bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transepithelial organic anion transport by shark choroid plexus
Authors: Villalobos Alice R. A. , Miller David S. , Renfro J. Larry
Published: March 2015

Spiny dogfish shark ( Squalus acanthias) lateral and IV choroid plexuses (CPs) are ultrastructurally similar to the corresponding tissues of rat. However, shark IV CP is proportionally larger and easily accessible. Moreover, this epithelial sheet can be halved and studied in Ussing flux chambers. We have used confocal fluorescence microscopy and radiotracer techniques to characterize transepithelial transport of the organic anions (OAs) fluorescein (FL) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), respectively, by shark CP. Lateral and IV CP accumulated 1 μM FL, with highest levels in the underlying extracellular spaces, intermediate levels in epithelial cells, and lowest levels in the medium. 2,4-D and probenecid inhibited FL accumulation in cells and extracellular spaces, suggesting that these substrates compete for common carriers. Unidirectional absorptive [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-to-blood] and secretory (blood-to-CSF) fluxes of 10 μM [14C]2,4-D were measured under short-circuited conditions in IV CP mounted in Ussing chambers. 2,4-D underwent net absorption, with an average flux ratio of 7. Probenecid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid reduced net absorption, reversibly inhibiting unidirectional absorption, with no effect on secretion. Ouabain irreversibly reduced net 2,4-D absorption and cellular and extracellular accumulation of FL, suggesting energetic coupling of OA absorption to Na+transport. Collectively, these data indicate that shark CP actively removes OAs from CSF by a process that is specific and active.
Effects of acetylsalicylic acid treatment on thyroid hormones, prolactins, and the stress response of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Authors: van Anholt Rogier D. , Spanings Tom , Koven William , Bonga Sjoerd E. Wendelaar
Published: March 2015

The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway converts arachidonic acid (ArA) into prostaglandins (PGs), which interact with the stress response in mammals and possibly in fish as well. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a COX inhibitor and was used to characterize the effects of PGs on the release of several hormones and the stress response of tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus). Plasma PGE2 was significantly reduced at 100 mg ASA/kg body wt, and both basal PGE2 and cortisol levels correlated negatively with plasma salicylate. Basal plasma 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) was reduced by ASA treatment, whereas prolactin (PRL)188 increased at 100 mg ASA/kg body wt. ASA depressed the cortisol response to the mild stress of 5 min of net confinement. As expected, glucose and lactate were elevated in the stressed control fish, but the responses were blunted by ASA treatment. Gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity was not affected by ASA. Plasma osmolarity increased after confinement in all treatments, whereas sodium only increased at the high ASA dose. This is the first time ASA has been administered to fish in vivo, and the altered hormone release and the inhibition of the acute stress response indicated the involvement of PGs in these processes.
Gastric distension induces c-Fos in medullary GLP-1/2-containing neurons
Authors: Vrang Niels , Phifer Curtis B. , Corkern Michele M. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf
Published: March 2015

A group of neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) processes preproglucagon to glucagon-like peptides (GLP)-1 and -2, peptides that inhibit food intake when administered intracerebroventricularly. The GLP-1/2-containing neural pathways have been suggested to play a role in taste aversion and nausea because LiCl activates these neurons, and LiCl-induced suppression of food intake can be blocked by the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-9. As many gastrointestinal signals related to both satiety and nausea/illness travel via the vagus nerve to the caudal medulla, the present study assessed the capacity of different types of gastric distension (a purely mechanical stimulus) to activate GLP-1 neurons in the caudal NTS. Gastric balloon distension (1.4 ml/min first 5 min, 0.4 ml/min next 5 min, 9 ml total, held for 60 min) in nonanesthetized, freely moving rats produced 12- and 17-fold increases in c-Fos-expressing NTS neurons when distension was mainly in the fundus or corpus, respectively. Fundus and corpus distension increased the percentage of c-Fos-activated GLP-1 neurons to 21 ± 9% and 32 ± 5% compared with 1 ± 1% with sham distension ( P < 0.01). Thus gastric distension that may be considered within the physiological range activates GLP-1/2-containing neurons, suggesting some role in normal satiety. The results support the view that the medullary GLP system is involved in appetite control and is activated by stimuli within the behavioral continuum, ranging from satiety to nausea.
Sleep deprivation decreases glycogen in the cerebellum but not in the cortex of young rats
Authors: Gip Phung , Hagiwara Grace , Ruby Norman F. , Heller H. Craig
Published: March 2015

We tested whether brain glycogen reserves were depleted by sleep deprivation (SD) in Long-Evans rats 20–59 days old. Animals were sleep deprived beginning at lights on and then immediately killed by microwave irradiation. Glycogen and glucose levels were measured by a fluorescence enzymatic assay. In all age groups, SD reduced cerebellar glycogen levels by an average of 26% after 6 h of SD. No changes were observed in the cortex after 6 h of SD, but in the oldest animals, 12 h of SD increased cortical glycogen levels. There was a developmental increase in basal glycogen levels in both the cortex and cerebellum that peaked at 34 days and declined thereafter. Robust differences in cortical and cerebellar glycogen levels in response to enforced waking may reflect regional differences in energy utilization and regulation during wakefulness. These results show that brain glycogen reserves are sensitive to SD.
Modulation of baroreceptor activity by gene transfer of nitric oxide synthase to carotid sinus adventitia
Authors: Meyrelles Silvana S. , Sharma Ram V. , Mao Hui Z. , Abboud Francois M. , Chapleau Mark W.
Published: March 2015

Administration of nitric oxide (NO) or NO donors to isolated carotid sinus and carotid bodies inhibits the activity of baroreceptor and chemoreceptor afferent nerves. Furthermore, NO synthase (NOS) is present in endothelial cells and in sensory nerves innervating the carotid sinus region. The major goal of this study was to determine whether overexpression of NOS in carotid sinus modulates baroreceptor activity. Rabbits were anesthetized, and adenoviral vectors (5 × 108 plaque-forming units) encoding genes for either β-galactosidase (β-Gal) or endothelial type III NOS (eNOS) were applied topically to the adventitial surface of one carotid sinus. In some experiments, the NOS inhibitor N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was applied to the carotid sinus immediately after the vector. Four to five days later, baroreceptor activity and carotid sinus diameter were measured from the vascularly isolated carotid sinus of the anesthetized rabbits. Transgene expression was confirmed by X-Gal staining of β-Gal and measurement of NOS activity by citrulline assay. The expression was restricted to the carotid sinus adventitia. Baroreceptor activity was decreased significantly, and the pressure-activity curve was shifted to higher pressures in eNOS-transduced ( n = 5) compared with β-Gal-transduced ( n = 5) carotid sinuses. The pressure corresponding to 50% of maximum activity averaged 55 ± 6 and 76 ± 7 mmHg in β-Gal- and eNOS-transduced carotid sinuses, respectively ( P < 0.05). Decreased baroreceptor activity was accompanied by a significant increase in carotid diameter in the eNOS-transduced carotid sinuses ( n = 5). l-NAME prevented the inhibition of baroreceptor activity and the increase in carotid diameter in eNOS-transduced carotid sinuses ( n = 5). We conclude that adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of eNOS to carotid sinus adventitia causes sustained, NO-dependent inhibition of baroreceptor activity and resetting of the baroreceptor function curve to higher pressures.
Uniformity in dynamic baroreflex regulation of left and right cardiac sympathetic nerve activities
Authors: Kawada Toru , Uemura Kazunori , Kashihara Koji , Jin Yintie , Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Sugimachi Masaru , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: March 2015

Functional laterality of cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation in chronotropic and inotropic effects is well known. Whether left (LSNA) and right (RSNA) cardiac sympathetic nerve activities show laterality during dynamic baroreflex activation remains to be determined. In nine anesthetized, vagotomized, and aortic-denervated rabbits, we randomly perturbed intracarotid sinus pressure (CSP) in both carotid sinus regions while simultaneously recording LSNA and RSNA. The baroreflex neural arc transfer function from CSP to LSNA and from CSP to RSNA revealed derivative characteristics, i.e., the magnitude of LSNA and RSNA responses became greater as the input frequency of CSP perturbation increased. The average slope of increasing gain in the frequencies between 0.03 and 0.3 Hz showed no difference between LSNA and RSNA responses (9.7 ± 2.9 vs. 9.7 ± 3.1 dB/decade, means ± SD). The amplitude ratio and phase difference between LSNA and RSNA approximated unity and zero radians, respectively, in the frequencies from 0.01 to 1 Hz. In addition, the LSNA-RSNA relationship during stepwise CSP perturbation from 40 to 160 mmHg showed a straight line ( r 2ranged from 0.969 to 0.999). These findings indicate no laterality in the dynamic as well as static baroreflex regulation of LSNA and RSNA as far as grouped axonal activity is concerned.
Integration of hypoxic dilation signaling pathways for skeletal muscle resistance arteries
Authors: Frisbee Jefferson C. , Maier Kristopher G. , Falck John R. , Roman Richard J. , Lombard Julian H.
Published: March 2015

Mediator contributions to hypoxic dilation of rat gracilis muscle resistance arteries were determined by measuring dilation, vascular smooth muscle hyperpolarization, and metabolite production after incremental hypoxia. Nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition abolished responses to mild hypoxia, whereas COX inhibition impaired responses to more severe hypoxia by 77%. Blocking 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) impaired responses to moderate hypoxia. With only NO systems intact, responses were maintained with mild hypoxia (88% normal) mediated via KCachannels. When only COX pathways were intact, responses to moderate-severe hypoxia were largely retained (79% of normal) mediated via KATP channels. Vessel responses to moderate hypoxia were retained with only 20-HETE systems intact mediated via KCa channels. NO production increased 5.6-fold with mild hypoxia; greater hypoxia was without further effect. With increased hypoxia, 20-HETE levels fell to 40% of control values. 6-keto-PGF1α levels were not altered with mild hypoxia, but increased 4.6-fold with severe hypoxia. These results suggest vascular reactivity to progressive hypoxia represents an integration of NO production (mild hypoxia), PGI2 production (severe hypoxia), and reduced 20-HETE levels (moderate hypoxia).
Prolonged aspirin inhibition of anodal vasodilation is not due to the trafficking delay of neural mediators
Authors: Durand S. , Fromy B. , Tartas M. , Jardel A. , Saumet J. L. , Abraham P.
Published: March 2015

We previously reported that forearm vasodilation to a delivered all-at-once over 5 min or a 1-min repeated monopolar anodal 0.10-mA current application is aspirin sensitive and that a single high-dose aspirin exerts a long-lived effect in the former case. We hypothesized that 1) in the latter case, the effect of aspirin would also be long lived and 2) the time required to resupply nerve endings with unblocked cyclooxygenase through axonal transport could explain this phenomenon. We studied the time course for the recovery of vasodilation to repeated current application after placebo or 1-g aspirin treatment. We then searched for a difference at a proximal vs. distal site in the recovery of the response. Aspirin abolished current-induced vasodilation at 2 h, 10 h, and 3 days, with a progressive recovery thereafter, but no difference between distal and proximal site was observed for the recovery of the response. This suggests that, although neural cyclooxygenase could participate in the response, the time course of aspirin inhibition of current-induced cutaneous vasodilation is not due to the time required through neural transport to resupply nerve endings with unblocked proteins.
Cyclooxygenase cloning in dogfish shark,Squalus acanthias, and its role in rectal gland Cl secretion
Authors: Yang T. , Forrest S. J. , Stine N. , Endo Y. , Pasumarthy A. , Castrop H. , Aller S. , Forrest J. N. , Schnermann J. , Briggs J.
Published: March 2015

The present studies were carried out with the aims to determine the cDNA sequence for cyclooxygenase (COX) in an elasmobranch species and to study its role in regulation of chloride secretion in the perfused shark rectal gland (SRG). With the use of long primers (43 bp) derived from regions of homology between zebrafish and rainbow trout COX-2 genes, a 600-bp product was amplified from SRG and was found to be almost equally homologous to mammalian COX-1 and COX-2 (65%). The full-length cDNA sequence was obtained by 5′-RACE and by analyzing an EST clone generated by the EST Project of the Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory Marine DNA Sequencing Center. The longest open reading frame encodes a 593-amino acid protein that has 68 and 64% homology to mammalian COX-1 and COX-2, respectively. The gene and its protein product is designated as shark COX (sCOX). The key residues in the active site (Try385, His388, and Ser530) are conserved between the shark and mammalian COX. sCOX contains Val523that has been shown to be a key residue determining the sensitivity to COX-2-specific inhibitors including NS-398. The mRNA of sCOX, detected by RT-PCR, was found in all tissues tested, including rectal gland, kidney, spleen, gill, liver, brain, and heart, but not in fin. In the perfused SRG, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) at 5 nM induced rapid and marked Cl−secretion (basal: <250 μeq · h−1· g−1; peak response: 3,108 ± 479 μeq · h−1· g−1). In the presence of 50 μM NS-398, both the peak response (2,131 ± 307 μeq · h−1· g−1) and the sustained response to VIP were significantly reduced. When NS-398 was removed, there was a prompt recovery of chloride secretion to control values. In conclusion, we have cloned the first COX in an elasmobranch species (sCOX) and shown that sCOX inhibition suppresses VIP-stimulated chloride secretion in the perfused SRG.
Role of α2-macroglobulin in fever and cytokine responses induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Gourine Alexander V. , Gourine Valery N. , Tesfaigzi Yohannes , Caluwaerts Nathalie , Van Leuven Fred , Kluger Matthew J.
Published: March 2015

α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) is not only a proteinase inhibitor in mammals, but it is also a specific cytokine carrier that binds pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines implicated in fever, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). To define the role of α2M in regulation of febrile and cytokine responses, wild-type mice and mice deficient in α2M (α2M −/−) were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Changes in body temperature as well as plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and hepatic TNF-α mRNA level during fever in α2M −/− mice were compared with those in wild-type control mice. The α2M −/− mice developed a short-term markedly attenuated (ANOVA, P < 0.05) fever in response to LPS (2.5 mg/kg ip) compared with the wild-type mice. At 1.5 h after injection of LPS, the plasma concentration of TNF-α, but not IL-1β or IL-6, was significantly lower (by 58%) in the α2M −/− mice compared with their wild-type controls (ANOVA, P < 0.05). There was no difference in hepatic TNF-α mRNA levels between α2M −/− and wild-type mice 1.5 h after injection of LPS. These data support the hypotheses that 1) α2M is important for the normal development of LPS-induced fever and 2) a putative mechanism of α2M involvement in fever is through the inhibition of TNF-α clearance. These findings indicate a novel physiological role for α2M.
Expression of glycerokinase in brown adipose tissue is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Festuccia W. T. L. , Guerra-Sá R. , Kawashita N. H. , Garófalo M. A. R. , Evangelista E. A. , Rodrigues V. , Kettelhut I. C. , Migliorini R. H.
Published: March 2015

The effect of cold exposure (4°C) or prolonged norepinephrine infusion on the activity and mRNA levels of glycerokinase (GyK) was investigated in rat interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). Cold exposure for 12 and 24 h induced increases of 30% and 100%, respectively, in the activity of BAT GyK, which was paralleled by twofold and fourfold increase in enzyme mRNA levels. BAT hemidenervation resulted in reductions of 50% and 30% in GyK activity and in mRNA levels, respectively, in denervated pads from rats kept at 25°C, and suppressed in these pads the cold-induced increases in both GyK activity and mRNA levels. The increase in GyK activity induced by cold exposure was not affected by phenoxybenzamine, but was markedly inhibited by previous administration of propranolol or actinomycin D. BAT GyK activity did not change significantly after 6 h of continuous subcutaneous infusion of norepinephrine (20 μg/h), but increased twofold and fourfold after 12 and 24 h, with no further increase after 72 h of infusion. Norepinephrine infusion also activated mRNA production, but the effect was comparatively smaller than that on enzyme activity. β-Adrenergic agonists also stimulated GyK activity with the following relative magnitude of response: CL316243 (β3) > isoproterenol (non-selective) > dobutamine (β1). In vitro rates of incorporation of glycerol into glyceride-glycerol were increased in BAT from rats exposed to cold. The data suggest that in conditions of a sustained increase in BAT sympathetic flow there is a stimulation of GyK gene expression at the pretranslational level, with increased enzyme activity, mediated by β-adrenoreceptors, mainly β3.
Selective blockade of lysophosphatidic acid LPA3receptors reduces murine renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Okusa Mark D. , Ye Hong , Huang Liping , Sigismund Laura , Macdonald Timothy , Lynch Kevin R.
Published: March 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) released during ischemia has diverse physiological effects via its G protein-coupled receptors, LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3(formerly Edg-2, -4, and -7). We tested the hypothesis that selective blockade of LPA receptors affords protection from renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. By real-time PCR, LPA1-3receptor mRNAs were expressed in mouse renal cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla with the following rank order LPA3= LPA2> LPA1. In C57BL/6 mice whose kidneys were subjected to ischemia and reperfusion, treatment with a selective LPA3agonist, oleoyl-methoxy phosphothionate (OMPT), enhanced injury. In contrast, a dual LPA1/LPA3-receptor antagonist, VPC-12249, reduced I/R injury, but this protective effect was lost when the antagonist was coadministered with OMPT. Interestingly, delaying administration of VPC-12249 until 30 min after the start of reperfusion did not alter its efficacy significantly. We conclude that VPC-12249 reduces renal I/R injury predominantly by LPA3receptor blockade and could serve as a novel compound in the treatment of ischemia acute renal failure.
Increased expression of H+-ATPase in inner medullary collecting duct of aquaporin-1-deficient mice
Authors: Kim Young-Hee , Kim Jin , Verkman A. S. , Madsen Kirsten M.
Published: March 2015

Phenotype analysis has demonstrated that aquaporin-1 (AQP1) null mice are polyuric and manifest a urinary concentrating defect because of an inability to create a hypertonic medullary interstitium. We report here that deletion of AQP1 is also associated with a decrease in urinary pH from 6.15 ± (SE) 0.1 to 5.63 ± 0.07. To explore the mechanism of the decrease in urinary pH, we examined the expression of H+-ATPase in kidneys of AQP1 null mice. There was strong labeling for H+-ATPase in intercalated cells and proximal tubule cells in both AQP1 null and wild-type mice. Strong H+-ATPase immunostaining was also present in the apical plasma membrane of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells in AQP1 null mice, whereas no H+-ATPase labeling was observed in IMCD cells in wild-type mice. In addition, there was an increase in the prevalence of type A intercalated cells in the IMCD of AQP1 null mice, suggesting that the deletion of intercalated cells from the IMCD, which normally occurs during postnatal kidney development, was impaired. Western blot analysis of H+-ATPase expression in the different regions of the kidney demonstrated a significant increase in H+-ATPase protein in the inner medulla of AQP1 null mice compared with wild-type mice. There were no changes in H+-ATPase expression in the cortex or outer medulla. These results represent the first demonstration of apical H+-ATPase immunoreactivity in IMCD cells in vivo and suggest that the decrease in urinary pH observed in AQP1 null mice is due to upregulation of H+-ATPase in the IMCD. The induction of H+-ATPase expression in IMCD cells of AQP1 null mice may be related to the chronically low interstitial osmolality in these animals. The challenge will be to identify the molecular signal(s) responsible for the de novo H+-ATPase expression.
Hypertonic induction of COX-2 expression in renal medullary epithelial cells requires transactivation of the EGFR
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Tian Wei , Tai Cynthia , Cohen David M.
Published: March 2015

Hypertonic stress increases expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in renal medullary epithelial and interstitial cells. Because hypertonic COX-2 expression is, in part, sensitive to inhibition of the ERK MAPK, an effector of activated receptor tyrosine kinases such as the EGF receptor, we investigated a role for this receptor in signaling to COX-2 expression. Hypertonic stress increased COX-2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels at 6 and 24 h of hypertonic treatment. Two potent, specific inhibitors of the EGF receptor kinase, AG-1478 and PD-153035, abrogated this effect. These inhibitors also blocked the ability of hypertonic stress to increase PGE2release; in addition, they partially blocked tonicity-dependent phosphorylation of ERK but not of the related MAPKs, JNK or p38. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK activation partially blocked tonicity-dependent COX-2 expression. Hypertonic induction of COX-2 was likely transcriptionally mediated, as NaCl stress increased luciferase reporter gene activity under control of the human COX-2 promoter, and this effect was also sensitive to inhibition of the EGF receptor kinase. Metalloproteinase action is required for transactivation of the EGF receptor. Pharmacological inhibition of metalloproteinase function blocked tonicity-inducible COX-2 expression. Furthermore, the effect of hypertonicity on COX-2 expression was also evident in the EGF-responsive Madin-Darby canine kidney and 3T3 cell lines but was virtually absent from the EGF-unresponsive (and EGF receptor null) Chinese hamster-derived CHO cell line. Taken together, these data indicate that hypertonicity-dependent COX-2 expression in medullary epithelial cells requires transactivation of the EGF receptor and, potentially, ectodomain cleavage of an EGF receptor ligand.
Proliferation and osmotic tolerance of renal inner medullary epithelial cells in vivo and in cell culture
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Cai Qi , Michea Luis , Dmitrieva Natalia I. , Andrews Peter , Burg Maurice B.
Published: March 2015

Renal inner medullary (IM) cells survive interstitial osmolality that ranges from 600 to 1,700 mosmol/kgH2O or more. In contrast, much smaller acute changes killed the cells previously studied in tissue culture, such as mouse IM collecting duct 3 (mIMCD3) cells, that are immortalized with SV40 and proliferate rapidly. Proliferation and DNA replication sensitize mIMCD3 cells to hypertonicity. In the present studies, we observed that proliferating cells were scarce in rat IM. Then, we prepared passage 2 mouse IM epithelial (p2mIME) cells. They have a much lower incidence of DNA replication than do mIMCD3 cells. p2mIME cells survive much greater acute increases in NaCl than do mIMCD3 cells and also tolerate significantly greater acute increases of urea and of NaCl plus urea, but still not to levels as high as occur in vivo. We conclude that immortalization and continued DNA replication account for part of the previously observed difference in osmotic tolerance between IM cells in vivo and in cell culture but that other factors must also be involved.
Signaling and distribution of NPR-Bi, the human splice form of the natriuretic peptide receptor type B
Authors: Hirsch Jochen R. , Skutta Nikola , Schlatter Eberhard
Published: March 2015

Recently, we described a splice variant of the human natriuretic peptide receptor type B (NPR-Bi) in human proximal tubule cells [immortalized human kidney epithelial cells (IHKE-1) that lacks a functional guanylate cyclase domain (Hirsch JR, Meyer M, Mägert HJ, Forssmann WG, Mollerup S, Herter P, Weber G, Cermak R, Ankorina-Stark I, Schlatter E, and Kruhøffer M. J Am Soc Nephrol 10: 472–480, 1999). Its signaling pathway does not include cGMP, cAMP, or Ca2+but leads to inhibition of K+channels. In patch-clamp experiments, effects of tyrosine kinase receptor blockers on C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-mediated depolarizations of membrane voltages ( Vm) of IHKE-1 cells were tested. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor blocker genistein (10 μM) abolished the effect of CNP (0.2 ± 0.4 mV, n = 7), and comparable results were obtained with 10 μM daidzein ( n = 8). Aminogenistein (10 μM, n = 5) and tyrphostin AG1295 (10 μM, n = 5) had no significant effects. EGF (1 nM) hyperpolarized cells by –5.3 ± 0.8 mV ( n = 5). This effect was completely blocked by genistein or daidzein. The Cl–channel blocker NPPB (10 μM, n = 5) inhibited the EGF-mediated hyperpolarization. mRNA expression of NPR-B and NPR-Bi shows reversed patterns along the human nephron. NPR-B is highly expressed in glomeruli and proximal tubules, whereas NPR-Bi shows strong signals in the distal nephron. Expression of NPR-Bi in the cortical collecting duct was also confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In other human tissues, NPR-Bi shows strongest expression in pancreas and lung, whereas in the heart and liver NPR-B is the dominating receptor. In conclusion, CNP inhibits an apical K+channel in IHKE-1 cells independently of cGMP and so far this effect can only be blocked by genistein and daidzein. Tyrosine phosphorylation might be the missing link in the signaling pathway of CNP/NPR-Bi.
Localization of the ammonium transporter proteins RhBG and RhCG in mouse kidney
Authors: Verlander Jill W. , Miller R. Tyler , Frank Amy E. , Royaux Ines E. , Kim Young-Hee , Weiner I. David
Published: March 2015

Ammonia is both produced and transported by renal epithelial cells, and it regulates renal ion transport. Recent studies have identified a family of putative ammonium transporters; mRNA for two members of this family, Rh B-glycoprotein (RhBG) and Rh C-glycoprotein (RhCG), is expressed in the kidney. The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular location of RhBG and RhCG protein in the mouse kidney. We generated RhBG- and RhCG-specific anti-peptide antibodies. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that both proteins were expressed in the mouse kidney. RhBG localization with immunohistochemistry revealed discrete basolateral labeling in the connecting segment (CNT) and in the majority of initial collecting tubule (ICT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. In the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) only a subpopulation of cells exhibited basolateral immunoreactivity. Colocalization of RhBG with carbonic anhydrase II, the thiazide-sensitive transporter, and the anion exchangers AE1 and pendrin demonstrated RhBG immunoreactivity in all CNT cells and all CCD and ICT principal cells. In the ICT and CCD, basolateral RhBG immunoreactivity is also present in A-type intercalated cells but not in pendrin-positive CCD intercalated cells. In the OMCD and IMCD, only intercalated cells exhibit RhBG immunoreactivity. Immunoreactivity for a second putative ammonium transporter, RhCG, was present in the apical region of cells with almost the same distribution as RhBG. However, RhCG immunoreactivity was present in all CCD cells, and it was present in outer stripe OMCD principal cells, in addition to OMCD and IMCD intercalated cells. Thus the majority of RhBG and RhCG protein expression is present in the same epithelial cell types in the CNT and collecting duct but with opposite polarity. These findings suggest that RhBG and RhCG may play important and cell-specific roles in ammonium transport and signaling in these regions of the kidney.
Segmental localization of mRNAs encoding Na+-K+-ATPase α1- and β1-subunits in diabetic rat kidneys using RT-PCR
Authors: Scherzer P. , Popovtzer M. M.
Published: March 2015

The present study evaluated renal Na+-K+-ATPase activity and mRNA in rats with diabetes mellitus. To localize the segmental α1- and β1-mRNAs of Na+-K+-ATPase 1 and 8 days after induction of diabetes, we used the polymerase chain reaction after reverse transcription of the mRNA in microdissected nephron segments. Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) rose on days 1 and 8 by 42 and 23%, respectively. In the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL), it remained unchanged on day 1 and increased on day 8 by 55%. In the cortical collecting duct (CCD), activity rose by 81 and 45% on days 1 and 8, respectively. In parallel, α1-mRNA in the PCT increased by 52 and 22% on days 1 and 8, respectively. In the MTAL, α1-mRNA remained unchanged on day 1and rose by 47% on day 8. In the CCD, α1-mRNA increased by 140 and 110% on days 1 and 8, respectively. β1-mRNA was unchanged in the PCT throughout the study and was elevated in the MTAL and CCD on days 1 and 8. Thus there was a temporal dissociation between α1- and β1-subunit expression. There was a highly significant linear correlation between Na+-K+-ATPase activity and α1-mRNA in all nephron segments throughout the experiment. It appears that microdissection of nephron tubules combined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction defines the molecular identity of the amplified gene product and its segmental distribution in the nephron. We propose that altered gene expression may be the mechanism underlying enhanced Na+pump activity along the nephron in diabetic rats.
Feline interstitial cystitis results in mechanical hypersensitivity and altered ATP release from bladder urothelium
Authors: Birder L. A. , Barrick S. R. , Roppolo J. R. , Kanai A. J. , de Groat W. C. , Kiss S. , Buffington C. A.
Published: March 2015

ATP can be released from a variety of cell types by mechanical stimulation; however, the mechanism for this release and the influence of pathology are not well understood. The present study examined intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in swelling-evoked (exposure to a hypotonic solution) release of ATP in urothelial cells from normal cats and cats diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (feline interstitial cystitis; FIC). Using the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescent assay, we demonstrate that swelling-evoked ATP release is significantly elevated in FIC cells. In both normal and FIC cells, ATP release was significantly decreased (mean 70% decrease) by application of blockers of stretch-activated channels (amiloride or gadolinium), as well as brefeldin A and monensin (mean 90% decrease), suggesting that ATP release occurs when ATP-containing vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane. Swelling-evoked release was reduced after removal of external calcium (65%), and release was blocked by incubation with BAPTA-AM or agents that interfere with internal calcium stores (caffeine, ryanodine, heparin, or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate). In addition, agents known to act through inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptors (thapsigargin, acetylcholine) release significantly more ATP in FIC compared with normal urothelium. Taken together, these results suggest that FIC results in a novel hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli that may involve alterations in IP3-sensitive pathways.
Stimulation of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in rat colon but not in kidney by low dietary NaCl intake
Authors: Nørregaard Rikke , Uhrenholt Torben R. , Bistrup Claus , Skøtt Ole , Jensen Boye L.
Published: March 2015

Data suggest that mineralocorticoid selectivity is differentially regulated in epithelial target tissues. We investigated whether the level of dietary NaCl intake influenced the expression and tissue distribution of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD-2), aldosterone receptor (MR), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in rat colon, kidney, and cardiovascular tissue. Rats were fed a diet with 0.01 or 3% NaCl for 10 days. Messenger RNAs were analyzed with ribonuclease protection assay, 11βHSD-2 protein by Western blot analysis, and localization of GR and 11βHSD-2 by immunohistochemistry. NaCl restriction elevated plasma renin and aldosterone concentration, whereas corticosterone was unaltered. In distal colon, 11βHSD-2 mRNA and protein were augmented significantly by low-NaCl intake and immunolabeling was widely distributed in crypt and surface epithelium. The MR mRNA level was decreased, whereas GR mRNA was unaltered in distal colon. MR, GR, and 11βHSD-2 mRNAs were not changed in kidney cortex and medulla, left cardiac ventricle, and aorta. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that GR and 11βHSD-2 localization was mutually exclusive in kidney. In colon epithelium, nuclear staining for GR subsided as perinuclear 11βHSD-2 immunoreactivity increased with NaCl restriction. As a functional correlate of increased 11βHSD-2 expression in colon, the GR-stimulated sodium-hydrogen exchanger NHE-3 was lowered by NaCl restriction. Inhibition of 11βHSD-2 activity by carbenoxolone during NaCl restriction stimulated NHE-3 expression in colon. Dexamethasone stimulated NHE-3 both in colon and kidney. These data indicate that mineralocorticoid selectivity is physiologically regulated by NaCl intake at the level of 11βHSD-2 expression and tissue distribution in the distal colon, but not in the kidney.
Epithelial Na+channel mutants causing Liddle's syndrome retain ability to respond to aldosterone and vasopressin
Authors: Auberson Muriel , Hoffmann-Pochon Nicole , Vandewalle A. , Kellenberger Stephan , Schild Laurent
Published: March 2015

Liddle's syndrome is a monogenic form of hypertension caused by mutations in the PY motif of the COOH terminus of β- and γ-epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) subunits. These mutations lead to retention of active channels at the cell surface. Because of the critical role of this PY motif in the stability of ENaCs at the cell surface, we have investigated its contribution to the ENaC response to aldosterone and vasopressin. Mutants of the PY motif in β- and γ-ENaC subunits (β-Y618A, β-P616L, β-R564stop, and γ-K570stop) were stably expressed by retroviral gene transfer in a renal cortical collecting duct cell line (mpkCCDcl4), and transepithelial Na+transport was assessed by measurements of the benzamil-sensitive short-circuit current ( Isc). Cells that express ENaC mutants of the PY motif showed a five- to sixfold higher basal Isccompared with control cells and responded to stimulation by aldosterone (10-6M) or vasopressin (10-9M) with a further increase in Isc. The rates of the initial increases in Iscafter aldosterone or vasopressin stimulation were comparable in cells transduced with wild-type and mutant ENaCs, but reversal of the effects of aldosterone and vasopressin was slower in cells that expressed the ENaC mutants. The conserved sensitivity of ENaC mutants to stimulation by aldosterone and vasopressin together with the prolonged activity at the cell surface likely contribute to the increased Na+absorption in the distal nephron of patients with Liddle's syndrome.
Increased collecting duct urea transporter expression in Dahl salt-sensitive rats
Authors: Fenton Robert A. , Chou Chung-Lin , Ageloff Shana , Brandt William , Stokes John B. , Knepper Mark A.
Published: March 2015

Because abnormalities of inner medullary function have been proposed in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats vs. salt-resistant (DR) rats, we performed transporter profiling by semiquantitative immunoblotting to determine whether specific solute transporter abundances are altered in inner medullas of DS rats vs. DR rats. Although none of the expressed Na transporters were upregulated in the inner medullas of DS rats compared with DR rats, there were marked increases in the protein abundances of the collecting duct urea transporters UT-A1 (to 212% of DR) and UT-A3 (to 223% of DR). These differences were confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed higher mRNA abundance in DS rats for both UT-A1 (to 256% of DR) and UT-A3 (to 210% of DR). In isolated, perfused inner medullary collecting ducts, urea permeability was significantly greater in DS rats. Because both UT-A1 and UT-A3 are transcriptionally regulated by glucocorticoids, we measured both plasma corticosterone levels and inner medullary 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) abundances. Although the plasma corticosterone concentrations were not different between DS and DR rats, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry revealed a marked elevation of 11β-HSD2 abundance in DS rats. Consistent with the view that an elevated 11β-HSD2 level is responsible for increased urea transporter expression in the inner medullary collecting duct, administration of the 11β-HSD2 inhibitor carbenoxolone to DS rats decreased the abundances of UT-A1 and UT-A3 to levels similar to those seen in DR rats.
Composition and function of PDZ protein complexes during cell polarization
Authors: Roh Michael H. , Margolis Ben
Published: March 2015

Complexes consisting of PDZ proteins have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that PDZ proteins play essential roles during the establishment of spatial asymmetry in various metazoan cell types such as epithelial cells. Epithelial cells possess asymmetry with respect to the apicobasal axis reflected by the differential distribution of proteins and lipids in the apical and basolateral surfaces. In Drosophila, three PDZ protein complexes have been shown to play crucial functions during the establishment of cell-cell adhesions and epithelial cell polarity: Bazooka/Dm-Par6/DaPKC, Crumbs/Stardust/Discs Lost, and Scribble/Discs Large/Lethal Giant Larvae. In this review, we focus primarily on our current knowledge of the localization and function of these complexes in Drosophila epithelia. We also discuss recent data that enhance our understanding of the homologous protein complexes and their roles during junctional assembly and polarization of mammalian epithelial cells.
Nucleotide depletion increases trafficking of gentamicin to the Golgi complex in LLC-PK1cells
Authors: Sandoval Ruben M. , Bacallao Robert L. , Dunn Kenneth W. , Leiser Jeffrey D. , Molitoris Bruce A.
Published: March 2015

Having shown rapid trafficking of aminoglycosides to the Golgi complex in cell culture, we focused on the injurious interaction that occurs when gentamicin administration is preceded by renal ischemia. Using Texas red-labeled gentamicin as a tracer, we determined that 15 min of cellular nucleotide depletion did not significantly increase subsequent uptake. However, cells previously depleted of nucleotides accumulated significantly more Texas red-labeled gentamicin within a dispersed Golgi complex. Using Ricinus communis and Lens culinaris lectins, which label specific compartments of the Golgi complex ( trans-Golgi network/ trans and medial/ cis compartments, respectively), we determined that the medial/ cis compartment dispersed after 15 min of nucleotide depletion but the trans-Golgi network/ trans compartment remained unaffected. An increase in the number of cells exhibiting disrupted medial/ cis-Golgi morphology after repletion in physiological media containing gentamicin was also seen. In summary, the increase in nephrotoxicity seen when ischemia precedes aminoglycoside uptake may be part of a complex mechanism initially involving increased Golgi accumulation and prolonged Golgi dispersion. The Golgi complex must then endure the effects of gentamicin accumulated in larger quantities in an aberrant physiological state.
Multiple epithelial Na+channel domains participate in subunit assembly
Authors: Bruns James B. , Hu Baofeng , Ahn Yoon J. , Sheng Shaohu , Hughey Rebecca P. , Kleyman Thomas R.
Published: March 2015

Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are composed of three structurally related subunits that form a tetrameric channel. The Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system was used to identify regions within the ENaC α-subunit that confer a dominant negative phenotype on functional expression of αβγ-ENaC to define domains that have a role in subunit-subunit interactions. Coexpression of full-length mouse αβγ-ENaC with either 1) the α-subunit first membrane-spanning domain and short downstream hydrophobic domain (α-M1H1); 2) α-M1H1 and its downstream hydrophilic extracellular loop (α-M1H1-ECL); 3) the membrane-spanning domain of a control type 2 transmembrane protein (glutamyl transpeptidase; γ-GT) fused to the α-ECL (γ-GT-α-ECL); 4) the extracellular domain of a control type 1 transmembrane protein (Tac) fused to the α-subunit second membrane-spanning domain and short upstream hydrophobic domain (Tac-α-H2M2); or 5) the α-subunit cytoplasmic COOH terminus (α-Ct) significantly reduced amiloride-sensitive Na+currents in X. laevis oocytes. Functional expression of Na+channels was not inhibited when full-length αβγ-ENaC was coexpressed with either 1) the α-ECL lacking a signal-anchor sequence, 2) α-M1H1 and α-Ct expressed as a fusion protein, 3) full-length γ-GT, or 4) full-length Tac. Furthermore, the expression of ROMK channels was not inhibited when full-length ROMK was coexpressed with either α-M1H1-ECL or α-Ct. Full-length FLAG-tagged α-, β-, or γ-ENaC coimmunoprecipitated with myc-tagged α-M1H1-ECL, whereas wild-type γ-GT did not. These data suggest that multiple sites within the α-subunit participate in subunit-subunit interactions that are required for proper assembly of the heterooligomeric ENaC complex.
P2Y2 receptor-stimulated release of prostaglandin E2 by rat inner medullary collecting duct preparations
Authors: Welch Brett D. , Carlson Noel G. , Shi Huihui , Myatt Leslie , Kishore Bellamkonda K.
Published: March 2015

Extracellular nucleotides, acting through the P2Y2 receptor and the associated phosphoinositide-Ca2+ signaling pathway, inhibit AVP-stimulated osmotic water permeability in rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Because a rise in intracellular Ca2+ is frequently associated with enhanced arachidonic acid metabolism, we examined the effect of activation of the P2Y2 receptor on release of PGE2 in freshly prepared rat IMCD suspensions. Unstimulated IMCD released moderate, but significant, amounts of PGE2, which were more sensitive to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 than COX-1 inhibition. Agonist activation of P2Y2 receptor by adenosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) enhanced release of PGE2 from IMCD in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Purinergic-stimulated release of PGE2 was completely blocked by nonspecific COX inhibitors (flurbiprofen and 2-acetoxyphenylhept-2-ynyl sulfide). Differential COX inhibition studies revealed that purinergic-stimulated release of PGE2 was more sensitive to a COX-1-specific inhibitor (valeroyl salicylate) than a COX-2-specific inhibitor (NS-398). Thus purinergic stimulation resulted in significantly more release of PGE2 in the presence of COX-2 inhibitor than COX-1 inhibitor. If it is assumed that increased release of PGE2 is related to its increased production, our results suggest that purinergic stimulation of IMCD results in enhanced production and release of PGE2 in a COX-1-dependent fashion. Because PGE2 is known to affect transport of water, salt, and urea in IMCD, interaction of the purinergic system with the prostanoid system in IMCD can modulate handling of water, salt, and urea by IMCD and, thus, may constitute an AVP-independent regulatory mechanism.
Gene expression profiling reveals role for EGF-family ligands in mesangial cell proliferation
Authors: Mishra Rangnath , Leahy Patrick , Simonson Michael S.
Published: March 2015

Control of mesangial cell growth and matrix accumulation is critical for normal development of the glomerular tuft and progression of glomerular injury, but the genes that control mesangial cell growth are not well understood. We used high-density oligonucleotide microarrays to analyze gene expression in well-differentiated human mesangial cells treated with serum to stimulate proliferation. Parallel measurement of >12,000 genes and expressed sequence tags identified 5,806 mRNA transcripts in quiescent, unstimulated cells and 609 genes significantly induced or repressed by serum. Functional classification of serum-regulated genes revealed many genes not directly related to cell cycle progression that, instead, might control renal hemodynamics and glomerular filtration or cause tissue injury, leukocyte exudation, matrix accumulation, and fibrosis. Hierarchical cluster analysis defined sets of coregulated genes with similar functions and identified networks of proinflammatory genes with similar expression patterns. Pathway analysis of the gene expression profile suggested an autocrine role in mesangial cell proliferation for three growth factors in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family: heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, amphiregulin, and epiregulin. A functional role for EGF receptor (EGFR) activation was confirmed by blocking serum-induced proliferation with an EGFR-selective kinase inhibitor and a specific EGFR-neutralizing antibody. Taken together, these results suggest a role for EGFR signaling in control of mesangial cell growth in response to serum.