +/- 0.04 ml.min-1.100 g-1 (P < 0.01) and UDAV almost fivefold from 5.81 +/- 0.46 to 28.1 +/- 7.4 pmol.min-1.100 g-1 (P < 0.01). In contrast, infusion of AAo increased GFR as did AATyr but did not significantly change UDAV. The DA2-receptor antagonist S(-)-sulpiride dose-dependently (0.5 to 15 micrograms.min-1.100 g-1) inhibited the GFR response to AA infusion but did not affect UDAV. In rats that had undergone chronic bilateral renal denervation (DNX), the AA-induced hyperfiltration was abolished completely, regardless of whether L-tyrosine was present. DNX did not affect basal UDAV, but the increase in UDAV in response to AATyr was attenuated compared with rats with innervated kidneys. Renal sodium excretion was increased almost twofold due to AA infusion and did not correlate with UDAV significantly. The data suggest 1) that urinary dopamine does not play a significant role in the regulation of kidney function, 2) that renal innervation is essential in the GFR response to systemic AA infusion, and 3) that a dopaminergic mechanism apart from tubular dopamine excretion is involved as well.
Immunohistochemical localization of ANG II AT1 receptor in adult rat kidney using a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Harrison-Bernard L. M. , Navar L. G. , Ho M. M. , Vinson G. P. , el-Dahr S. S.
Published: December 2017

Molecular and functional studies have suggested that AT1 receptors are present in most nephron segments, yet direct demonstration of AT1 at these sites is lacking. The present study was performed to determine the intrarenal localization of the AT1 receptor utilizing a monoclonal anti-peptide (amino acid residues 8-17) antibody (6313/G2) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Western blot analysis of kidney protein extracts showed a predominant 41-kDa immunoreactive band corresponding to the molecular weight of the deduced cDNA sequence. To determine optimal fixation conditions, kidney tissues were immersion fixed in Bouin's solution, 10% buffered Formalin, or 4% paraformaldehyde. Specificity of immunostaining was documented by preadsorption of the antibody with the immunogenic peptide sequence. Prominent AT1 immunostaining was visualized in the proximal tubule brush-border and basolateral membranes. In addition, distal tubules, cortical and medullary collecting ducts, and the renal arterial vasculature exhibited specific immunoreactivity. Glomerular staining for AT1 was observed in mesangial cells and podocytes. Macula densa cells stained positively. Similar localization of the AT1 receptor was obtained using the three tissue fixation methods, although the intensity of vascular and glomerular staining was highest in Bouin-fixed tissues. The present study demonstrates that the AT1 receptor is more widely distributed along the nephron than previously described and includes renal vascular smooth muscle and proximal and distal epithelial sites.
Induction of molecular chaperones by hyperosmotic stress in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells
Authors: Rauchman M. I. , Pullman J. , Gullans S. R.
Published: December 2017

The extreme hyperosmotic conditions that exist in the renal inner medulla enable the urinary concentrating mechanism to function. In this study, we evaluated whether stress-related molecular chaperones are induced in response to hyperosmotic stress in mouse inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD3) cells. Exposure of cells to medium supplemented with 100 mM NaCl for 4 or 24 h resulted in an increase in heat shock protein-72 (HSP-72) (inducible form) by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the increase of HSP-72 and showed that hyperosmotic stress resulted in a localization of HSP-72 predominantly to the nucleoplasm that surrounds the nucleoli and to the cytoplasm, a subcellular distribution pattern different from that seen with heat shock. Using a denatured protein (casein)-affinity column with ATP elution, we identified a number of putative molecular chaperones (46, 60, 78, and 200 kDa) that are upregulated in response to 4 h of hyperosmotic NaCl treatment. Microsequencing identified one of these proteins to be the mitochondrial chaperone mtHSP-70, a member of HSP-70 family, and another to be similar to beta-actin. We also found high levels of HSP-72 in cells chronically adapted to hypertonicity, indicating that chaperones are still required to maintain certain cellular functions even after nonperturbing organic osmolytes are known to accumulate. These results suggest an important role for molecular chaperones in the adaptation of renal medullary epithelial cells to the hyperosmotic conditions that exist in the inner medulla in vivo.
Role of protein kinase C in beta 2-adrenoceptor function in cultured rat proximal tubule epithelial cells
Authors: Singh H. , Linas S. L.
Published: December 2017

Renal sodium excretion is regulated by the adrenergic system. We recently demonstrated the presence of functional beta 2-adrenoceptors (beta 2-AR) in cultured rat proximal tubule epithelial cells beta 2-AR activation resulted in increases in Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) activity and transcellular sodium transport as a consequence of increased apical sodium entry. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of protein kinase C (PKC) on beta 2-AR-dependent increases in Na-K-ATPase activity and sodium transport in proximal tubules. To determine the effect of PKC on basal function, cultured rat proximal tubule cells were exposed to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA increased apical Na entry (+/-80%), decreased Na-K-ATPase activity (+/-25%), and prevented increases in Na-K-ATPase activity after sodium entry facilitation with monensin. Decreases in Na-K-ATPase activity were associated with decreases in sodium transport (+/-30%). To determine whether beta 2-AR function was transduced by PKC, PKC activity was measured in cells exposed to the selective beta 2-AR agonist metaproterenol. Metaproterenol caused increases in PKC activity, which were blocked by a beta 2-AR but not by a beta 1-AR-receptor antagonist. beta 2-AR-dependent increases in apical Na entry, Na-K-ATPase activity, and sodium transport were blocked by calphostin C or staurosporine. To determine whether PKC had additional effects on beta 2-AR function, cells were exposed to metaproterenol and PMA. Metaproterenol-induced increases in Na-K-ATPase activity and sodium transport were blocked by PMA. In conclusion, beta 2-AR-mediated increases in Na-K-ATPase activity and sodium flux are transduced by PKC acting through increases in apical Na entry. However, activation of PKC by phorbol esters inhibits beta 2-AR-dependent increases in Na-K-ATPase activity and sodium transport.
Expression of carbonic anhydrase IV in carbonic anhydrase II-deficient mice
Authors: Brion L. P. , Cammer W. , Satlin L. M. , Suarez C. , Zavilowitz B. J. , Schuster V. L.
Published: December 2017

Chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) in the rabbit upregulates carbonic anhydrase (CA) IV in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). This study was designed to assess CA IV expression in a model of CMA in the mouse, i.e., congenital deficiency in CA II [CA(II)D]. In female CA(II)D mice, CA IV specific activity but not CA IV immunoreactivity was upregulated in the renal cortex, specifically in microdissected PCTs. Western blot analysis showed higher expression of CA IV immunoreactive protein in renal membranes from males than in those from females.
Afferent arteriolar responses to ANG II involve activation of PLA2 and modulation by lipoxygenase and P-450 pathways
Authors: Imig J. D. , Deichmann P. C.
Published: December 2017

Activation of angiotensin receptors activates phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in various tissues, resulting in the release of arachidonic acid and formation of vasoactive metabolites. The present study examined the role of the lipoxygenase and cytochrome P-450 pathways by evaluating the effects of PLA2, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and epoxygenase inhibition on the afferent arteriolar responses to angiotensin II (ANG II) and norepinephrine in the vitro perfused rat juxtamedullary nephron preparation. ANG II (0.01-100 nM) resulted in a dose-dependent afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction ranging from 3 +/- 1 to 32 +/- 2% (n = 47). Norepinephrine at 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 microM also decreased afferent arteriolar diameter by 5 +/- 1, 17 +/- 1, and 34 +/- 2%, respectively (n = 43). In the presence of arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3, 20 microM), a PLA2 inhibitor, afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction to ANG II (100 nM) was attenuated, and the diameter decreased by 23 +/- 4% (n = 7). The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 microM), and the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, NS-398 (10 microM), did not affect the afferent arteriolar response to ANG II. The lipoxygenase inhibitor biacalein (1 microM) attenuated the afferent arteriolar response to ANG II, and vessel diameter decreased by 11 +/- 5% (n = 6) in response to 100 nM ANG II. On the other hand, miconazole (1 microM), a selective epoxygenase inhibitor, enhanced the afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction to 100 nM ANG II. 17-Octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA, 1 microM), an inhibitor of hydroxylase and epoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid, also increased the responsiveness of the afferent arteriole. PLA2, lipoxygenase, or cytochrome P-450 inhibition had no effect on the afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction to norepinephrine. The afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (0.1 microM) was enhanced by indomethacin or NS-398, and diameter decreased by 25 +/- 3% and 28 +/- 4%, respectively. Results of this study suggest that metabolites of the cyclooxygenase pathway attenuate the afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor effect of norepinephrine. Furthermore, these data suggest that activation of PLA2 is involved in part of the afferent arteriolar response to ANG II and that metabolites of the lipoxygenase pathway augment and metabolites of the epoxygenase pathway attenuate the afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor effect of ANG II.
Induction of calcyclin after ischemic injury to rat kidney
Authors: Lewington A. J. , Padanilam B. J. , Hammerman M. R.
Published: December 2017

Genes differentially expressed after acute renal ischemic injury were identified using differential display-polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR). Messenger RNA for calcyclin, a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, is increased in kidneys by 6 h following ischemic injury to rats compared with sham surgery. The level of calcyclin mRNA is increased 10-fold by 1 day postinjury and declines thereafter. In situ hybridization demonstrates little calcyclin mRNA in kidneys of sham-operated rats. However, calcyclin protein is present in glomeruli and distal tubules (DT). Compared with kidneys from sham-operated controls, both calcyclin mRNA and protein expression are increased at 1-3 days following ischemic injury in the thick ascending limb of Henle, the DT, and in damaged regenerating segments of proximal tubules. By 7 days postischemia there is a reduction in mRNA and protein expression. Calcyclin could play a role in the regulation of renal cell proliferation and regeneration in the recovery process after acute ischemic injury.
Molecular configuration and glomerular size selectivity in healthy and nephrotic humans
Authors: Blouch K. , Deen W. M. , Fauvel J. P. , Bialek J. , Derby G. , Myers B. D.
Published: December 2017

We studied eight healthy volunteers and eight nephrotic subjects to compare the glomerular sieving coefficients (theta) of dextran, a linear polymer of glucopyranose, with those of Ficoll, a spherical polysucrose. Over a molecular radius (rs) interval of 20-70 A, theta for a given Ficoll was uniformly lower than corresponding theta for a dextran of equivalent rs. For each macromolecular species, the theta of molecules with rs > 50 A was selectively enhanced in nephrotic vs. healthy subjects. Analysis of either dextran or Ficoll sieving curves with pore theory revealed the glomerular barrier to have a bimodal pore size distribution: a lower mode of restrictive pores with a lognormal distribution of radii and an upper mode of large shuntlike pores. Nephrotics differed from controls in that the lower mode was broadened and shifted to pores of smaller mean size, but the prominence of shuntlike pores was enhanced by an order of magnitude. Both the mean radius of restrictive pores and the magnitude of the shunt pathway were substantially smaller when estimated from Ficoll than dextran sieving. We interpret the more realistic values for pore parameters derived from Ficoll than dextran sieving to indicate 1) that the normal glomerular barrier prevents albuminuria by virtue of a combination of both charge- and size-selective properties and 2) that a combined impairment of both barrier charge selectivity and size selectively are required to account for the observed level and composition of proteinuria in our nephrotic subjects.
cAMP mediates homologous downregulation of PAF receptor mRNA expression in mesangial cells
Authors: Nakao A. , Watanabe T. , Bitoh H. , Imaki H. , Suzuki T. , Asano K. , Taniguchi S. , Nosaka K. , Shimizu T. , Kurokawa K.
Published: December 2017

To clarify the molecular mechanism and significance of homologous desensitization of platelet-activating factor (PAF) signaling, we examined the effect of PAF on PAF receptor mRNA expression in rat mesangial cells by Northern blot analysis. Treatment of the cells with PAF (10(-7)-10(-8) M) reduced the expression of PAF receptor mRNA in 1 h, and this reduction was recovered by pretreatment of mesangial cells with a specific PAF receptor antagonist, WEB-2086 (10(-6) M), or a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10(-6) M), for 10 min. PAF-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation was measured by radioimmunoassays specific for each substance. Reduction of PAF receptor mRNA expression was mimicked by treatment of the cells with PGE2 (10(-6) M) or dibutyryl-cAMP (10(-3) M), a cell-permeable analog of cAMP. These results, taken together, suggest that PAF receptor mRNA expression is downregulated by exposure to PAF in cultured mesangial cells. This homologous downregulation is mediated by cAMP production through PGE2 synthesis.
Positional cloning of the PEX gene: new insights into the pathophysiology of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets
Authors: Econs Michael J. , Francis Fiona
Published: December 2017

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (HYP) is the most common form of hereditary renal phosphate wasting. The hallmarks of this disease are isolated renal phosphate wasting with inappropriately normal calcitriol concentrations and a mineralization defect in bone. Studies in the Hyp mouse, one of the murine models of the human disease, suggest that there is an ∼50% decrease in both message and protein of NPT-2, the predominant sodium-phosphate cotransporter in the proximal tubule. However, human NPT-2 maps to chromosome 5q35, indicating that it is not the disease gene. Positional cloning studies have led to the identification of a gene, PEX, which is responsible for the disorder. Further studies have led to identification of the murine Pex gene, which is mutated in the murine models of the disorder. These studies, in concert with other studies, have led to improved understanding of the pathophysiology of HYP and a new appreciation for the complexity of normal phosphate homeostasis.
PGE2-mediated cytoprotection in renal epithelial cells: evidence for a pharmacologically distinct receptor
Authors: Weber Thomas J. , Monks Terrence J. , Lau Serrine S.
Published: December 2017

Although the exact mechanism of prostaglandin E2(PGE2)-mediated cytoprotection has not been elucidated, its ability to induce cytoprotection in cell culture suggests this action occurs at the cellular level. The present studies were conducted to determine whether PGE2induces protection against 2,3,5-(trisglutathion- S-yl)-hydroquinone [2,3,5-(trisglutathion- S-yl)-HQ]-mediated cytotoxicity in a renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line (LLC-PK1) and to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with this response. Pretreatment of LLC-PK1cells with 0.01–40 μM PGE2for 24 h fully protects against a moderately toxic concentration of 2,3,5-(trisglutathion- S-yl)-HQ. PGE2-mediated cytoprotection is observed in cells pretreated at pH 7.4 but not at pH 7.8. However, cytoprotection is observed in LLC-PK1cells pretreated with the PGE2analog, 11-deoxy-16,16-dimethyl PGE2(DDM-PGE2) but not with the PGE2receptor [E-prostanoid (EP)] agonists 17-phenyltrinor PGE2(EP1), 11-deoxy PGE1(EP2/EP4), sulprostone (EP1/EP3), PGE1, or PGA2. 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent activator of protein kinase C (PKC), also induces cytoprotection, supporting a role for this pathway in the cytoprotective response. PGE2, DDM-PGE2, and TPA all induce the binding of nuclear proteins to a TPA responsive element (TRE), whereas analogs that did not induce cytoprotection (PGE1, 17-phenyltrinor PGE2, sulprostone) were without effect. DDM-PGE2- and TPA-mediated cytoprotection and TRE binding activity are inhibited by N-(2{[3-(4-bromophenyl)-2-propenyl]-amino}-ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89), a PKC inhibitor. These data suggest that cytoprotection by PGE2and DDM-PGE2in LLC-PK1cells is mediated by a PKC-coupled receptor, which is pharmacologically distinct from the presently classified EP receptor subtypes.
Early role of Fsp1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation
Authors: Okada Hirokazu , Danoff Theodore M. , Kalluri Raghuram , Neilson Eric G.
Published: December 2017

A seamless plasticity exists among cells shifting between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes during early development and again later, in adult tissues, following wound repair or organ remodeling in response to injury. Fsp1, a gene encoding a fibroblast-specific protein associated with mesenchymal cell morphology and motility, is expressed during epithelial-mesenchymal transformations (EMT) in vivo. In the current study, we identified several cytokines that induce Fsp1 in cultured epithelial cells. A combination of these factors, however, was most efficacious at completing the process of EMT. The optimal combination identified were two of the cytokines classically associated with fibrosis, i.e., transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). To confirm that it was the induction of Fsp1 by these cytokines mediating EMT, we used antisense oligomers to block Fsp1 production and subsequently measured cell motility and markers of EMT phenotype. The antisense oligomers suppressed Fsp1 expression and epithelial transformation; therefore, we conclude that the appearance of Fsp1 is an important early event in the pathway toward EMT.
Lysophosphatidic acid: a novel growth and survival factor for renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Levine Jerrold S. , Koh Jason S. , Triaca Veronica , Lieberthal Wilfred
Published: December 2017

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the smallest and structurally simplest of all glycerophospholipids. LPA is a normal constituent of serum and binds with high affinity to albumin while retaining its biological activity. The effects of LPA are pleiotropic and range from mitogenesis to stress fiber formation. In this report, we demonstrate two novel functions for LPA. LPA acts as a survival factor to inhibit apoptosis of primary cultures of mouse renal proximal tubular (MPT) cells. LPA also acts as a potent mitogen for MPT cells. The ability of LPA to act as both a survival factor and a mitogen is mediated by the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), since these activities were completely blocked by wortmannin or LY-294002, two structurally dissimilar inhibitors of PI3K. The identification of LPA as a proliferative and anti-apoptotic factor suggests a potential role for this lipid mediator during the injury and/or recovery phases following tubular damage.
Effect of luminal angiotensin II on rabbit proximal convoluted tubule bicarbonate absorption
Authors: Baum Michel , Quigley Raymond , Quan Albert
Published: December 2017

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the effect of luminal angiotensin II on proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) volume absorption and bicarbonate transport. Neither 10−11 M, 10−10 M, nor 2 × 10−8 M luminal angiotensin II significantly affected PCT transport. When tubules were first perfused with enalaprilat to inhibit endogenous angiotensin II production, addition of 10−10 M luminal angiotensin II increased volume absorption (0.72 ± 0.08 vs. 0.86 ± 0.07 nl ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.01) and bicarbonate transport (52.3 ± 3.7 vs. 67.9 ± 4.2 pmol ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.01). Addition of 10−6 M losartan, an AT1 inhibitor, to the luminal perfusate inhibited volume absorption (0.95 ± 0.14 vs. 0.72 ± 0.11 nl ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.05) and bicarbonate transport (65.0 ± 7.3 vs. 54.7 ± 9.2 pmol ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.05). Addition of 10−4 M luminal PD-123319, an AT2 inhibitor, was without effect. In tubules perfused with 10−4 M luminal enalaprilat and 10−4 M luminal PD-123319, addition of 10−10M luminal angiotensin II in the experimental period resulted in a stimulation in volume absorption (0.61 ± 0.08 vs. 0.81 ± 0.10 nl ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.01) and bicarbonate transport (49.9 ± 6.3 vs. 77.4 ± 14.3 pmol ⋅ mm−1 ⋅ min−1, P < 0.01). In tubules perfused with 10−6 M losartan and 10−4 M enalaprilat, addition of luminal 10−10 M angiotensin II resulted in no change in transport. These data are consistent with endogenous angiotensin II affecting PCT bicarbonate transport in vitro via luminal AT1receptors.