bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of ANG II receptor and its mRNA in normal rat by low-protein feeding
Authors: Benabe J. E. , Wang S. , Wilcox J. N. , Martinez-Maldonado M.
Published: December 2017

Pages F660–F669: J. E. Benabe, S. Wang, J. N. Wilcox, and M. Martinez-Maldonado. “Modulation of ANG II receptor and its mRNA in normal rat by low-protein feeding.” Page F662, Table 1: for the third group (NP), the value for renal vascular resistance is incorrect and should be 9± 1 dyn·s·cmx−5; also for the NP group, the plasma retin activity is incorrectly expressed as a negative value and should be 10.1±1.3 ng·ml−1·h−1.
Endothelin stimulates phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis through both PLC and PLD pathways in mesangial cells
Authors: Baldi E. , Musial A. , Kester M.
Published: December 2017

Endothelin (ET) is a recently characterized vasoconstrictor hormone that has potent effects on glomerular function. Many vasoconstrictors, like ET, that stimulate phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides also stimulate phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) hydrolysis via both PLC and phospholipase D (PLD) pathways. We have previously reported that ET stimulates a protein kinase C (PKC)-regulated, intracellular calcium-insensitive PLD activity that forms phosphatidic acid (PA) in rat mesangial cells (MC). We now ask whether ET-induced diglyceride (DG) production is also, in part, a result of either PLC- or PLD-induced hydrolysis of PtdCho. ET induced both a time- and dose-dependent stimulation in DG as measured by radioflux and mass assays. ET-stimulated DG production was still elevated even at time points where inositol polyphosphates had returned to basal levels. In addition, using [3H]choline-labeled cells, ET stimulated [3H]phosphocholine accumulation, suggesting a PLC-mediated hydrolysis of PtdCho. Stimulation of DG was unaffected by the presence of ethanol or propranolol, suggesting that ET-stimulated DG were not a result of a sequential PLD/PA phosphohydrolase activity. We further dissociated PtdCho-dependent PLC and PLD activities because, in contrast to ET-induced stimulation of PLD, the effect of ET on DG formation was mimicked with ionomycin and was inhibited with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid but not ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. ET stimulation of DG could not be mimicked by phorbol myristate acetate and was not blocked by PKC inhibition or depletion. Together, these data suggest that ET stimulates multiple signaling pathways in MC that hydrolyze PtdCho via separate PLC and PLD mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ca(2+)-dependent activation of T-type Ca2+ channels by calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Lu H. K. , Fern R. J. , Nee J. J. , Barrett P. Q.
Published: December 2017

The T-type Ca2+ channel is unique among voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in its low threshold for opening and its slow kinetics of deactivation. Here, we evaluate the importance of intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+) in promoting low-threshold gating of T-type channels in adrenal glomerulosa cells. We observe that 390 nM to 1.27 microM Cai2+ enhances T-type current by shifting the voltage dependence of channel activation to more negative potentials. This Ca(2+)-induced shift is mediated by calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), because it is abolished by inhibitors of CaMKII but not of protein kinase C and is subsequently restored by exogenous calmodulin. This Ca(2+)-induced reduction in gating threshold would render T-type Ca2+ channels uniquely suited to transduce depolarizing stimuli of low amplitude into a Ca2+ signal sufficient to support a physiological response.
Insulin enhances sodium sensitivity of Na-K-ATPase in isolated rat proximal convoluted tubule
Authors: Feraille E. , Carranza M. L. , Rousselot M. , Favre H.
Published: December 2017

Insulin has been shown to stimulate the rate of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb influx in the isolated rat proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). To study the mechanism of this activation of Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase), we determined the actions of insulin on 1) the maximal activity (Vmax) of Na-K-ATPase hydrolytic activity; 2) the maximal rate of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb influx (after intracellular Na loading); 3) the rate of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb influx under conditions where intracellular Na concentration is rate limiting, either in the presence or in the absence of 5 x 10(-4) M amiloride and/or low extracellular Na concentration (3 mM); and 4) the Na sensitivity of the Na-K-ATPase hydrolytic activity. The maximal rates of Na-K-ATPase hydrolytic activity and of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake were unchanged by insulin. In contrast, we confirmed that insulin enhanced 86Rb uptake (in peq.mm-1.min-1) in the absence of inhibitor of the Na/H exchanger [18.2 +/- 1.7 to 24.1 +/- 1.3 (SE), P < 0.03] and, in addition, demonstrated a similar stimulation in the presence of either 5 x 10(-4) M amiloride (7.2 +/- 0.6 to 10.7 +/- 0.9, P < 0.01), 3 mM extracellular Na (4.1 +/- 0.4 to 5.6 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05), and both amiloride and 3 mM extracellular Na (2.1 +/- 0.7 to 4.5 +/- 0.4, P < 0.03). Finally, insulin increased the sensitivity of Na-K-ATPase to Na as the apparent dissociation constant decreased from 46.5 +/- 5.3 to 27.6 +/- 3.0 mM (P < 0.03).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Functional expression of human renal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in insect cells
Authors: Loo T. W. , Clarke D. M.
Published: December 2017

The cDNA coding for the human renal isoform of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was cloned from a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293) using a polymerase chain reaction strategy. It was found by sequence analysis that the cDNA encoded for a human kidney isoform of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The kidney isoform is nearly identical to the human cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger except for a segment of amino acids within the predicted cytoplasmic loop region of the molecule. Within this region, the kidney isoform contains a deletion of 36 amino acids, as well as a segment of 33 amino acids that is only 33% identical to the equivalent region of the cardiac exchanger. The cDNA was then tested for function by expression in insect cells. We constructed a recombinant baculovirus containing renal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger cDNA under control of the polyhedrin promoter. High levels of expression and Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity were found in Sf9 insect cells infected with the recombinant virus. Our results indicate that human kidney expresses a functional and alternatively spliced variant of the human cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.
Juxtamedullary microvascular dysfunction during the hyperfiltration stage of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ohishi K. , Okwueze M. I. , Vari R. C. , Carmines P. K.
Published: December 2017

This study was designed to identify and localize defects in renal microvascular function during the hyperfiltration stage of diabetes mellitus. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenously with 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (IDDM rats) or vehicle (sham rats). IDDM rats received insulin (3 U.kg-1.day-1) via an osmotic minipump; sham rats received diluent. During the ensuing 2-wk period, blood glucose levels averaged 89 +/- 2 mg/dl in 33 sham rats and 290 +/- 13 mg/dl in 37 IDDM rats. At the end of this period, inulin clearance was elevated in eight IDDM rats (1.43 +/- 0.17 ml.min-1.g kidney wt-1) compared with six sham rats (0.78 +/- 0.05 ml.min-1.g kidney wt-1). The remaining animals served as tissue donors for study of the renal microvasculature using the in vitro blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. Kidneys from sham and IDDM rats were perfused with homologous blood at a renal arterial pressure of 110 mmHg. Juxtamedullary single-nephron glomerular filtration rate was higher in IDDM rats (41.5 +/- 5.4 nl/min) than in sham rats (25.4 +/- 2.4 nl/min). Afferent arteriolar inside diameter was greater in IDDM rats (34 +/- 2 microns) than in sham rats (22 +/- 1 microns); however, efferent arteriolar diameter did not differ between groups. The afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (NE) was attenuated in IDDM rats, relative to sham rats, over a wide range of NE concentrations. In contrast, NE evoked similar degrees of efferent vasoconstriction in IDDM and sham rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cytokines and L-arginine in renal injury and repair
Authors: Ketteler M. , Border W. A. , Noble N. A.
Published: December 2017

Advances in molecular biology have identified cytokines as mediators of pathophysiological changes in chronic renal disease. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerular and interstitial fibrosis, whereas platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is involved in proliferative changes in chronic progressive renal diseases. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukins are expressed in experimental models of renal disease and are causes of inflammation and cell migration. Cytokines act by many different mechanisms, and one target of their action may be L-arginine metabolism. Since the discovery of the effector molecule nitric oxide (NO), generated from L-arginine, knowledge of this pathway has increased dramatically. It became evident that the L-arginine/NO pathway is of major importance in the regulation of hemodynamics and neurotransmission, in host defense against intracellular microorganisms, and in immunologic tissue injury. This pathway is induced by proinflammatory cytokines and possibly regulated by TGF-beta and PDGF. L-Arginine is also metabolized to L-ornithine, which can be processed to polyamines or to L-proline. As polyamines are important mediators of cell growth and L-proline is a substrate for collagen synthesis, both pathways, once activated, may be important in repair processes. It is likely that cytokines and L-arginine metabolism are interconnected and that both are involved in the inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrogenesis processes in the kidney. Dietary protein restriction in progressive renal diseases may substantially affect both systems. This review summarizes current knowledge about interactions of cytokines and L-arginine metabolism and the relevance to renal diseases.
Regional expression of hepatocyte growth factor/c-met in experimental renal hypertrophy and hyperplasia
Authors: Joannidis M. , Spokes K. , Nakamura T. , Faletto D. , Cantley L. G.
Published: December 2017

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, c-met, have been found to increase in the whole kidney of the rat following several types of renal injury or renal hypertrophy. In an attempt to determine whether the upregulation of this growth factor and its receptor is selective for the regions of greatest anatomic change, and therefore likely to be important in regulating renal tubular hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy, we examined their expression in liver, whole kidney, and subsections of the kidney following either sham operation, transient ischemia of one kidney, or unilateral nephrectomy. The message for HGF was increased in both liver and kidney by all surgical procedures tested, including sham operation, and was seen predominantly in the outer cortex, the site of least morphological change. However, c-met was not upregulated by sham operation or in the liver, but rather was selectively upregulated only in the kidney in both the hypertrophy and hyperplasia (ischemia/reflow) models. Renal subsections revealed that this increase was confined to the renal medulla, with the greatest change in the outer medulla. Thus induction of the message for HGF can occur nonselectively and at sites distant to the injurious stimulus, whereas the target for HGF, c-met, is upregulated selectively at the site of greatest tubular injury or hypertrophy. These results support a role for HGF/c-met in regulation of these renal tubular events.
Mechanisms of recovery from mechanical injury of renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Sponsel H. T. , Breckon R. , Hammond W. , Anderson R. J.
Published: December 2017

The mechanism(s) whereby a denuded renal tubular epithelial cell surface becomes reestablished remains unknown. We therefore measured the rate of renewal of mechanical wounds made in confluent monolayers of two established renal tubular epithelial cell lines. We found that wounds of MDCK cells heal at a faster rate than wounds of LLC-PK1 cells. The magnitude of wound healing did not differ when cells grown on plastic were compared with cells grown on fibronectin, laminin, or collagen. Irradiation (4,000 rads) of MDCK and LLC-PK1 cells significantly reduced indexes of proliferation (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and thymidine uptake) without affecting wound healing. Serum and epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhance whereas transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) impairs wound healing. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulates wound healing at low concentrations and inhibits healing at high concentrations in MDCK cells while not affecting healing of LLC-PK1 cell wounds at any concentration. Several interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, and IL-6) did not affect wound healing in either cell type. Healing of LLC-PK1 but not MDCK cells was impaired by exposure to a peptide containing a RGD sequence. Conversely, healing of MDCK but not LLC-PK1 cells was impaired by the REDV tetrapeptide. Healing of both LLC-PK1 and MDCK was impaired by heparin but not by the LDVPS peptide. These results demonstrate that mechanical wounds of LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells heal, at least in part, by migration. Healing is regulated by serum and growth factors including EGF, HGF, and TGF-beta 1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of mitogenesis, motogenesis, and tubulogenesis by hepatocyte growth factor in renal collecting duct cells
Authors: Cantley L. G. , Barros E. J. , Gandhi M. , Rauchman M. , Nigam S. K.
Published: December 2017

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been implicated in branching tubulogenesis of the developing kidney and in response to renal injury. We therefore examined the effects of response to renal injury. We therefore examined the effects of HGF on a recently described murine inner medullary collecting duct epithelial cell line (mIMCD-3 cells) in comparison with Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. HGF induced mitosis, scattering, and tubulogenesis in both mIMCD-3 cells and MDCK cells. However, mIMCD-3 cells underwent branching tubulogenesis under matrix conditions that did not support these morphogenetic changes in MDCK cells, suggesting substantial differences in regulation of tubulogenesis in these two cell types. In quiescent mIMCD-3 cells, the high-affinity receptor for HGF, c-met, was expressed in a nonphosphorylated state. After stimulation with HGF, there was a > 10-fold increase in receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and selective association with at least two intracellular proteins, including the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase. Thus mIMCD-3 cells, which undergo HGF-dependent mitosis, scattering, and branching tubulogenesis, express the c-met receptor in a highly regulated state and therefore should make an excellent model for examining the mechanisms of HGF-dependent tubulogenesis in the renal collecting duct.
Expression of plasminogen/plasmin receptors on human glomerular epithelial cells
Authors: Becquemont L. , Nguyen G. , Peraldi M. N. , He C. J. , Sraer J. D. , Rondeau E.
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study was to display plasminogen/plasmin receptors on human glomerular epithelial cell (HGEC) membranes and to determine the properties of receptor-bound plasminogen at the cell surface. Using an immortalized human glomerular epithelial cell line (E71-A1), we found a specific, saturable, and reversible binding of 125I-labeled plasminogen and 125I-labeled plasmin to HGEC that involved the lysine binding sites of both ligands. 125I-plasminogen and 125I-plasmin bound to the same receptors with different affinities: Kd = 1.20 +/- 0.08 and 0.30 +/- 0.05 microM, respectively (P < 0.001). The number of binding sites per cell was 6.00 +/- 0.56 x 10(6) for plasminogen and 2.00 +/- 0.47 x 10(6) for plasmin (P < 0.05). Similar receptor affinities were found on isolated glomeruli, on immortalized and nonimmortalized HGEC, and on purified HGEC membranes. The apparent kinetic constants of plasminogen activation by receptor-bound urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) compared with solution-phase u-PA [Michaelis constant (Km) = 0.80 +/- 0.54 vs. 3.15 +/- 0.78 microM, P < 0.0001; catalytic constant (kcat) = 0.39 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.29 s-1, not significant; kcat/Km = 0.57 +/- 0.35 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.11 microM-1.s-1, P < 0.05, respectively] showed a higher efficiency of plasminogen activation at the cell surface. When measured by a chromogenic assay using S22-51, receptor-bound plasmin activity on HGEC was partly protected from its inhibitor, alpha-2-antiplasmin, whereas solution-phase plasmin was not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cloning and expression of a renal Na-Pi cotransport system from flounder
Authors: Werner A. , Murer H. , Kinne R. K.
Published: December 2017

Starting with the recently published sequence of the rat renal Na-Pi cotransport system, we have cloned a corresponding cDNA from the kidney of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), designated flounder NaPi-II. Expression of the cognate in vitro transcribed RNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes stimulated Na-dependent Pi transport specifically and in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Apparent affinities of Na and Pi, as well as the pH dependency, were very similar to those found for the mammalian systems. The flounder NaPi-II cDNA is 2,424 base pairs long and encodes a protein of 637 amino acids. The hydropathy plot predicts eight transmembrane spanning domains. In these regions the flounder NaPi-II-deduced protein shows high homology (approximately 80%, identity, approximately 92% similarity) with the amino acid sequences reported for mammalian NaPi-II proteins. However, in the hydrophilic parts of flounder NaPi-II protein, only minimal similarity could be found between fish and mammalian systems (30% homology, 45% similarity). Northern blot analysis with flounder NaPi-II cDNA as a probe confirmed this finding: even under nonstringent washing conditions, no cross-hybridization with mRNA from rat renal cortex was observed. Interestingly, flounder intestine was found to contain high levels of mRNA corresponding to NaPi-II. Supplementary bands of 1.9 and 4.2 kb were observed on Northern blots of renal and intestinal tissue. The close functional relationship of the flounder NaPi-II protein with the previously described Na-Pi cotransport systems and the pronounced differences on the level of their primary structures provide the tools for detailed structure-function analysis of Na-Pi cotransport.
Role of nitric oxide (EDRF) in radiocontrast acute renal failure in rats
Authors: Schwartz D. , Blum M. , Peer G. , Wollman Y. , Maree A. , Serban I. , Grosskopf I. , Cabili S. , Levo Y. , Iaina A.
Published: December 2017

This study was undertaken to examine the possible role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), identified as nitric oxide (NO), in the pathogenesis of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure in rats. Normal and salt-depleted rats were monitored for 60 min or 24 h after radiocontrast administration. The administration of L-arginine to normal rats abolished the immediate decrease in p-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH) and attenuated the decrease in inulin clearance (CIn). The administration of NO synthase inhibitor to the salt-depleted animals resulted in a significantly more pronounced decrease in CPAH compared with both the control and the L-arginine-treated animals. The recovery of CIn 24 h after radiocontrast administration to the salt-depleted rats was significantly better in the L-arginine-treated rats than in either the control or inhibitor-treated groups. The administration of radiocontrast material resulted in a significant decrease in urinary guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate as well as NO2 + NO3 excretion. This decrease was significantly attenuated by L-arginine. Our results 1) suggest that NO plays a major role in the pathogenesis of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure and 2) suggest a novel therapeutic approach, i.e., the use of L-arginine in this form of acute renal failure.
Characterization of the beta 2-microglobulin endocytic pathway in rat proximal tubule cells
Authors: Sundin D. P. , Cohen M. , Dahl R. , Falk S. , Molitoris B. A.
Published: December 2017

The uptake mechanism(s) of low-molecular-weight proteins by proximal tubule cells remains incompletely characterized. We utilized a biochemical and semiquantitative morphological approach to better characterize the endocytic pathway of an anionic protein, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), in the rat proximal tubule. Indirect immunogold techniques revealed beta 2M was taken up via a classic receptor-mediated endocytic pathway. In vitro biochemical and morphological characterization of iodinated beta 2M and gold-conjugated beta 2M (gold-beta 2M) binding to isolated brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) documented specific and quantitatively similar binding interactions of the modified beta 2M with BBMV. Kinetic characterization of the in vivo endocytic pathway of gold-beta 2M was undertaken using microinfusion of individual tubules. beta 2M initially bound at the apical surface, was internalized into subapical coated vesicles and delivered to endosomal-like structures within 5 min, and, finally, was concentrated in lysosomal-like structures within 15 min. This uptake was inhibited by excess unconjugated beta 2M. In addition, we directly showed that uptake did not occur across the basolateral surface. Finally, by passing solubilized BBMV over beta 2M affinity columns we were able to isolate binding activity.
Glomerular hemodynamics in cell-free and erythrocyte-perfused isolated rat kidney
Authors: Gabbai F. B. , Peterson O. W. , Khang S. , Wilson C. B. , Blantz R. C.
Published: December 2017

The cell-free isolated perfused kidney (IPK) is characterized by normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and very low filtration fraction (FF). Addition of erythrocytes to the perfusate (IEPK) increases FF while maintaining "normal" GFR levels. Micropuncture studies were performed in IPK and IEPK to establish the determinants of the glomerular ultrafiltration process responsible for low FF in IPK and to evaluate the impact of the addition of erythrocytes on these determinants. Nephron filtration rate was similar in IPK and IEPK (40 +/- 4 vs. 39 +/- 4 nl/min), whereas nephron perfusate flow was significantly higher in IPK (1,247 +/- 100 vs. 112 +/- 13 nl/min), leading to a superficial nephron FF of 3.4 +/- 0.2% in IPK and 36 +/- 2% in IEPK. Glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PG) and transcapillary hydrostatic pressure gradient (delta P) were 53 +/- 2 and 33 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively, in IPK and 51 +/- 3 and 34 +/- 2 mmHg in IEPK, all normal values. Glomerular arteriolar resistances were significantly lower in IPK than in IEPK, and the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient (LpA) was significantly lower in IPK (0.053 +/- 0.010 vs. 0.100 +/- 0.020 nl.s-1.mmHg-1), but both values are within the normal in vivo range. These results demonstrate that low FF in IPK is not due to decreased delta P or LpA values but to the high renal perfusion rate required to maintain normal PG and delta P values. Addition of erythrocytes increases glomerular arteriolar resistances and restores glomerular hemodynamics to a pattern nearly identical to in vivo conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adaptive responses to Na(+)-coupled solute transport and osmotic cell swelling in salamander proximal tubule
Authors: Weinstein S. W. , Clausen C.
Published: December 2017

Measurements of basolateral membrane potential and relative K+ conductance were performed in isolated perfused proximal tubules from Ambystoma. To investigate adaptive increases in basolateral membrane K+ conductance (gK) associated with Na(+)-solute cotransport, measurements were made comparing transport of glucose and alanine, with changes caused by hypotonicity- and solute-induced cell swelling. Luminal perfusion with alanine produced results consistent with an adaptive increase in gK; perfusion with glucose failed to show this response. Hypotonic peritubular solutions also produced results consistent with an adaptive increase in gK, but isosmotic increases of peritubular glucose sufficient to swell the cells failed to produce this. No changes in the responses to luminal perfusion with alanine or glucose were induced by hypotonic peritubular solutions. With a high concentration of glucose in isosmotic peritubular solutions, perfusion of the lumen with glucose now produced results consistent with an adaptive increase in gK. Isosmotic peritubular solutions containing urea produced adaptive changes similar to those observed using hypotonic peritubular solutions, but when glucose was subsequently added to the lumen, no further adaptive response occurred. We conclude that cell swelling alone is insufficient to explain the mechanisms involved in the adaptive responses of gK occurring during Na(+)-solute cotransport in the salamander proximal tubule.
ATP-sensitive K(+)-selective channels of inner medullary collecting duct cells
Authors: Sansom S. C. , Mougouris T. , Ono S. , DuBose T. D.
Published: December 2017

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) in vivo has the capacity to either secrete or reabsorb K+. However, a selective K+ conductance has not been described previously in the IMCD. In the present study, the patch-clamp method was used to determine the presence and properties of K(+)-selective channels in the apical membrane of the inner medullary collecting duct cell line, mIMCD-3. Two types of K(+)-selective channels were observed in both cell-attached and excised patches. The most predominant K+ channel, a smaller conductance K+ channel (SK), was present in cell-attached patches with 140 mM KCl (high bath K+) but not with 135 mM NaCl plus 5 mM KCl (low bath K+) in the bathing solution. The single-channel conductance of SK was 36 pS with inward currents and 29 pS with outward currents in symmetrical 140 mM KCl. SK was insensitive to both voltage and Ca2+. However, SK was inhibited significantly by millimolar concentrations of ATP in excised patches. A second K(+)-selective channel [a larger K+ channel (BK)] displayed a single-channel conductance equal to 132 pS with inward currents and 90 pS with outward currents in symmetrical 140 mM KCl solutions. BK was intermittently activated in excised inside-out patches by Mg(2+)-ATP in concentrations from 1 to 5 mM. With complete removal of Mg2+, BK was insensitive to ATP. BK was also insensitive to potential and Ca2+ and was observed in cell-attached patches with 140 mM KCl in the bath solution. Both channels were blocked reversibly by 1 mM Ba2+ from the intracellular surface but not by external Ba2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Extracellular acidosis minimizes actin cytoskeletal alterations during ATP depletion
Authors: Fish E. M. , Molitoris B. A.
Published: December 2017

Extracellular acidosis has been shown to be protective during ischemia in renal tubule cells. However, the mechanism of protection remains unknown. Since ischemia leads to disruption and polymerization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, we hypothesized acidosis may better preserve the actin cytoskeleton during ischemia. Therefore, the purpose of our studies was to examine the effect of pH on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton during ATP depletion and ATP repletion. To do this, we used an in vitro model of reversible ATP depletion in LLC-PK1 cells at extracellular pH values (pHo) of 6.9, 7.4, and 7.9. Immunofluorescent studies with rhodamine-phalloidin demonstrated more marked redistribution and clumping of cortical actin at pHo 7.9 and 7.4 vs. 6.9 after 90 min of chemical anoxia. After 15 min of ATP depletion, G-actin, quantified by the deoxyribonuclease assay, decreased from 53.7 +/- 0.8 to 43.2 +/- 1.5 microgram/mg protein at pHo 6.9 vs. 37.6 +/- 1.8 microgram/mg protein at pHo 7.4 (P < 0.001). After 60 min, there still was significantly less conversion of G-actin to F-actin at pHo 6.9 vs. 7.4, with a decrease from 55.9 +/- 2.0 to 39.6 +/- 2.0 micrograms/mg protein at 6.9 vs. 35.8 +/- 2.4 at 7.4 micrograms/mg protein (P < 0.05). Furthermore, extracellular acidosis during the phase of ATP repletion resulted in more rapid normalization of cellular G-actin levels (95 +/- 3% of control vs. 82 +/- 2% for pH 6.9 vs. 7.4, respectively, P < 0.01). Together, these findings indicate the actin cytoskeleton is better preserved in an acidic environment during ATP depletion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improved analysis of picomole quantities of lithium, sodium, and potassium in biological fluids
Authors: Shalmi M. , Kibble J. D. , Day J. P. , Christensen P. , Atherton J. C.
Published: December 2017

The analysis of picomolar lithium, sodium, and potassium by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry was studied using a Perkin-Elmer Zeeman 3030 spectrophotometer. With ordinary pyrolytically coated graphite tubes, a number of interference effects associated with the sample matrix were observed. In particular, the lithium and potassium absorbance signal was depressed by chloride, an effect shown to be dependent on the preatomization heating. When an in situ tantalum-coated atomization surface was used, matrix interferences observed in lithium and potassium analyses were abolished, and the linear range for the potassium assay was extended. Technical difficulties encountered during sodium analysis at the primary wavelength were effectively circumvented by analysis at a less-sensitive wavelength (303.3 nm), at which tantalum coating also prevented significant chloride interference. The improved microanalyses were employed to reevaluate the handling of lithium, sodium, and potassium along the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the anesthetized rat. The average tubular fluid-to-plasma concentration ratios for lithium [(TF/P)Li] and sodium [(TF/P)Na] were 1.13 +/- 0.08, n = 26, and 0.99 +/- 0.07 (n = 26), respectively. The tubular fluid-to-plasma ultrafiltrate concentration ratio for potassium [(TF/UF)K] was 1.09 +/- 0.05 (n = 13). Ratios did not change significantly with puncture site along the PCT for any of the ions. (TF/P)Li and (TF/UF)K were significantly greater than (TF/P)Na, indicating that lithium and potassium reabsorption do not directly parallel sodium reabsorption in the PCT.
Effect of amino acid infusion on renal hemodynamics in humans: a dose-response study
Authors: Giordano M. , Castellino P. , McConnell E. L. , DeFronzo R. A.
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the dose-response relationship between the plasma amino acid (AA) concentration and renal hemodynamics in eight normal subjects. After an overnight fast, a balanced 10% AA solution was infused for 180 min at five separate infusion rates: 0.5 (group I), 1.0 (group II), 2.0 (group III), 4.0 (group IV), and 6.0 (group V) ml.kg-1.min-1 on separate days. Basal plasma AA concentration was 1.87 +/- 0.1 mmol/l and increased to 2.26 +/- 0.1 (group I), 2.66 +/- 0.2 (group II), 3.79 +/- 0.5 (group III), 5.81 +/- 0.4 (group IV), and 7.41 +/- 0.4 mmol/l (group V). Basal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) averaged 95 +/- 4 and 476 +/- 29 ml.1.73 m-2.min-1, respectively, and rose to 98 +/- 5 and 506 +/- 40 (group I) [P = not significant (NS)], 102 +/- 3 and 533 +/- 30 (group II) (P < 0.05 vs. basal), 110 +/- 4 and 567 +/- 29 (group III), 115 +/- 7 and 610 +/- 55 (group IV), and 117 +/- 7 and 614 +/- 66 ml.1.73 m-2.min-1 (group V) (P = NS vs. group IV). Basal plasma glucagon concentration averaged 68 +/- 10 pg/ml and increased to 74 +/- 10 (group I), 83 +/- 11 (group II) (P < 0.05 vs. basal), 100 +/- 14 (group III), 121 +/- 14 (group IV), and 229 +/- 35 pg/ml (group V) (P < 0.01 vs. basal). Increases in plasma growth hormone (GH) and insulin levels were observed only during groups IV and V.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coordinate regulation of 11 beta-HSD and Ke 6 genes in cpk mouse: implications for steroid metabolic defect in PKD
Authors: Aziz N. , Maxwell M. M. , Brenner B. M.
Published: December 2017

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by multiple renal cysts, which ultimately result in renal failure. We have reported the identification of a new gene, Ke 6, within the major histocompatibility complex, which is downregulated in two different mouse models of heritable PKD (N. Aziz, M. Maxwell, B. St.-Jacques, and B.M. Brenner. Mol. Cell. Biol. 13: 1847-1853, 1993). The Ke 6 gene gives rise to two transcripts, Ke 6a and Ke 6b. Ke 6a protein has significant homology to several mammalian and bacterial steroid dehydrogenases. The homology of Ke 6a protein to specific functional domains of the human and rat 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme (11 beta-HSD), which inactivates glucocorticoids, is substantial. We report here that the Ke 6 gene and the 11 beta-HSD gene are regulated in the same aberrant pattern in the cpk mouse. The strong evidence for a critical role of steroids in cystogenesis leads us to propose that a possible elevation of intrahepatic and intrarenal steroid levels occurs in the cpk mouse as a result of repression of steroid metabolic enzymes, which ultimately leads to development of cysts.
Altered renal expression of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4 in experimental diabetes mellitus
Authors: Marcus R. G. , England R. , Nguyen K. , Charron M. J. , Briggs J. P. , Brosius F. C.
Published: December 2017

Because the insulin-responsive glucose transporter, GLUT4, is expressed in renal vascular and glomerular cells, we determined the effects of experimental diabetes mellitus on GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake by these tissues. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction studies of microdissected afferent microvessels and renal glomeruli showed that, after 1 wk of diabetes, GLUT4 mRNA was decreased to 26 and 34% of control values, respectively. GLUT4 immunoblots of renal glomerular and microvessel samples showed that GLUT4 polypeptide was decreased to 51% of control values. These results were confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence, which showed decreased GLUT4 expression in glomerular cells and in vascular smooth muscle cells of the afferent microvasculature of diabetic animals. Uptake of the glucose analogue, 2-deoxyglucose, was also depressed in microvessels of diabetic rats to 57% of control values, supporting the conclusion that fewer total glucose transporters were available for glucose uptake into diabetic renal glomerular and microvascular cells. Thus both GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake by glomerular and microvascular cells are decreased in diabetic animals. These results have led us to suggest a mechanism by which decreased renal GLUT4 expression could contribute to glomerular hyperfiltration and hypertension seen in early diabetes.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide reduces renal vascular resistance and modulates ET-1-induced vasoconstriction
Authors: Amuchastegui C. S. , Remuzzi G. , Perico N.
Published: December 2017

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a novel polypeptide that exerts important effect on the cardiovascular system through its vasorelaxant properties. We studied in vivo in normal rats the effect of acute administration of CGRP on whole kidney function and showed that the intravenous infusion of the peptide resulted in a fall of blood pressure associated with a marked increase in renal plasma flow (RPF) as well as glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These changes were reversible with discontinuation of CGRP infusion. To evaluate whether the renal hemodynamic responses to the peptide were mediated by endogenous vasodilatory prostaglandins of endothelial origin, animals were preexposed to indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor. Inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis with indomethacin failed, however, to prevent the increase in RPF and GFR observed during CGRP infusion. By contrast, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), which inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide, a newly discovered endothelium-derived relaxing factor, completely abolished the renal hemodynamic changes induced by CGRP. Moreover, L-arginine infusion in L-NAME-treated rats restored the renal response to CGRP. We have also shown that systemic infusion of CGRP progressively normalized RPF and GFR that were reduced in response to a bolus intravenous injection of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1. This indicates that CGRP regulates renal hemodynamics and modulates the deleterious effects of vasoconstrictive substances on the kidney.
Cellular distribution of 125I-endothelin-1 binding in rat kidney following in vivo labeling
Authors: Dean R. , Zhuo J. , Alcorn D. , Casley D. , Mendelsohn F. A.
Published: December 2017

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors have previously been demonstrated in the rat kidney by in vitro autoradiography and in cultured renal cell lines by radioreceptor assay, but the precise cellular localization of these receptors under in vivo conditions remains to be determined. We performed electron microscopic autoradiography on rat kidney following intravenous administration of 125I-labeled ET-1. In vivo autoradiographs revealed binding patterns identical to those previously demonstrated following in vitro labeling. Light microscopic autoradiography showed that silver grains occurred exclusively overlaying glomeruli and peritubular capillaries in the cortex, inner stripe of the outer medulla, and the inner medulla. At the electron microscopic level, ET-1 binding was specifically localized to the fenestrated endothelium of glomerular and peritubular capillaries, and to a lesser extent to the vasa recta. No significant grains were seen on mesangial or visceral epithelial cells; nor were any seen on the cells of proximal tubule, the thick and thin limbs of the loop of Henle, the medullary collecting ducts, and renal interstitial cells. These results indicate that the endothelial cells of glomerular and peritubular capillaries are the primary target for the circulating ET-1 in the rat kidney and suggest an autocrine and/or paracrine function of locally synthesized ET-1 in vivo in both physiological and pathophysiological states.
Osmotic barrier of the parietal peritoneum
Authors: Flessner M. F.
Published: December 2017

Fluid movement into the peritoneal cavity results after instillation of a hypertonic solution. Some investigators have assumed that the peritoneum is a significant barrier to small solutes and have predicted that fluid would be drawn by an osmotic gradient into the cavity from the tissue surrounding the peritoneal cavity, resulting in tissue hydrostatic pressures well below atmospheric pressure. Contrary to this, we have previously shown that protein and fluid cross the peritoneum and enter the tissue at the same rate during either isotonic or hypertonic dialysis. To investigate the nature of the osmotic barrier of the peritoneum, the hydrostatic pressure profiles were measured in the abdominal wall of the rat during conditions of either isotonicity or hypertonicity in the peritoneal cavity and constant intraperitoneal hydrostatic pressure (Pip). Measurements were made with a micropipette mounted on a micromanipulator and connected to a servo-null pressure measurement system. No interstitial pressures below atmospheric pressure were observed with either type of solution in the peritoneal cavity. For the three Pip values tested, there were few significant differences between the corresponding pressure profiles of isotonic or hypertonic solutions. It is concluded that the parietal peritoneum is not a functional barrier to small solutes, which are often used to raise the osmolality of intraperitoneal solutions. This finding also implies that the tissue interstitium underlying the parietal peritoneum is not the source of water flow into the cavity, which is observed during hypertonic dialysis.
Energy transfer assays of rat renal cortical endosomal fusion: evidence for superfusion
Authors: Hammond T. G. , Majewski R. R. , Muse K. E. , Oberley T. D. , Morrissey L. W. , Amendt-Raduege A. M.
Published: December 2017

The complex of components necessary to allow endosomal fusion includes both membrane-bound receptors and several soluble proteins. Although these factors have been isolated from cultured cell lines, and endosomal fusion has been reconstituted in vitro for vesicular systems from yeast to synaptosomes, there is a paucity of data from mammalian systems. To investigate fusion in rat renal cortical endosomes, we began by developing a fusion assay. As the immunoglobulin and avidin-based probes almost universally employed in fusion assays are excluded by the glomerular ultrafiltration barrier, it was necessary to begin by finding ultrafilterable probes which could serve as a fusion assay. We labeled the apical endosomal pathway of the renal proximal tubule by intravenous infusion of ultrafilterable fluorescent dextrans. Energy transfer from entrapped fluorescein-dextran to rhodamine-dextran had a narrow concentration dependence but allowed fluorometric assay of endosomal fusion. The “spectroscopic ruler” property of energy transfer, whereby it will only occur at < 60 A, makes fusion measurements unequivocal. The energy transfer efficiency of fluorometric (48 +/- 1%) and flow cytometry (57 +/- 1%) assays were close to the theoretical optimum (57%). Energy transfer is detected as a decrease in fluorescence of the fluorescein donor and an increase in fluorescence of the rhodamine acceptor. Our endosomal fusion assay was utilized to determine the optimal conditions for fusion of rat renal cortical light endosomes and heavy endosomes. Independent measurements of fluorescein-dextran and rhodamine-dextran on an endosome-by-endosome basis using dual-beam two-color flow cytometry demonstrated that each fusion event involves multiple endosomes rather than a single pair of endosomes. Electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the average vesicle diameter was five times larger in the fused heavy endosomal fractions compared with control fractions without fusion. Hence, fusion of mammalian renal cortical endosomes reconstituted in vitro is consistent with multiple fusion events dubbed superfusion.
Differential effects of extracellular anions on renin secretion from isolated perfused rat kidneys
Authors: Scholz H. , Gotz K. H. , Hamann M. , Kurtz A.
Published: December 2017

We investigated the relevance of anions for the regulation of renin secretion from the kidneys. For this purpose we measured renin release from isolated rat kidneys that were perfused with medium containing either 120 mmol/l (normal) chloride or 95 mmol/l of isethionate, acetate, or nitrate anions in exchange for equimolar amounts of chloride. Lowering the extracellular chloride concentration by either of these maneuvers significantly enhanced renin secretion rates (RSR) at a perfusion pressure of 100 mmHg. Increasing pressure above 100 mmHg inhibited renin release in the presence of isethionate and acetate but not with nitrate anions. The renin stimulatory effects of isethionate and acetate but not that of nitrate anions disappeared in the presence of bumetanide (100 mumol/l), an inhibitor of macula densa chloride transport. Activation of renin secretion by isethionate and acetate was blunted with 100 pmol/l angiotensin II (ANG II), whereas tenfold higher concentrations of ANG II were required to attenuate the effect of nitrate ions. The amount of renin released in the presence of nitrate was fully additive to RSR values obtained with maximally effective doses of isoproterenol. These findings are consistent with the idea that impermeant anions such as isethionate and acetate enhance renin secretion from the kidneys predominantly via the tubular macula densa mechanism. The stimulatory influence of membrane-permeable nitrate anions appears to involve additional pathways and is mediated by a decreased calcium sensitivity of the renin secretory process rather than resulting from an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent action.
Chronic, intermittent loading alters mechanosensitive channel characteristics in osteoblast-like cells
Authors: Duncan R. L. , Hruska K. A.
Published: December 2017

The effects of chronic, intermittent strain on the mechanosensitive cation (SA-cat) channels in UMR-106.01 osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells were studied using patch-clamp techniques. Chronically strained cells demonstrated significantly larger increases in whole cell conductance when subjected to additional mechanical strain than nonstrained controls (69.0 +/- 15.1 vs. 14.1 +/- 3.1%; P < 0.001). This increase could be blocked by the SA-cat channel inhibitor, gadolinium, and corresponded to a three- to fivefold increase in SA-cat channel activity. Chronic strain increased the number of open channels in response to stretch and induced spontaneous SA-cat channel activity in 33% of the patches of strained cells. Graded increases in negative patch pressure demonstrated that SA-cat channels in chronically strained cells were activated at significantly lower levels of mechanical perturbation than nonstrained controls. These data suggest that chronic, cyclic strain reduces the activation threshold of the SA-cat channel and further strengthen our hypothesis that this channel may act as a mechanotransducer for the activation of bone remodeling by physical strain.
Expression of acid-base-related proteins in mesonephric kidney of the rabbit
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Winkler C. A. , Brion L. P. , Schwartz G. J.
Published: December 2017

The mesonephric kidney, precursor to the metanephric kidney, comprises 30-50 nephrons, each with a glomerulus and proximal, distal, and collecting tubules. Although two different cell types have been identified in the mesonephric collecting tubule, no relationship to cells of the metanephric collecting duct has been established. To characterize expression of some of the acid-base-related proteins, we assayed for carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and performed immunocytochemistry in mesonephroi from 15- to 20-day-old fetal rabbits. From total RNA, we detected expression of CA II and CA IV mRNA. Microdissected proximal and collecting tubules abundantly expressed both CA II and CA IV, at least to the extent observed in mature metanephric proximal tubules and collecting ducts. Histochemistry confirmed the expression of CA activity in these segments; in the collecting tubule, 28% of the collecting tubule cells were CA rich. Most CA-rich cells showed apical H(+)-ATPase and basolateral band 3 anion exchanger staining consistent with the findings in mature H(+)-secreting (alpha) intercalated cells of the metanephric collecting duct. CA-negative cells could be labeled with an antibody that identifies mature metanephric principal cells. Thus the mesonephric collecting tubule has many cells resembling mature alpha-intercalated cells and a majority of cells resembling principal cells. The similarity to the metanephric collecting duct suggests that the lineages of metanephric alpha-intercalated and principal cells may be closely related to those of the mesonephros.