bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional analysis of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in distal convoluted tubule cells
Authors: White K. E. , Gesek F. A. , Friedman P. A.
Published: December 2017

Renal distal convoluted tubules (DCT) are a major site of hormone-regulated, active calcium absorption. Calcium exit across basolateral plasma membranes is thought to be mediated by Na+/Ca2+ exchange and a Ca(2+)-ATPase. In this report the presence and function of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in DCT cells were assessed. cDNAs encoding a conserved region and the variable regions of three alternatively spliced isoforms of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, NACA2, NACA3, and NACA6, were isolated in a ratio of 7:12:1 using homology-based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with RNA from an immortalized mouse DCT cell line. Northern blots probed with a 32P-labeled PCR product from a conserved region of the exchanger were positive for a single transcript of 7 kb in primary cultures of distal tubule cells (cortical ascending limb + DCT cells), consistent with the reported size of the exchanger in other tissues. Na+/Ca2+ exchange was assessed by measuring sodium-dependent changes of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), in single cells. In the presence of an outward Na+ gradient, [Ca2+]i increased by 240%. Collapsing the Na+ gradient with monensin inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or the addition of an Na+ ionophore inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i. The intracellular Na+ concentration decreased upon removal of extracellular Na+ in parallel with the rise of [Ca2+]i. Western analysis performed on membranes prepared from DCT cells or primary cultures of distal tubule cells with a polyclonal antibody revealed bands at approximately 125 and 85 kDa, consistent with reported sizes for exchanger protein. These findings show that Na+/Ca2+ exchanger transcripts, protein, and activity are present in DCT cells and that Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ efflux may be mediated by NACA2, NACA3, and NACA6.
Characterization of the rat NHE3 promoter
Authors: Cano A.
Published: December 2017

NHE3, a transmembrane protein involved in transcellular ion transport, is expressed in the apical membrane of renal and gastrointestinal epithelia. Chronic regulation by multiple stimuli, including glucocorticoid-induced transcriptional regulation, has been demonstrated. To study the tissue-specific expression and transcriptional regulation of NHE3, the 5' flanking region of the rat NHE3 gene was cloned. Two genomic libraries were screened with the 5' end of the NHE3 cDNA. The 5' flanking region and first exon were isolated. Primer extension mapped a single transcription start site in stomach, colon and kidney. The NHE3 promoter near the transcription initiation site is characterized by the absence of TATA and CAAT sequences. Two Sp1 sites, one Egr-1 site, and an initiator with the sequence GGGATTAAA mark the area of transcription initiation. Upstream sequences include multiple DNA sequence elements recognized by the glucocorticoid and thyroid receptors, Sp1, atriopeptin-2, and several other transcription factors. Transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoids and chronic acidosis was demonstrated. Promoter activity was present in OKP cells, a renal proximal tubule cell line, but not in fibroblasts. This suggests that the NHE3 promoter contains elements conferring epithelial cell-specific expression.
Autocrine production and TGF-beta 1-mediated effects on metabolism and viability in renal cells
Authors: Nowak G. , Schnellmann R. G.
Published: December 2017

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) treatment (0.2-2.0 ng/ml, 8-80 M) of confluent primary cultures of rabbit renal proximal bular cells (RPTC) for 6 consecutive days resulted in both a benotypic transformation of the monolayer into solid clus- rs of cells and apoptosis. TGF-beta 1 treatment stimulated glycolysis before any effect on monolayer DNA content or morphology. TGF-beta 1 treatment also resulted in a 35% decrease in oxygen consumption, 50% inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)- ATPase activity, and a 57% decrease in gluconeogenesis. A concentration of 0.06 ng/ml TGF-beta 1 decreased oxygen consumption and induced glycolysis but had no effect on morphology and viability of RPTC. Endogenous production of TGF-beta 1 by RPTC increased 2.6-fold during 10 days of culture. Control RPTC treated with anti-TGF-beta antibodies exhibited decreased glycolysis, and lactate metabolism shifted from net production to net consumption. These results show that TGF-beta 1 stimulates glycolysis, decreases respiration, and, at higher concentrations, induces RPTC apoptosis and phenopic changes. Inhibition of net lactate production in cells grown in the presence of anti-TGF-beta antibodies suggests that increased endogenous production of TGF-beta is responsible for the stimulation of glycolysis in long-term cultures of RPTC.
Ontogeny of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor in rat kidney
Authors: Chattopadhyay N. , Baum M. , Bai M. , Riccardi D. , Hebert S. C. , Harris H. W. , Brown E. M.
Published: December 2017

We recently cloned extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptors (CaRs) from bovine parathyroid and rat kidney that play key roles in Ca2+ homeostasis. Inactivating mutations of the CaR in the inherited human disorder, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, cause reduced responsiveness of the parathyroid to extracellular Ca2+ (Cao2+), as well as abnormally avid renal tubular reabsorption of both Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the distal tubule, suggesting an important role for the CaR in regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and renal handling of divalent cations. High Cao2+ also inhibits vasopressinstimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) and water reabsorption in the collecting duct (CD) and modulates various other aspects of renal function. The relevance of the CaR to these processes, however, is uncertain. Reduced responsiveness of vasopressin-and PTH-mediated actions on the kidney have been described in the newborn that could potentially reflect effects of the CaR on these aspects of renal function. To define further the role of the CaR in regulating renal function, including the above-mentioned changes during the perinatal period, therefore, we have studied its ontogeny in rat kidney. Northern and Western blot analyses, as well as immunohistochemistry with CaR-specific probes, demonstrate that there is little prenatal expression of the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor, except in large tubules and branching ureteric buds of developing nephrons. Postnatally, CaR mRNA and protein increase markedly during the 1st wk, related principally to expression of the receptor in the developing TAL and, to a lesser extent, in the CD. The level of expression of the receptor remains nearly constant after postnatal day 14. These results demonstrate that the perinatal increases in expression of CaR mRNA and protein parallel its tissue-specific renal expression. Furthermore, it is possible that some of the previously described changes in renal handling of divalent cations and water in the perinatal and immediate postnatal period are related, in part, to the increasing levels of expression of the CaR and resultant inhibitory effects on the actions of PTH and antidiuretic hormone on the developing nephron.
Cellular ATP depletion induces disruption of the spectrin cytoskeletal network
Authors: Molitoris B. A. , Dahl R. , Hosford M.
Published: December 2017

Ischemia in vivo or ATP depletion in vitro result in disruption and cellular redistribution of the cortical F-actin cytoskeleton in epithelial cells. However, little is known regarding the effect of these two maneuvers on other components of the actin cytoskeleton. Because the spectrin (fodrin in epithelial cells)-based network links the actin cytoskeleton to the surface membrane, we have utilized a reversible model of ATP depletion in LLC-PK1 cells to study the effect of ATP depletion on fodrin and ankyrin. Under physiological conditions, both ankyrin and fodrin were largely Triton X-100 insoluble and colocalized immunofluorescently along the lateral membranes of LLC-PK1 cells. After ATP depletion, there was a rapid and duration-dependent increase in Triton X-100 solubility of both proteins. This was not true for villin and myosin 1, as Triton X-100 solubility was unaffected and reduced by ATP depletion, respectively. The increase in fodrin and ankyrin detergent solubility during ATP depletion was associated with cytosolic redistribution of the proteins, as determined using immunofluorescent techniques. Sucrose gradient fractionation and Western blot analysis of the Triton X-100-soluble fraction following ATP depletion revealed lack of association between fodrin and ankyrin. Furthermore, dual-label digital confocal immunofluorescent studies revealed lack of association of cytoplasmic ankyrin and fodrin following ATP depletion. Taken together, these data indicate that ATP depletion in LLC-PK1 cells leads to dissociation of both ankyrin and fodrin from the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, the two proteins dissociate from each other and redistribute throughout the cytoplasm.
Renal tubular epithelial cells mimic endothelial cells upon exposure to oxidized LDL
Authors: Agarwal A. , Balla J. , Balla G. , Croatt A. J. , Vercellotti G. M. , Nath K. A.
Published: December 2017

In protein-uric states, renal tubular epithelial cells are exposed to diverse macromolecules, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), normally excluded from the urinary space. Oxidized LDL (LDLox) is incriminated in atherogenesis and glomerulosclerosis. Since urine is prooxidant, we considered whether LDLox injuries renal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1). We demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of LDLox on LLC-PK1 cells resembles its toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in that oxidized but not native LDL is injurious. Pretreatment of LLC-PK1 cells and HUVEC with antioxidants markedly reduced the cytotoxicity of LDLox. Pretreatment of LDL with antioxidants, prior to oxidation of LDL, vitiated its cytotoxicity. That LDLox is prooxidant was supported by expression of heme oxygenase, a redox-sensitive enzyme. LDLox induced heme oxygenase mRNA and enzyme activity. Pretreatment of LDL with antioxidants prior to oxidation attenuated heme oxygenase mRNA induction in LLC-PK1 and HUVEC. An iron chelator prevented cytotoxicity and heme oxygenase expression induced by LDLox. Based on these effects of LDLox, we draw an analogy between tubulointerstitial disease and atherogenesis and speculate that LDLox contributes to tubulointerstitial disease in proteinuric states.
High-salt diet upregulates kininogen and downregulates tissue kallikrein expression in Dahl-SS and SHR rats
Authors: Wang C. , Chao C. , Chen L. M. , Chao L. , Chao J.
Published: December 2017

Tissue kallikrein cleaves low-molecular-weight (low-M(r)) kininogen to produce the vasoactive kinin peptide. It has been suggested that hypertensive patients with low urinary kallikrein excretion may have a defect in sodium handling. In this study, we examined the effect of a high-salt diet on the expression of tissue kallikrein and kininogen genes in Dahl salt-sensitive rats (Dahl-SS), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) by Northern and Western blot analysis and radioimmunoassay. Control and experimental groups received normal and high-salt diets containing 0.4% and 8% NaCl, respectively, for 6 wk. High-salt diet induced a significant time-dependent increase of blood pressure in both strains of hypertensive rats and a slight but significant increase of blood pressure in normotensive SD rats. Hepatic kininogen mRNA levels of both Dahl-SS and SHR on a high-salt diet increased 2.4-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively, while alpha 1-antitrypsin mRNA levels were not changed in rats receiving high-salt diet. Immunoreactive total kininogen and low-M(r) kininogen (58 kDa) levels in sera increased in response to high-salt diet in both strains of hypertensive rats. In SD rats, the low-M(r) kininogen level in sera was unaltered, whereas total kininogen increased in response to high-salt diet. Tissue kallikrein mRNAs in the kidney and salivary glands of Dahl-SS, SHR, and SD rats were reduced, whereas beta-actin mRNA was not altered by high-salt diet. Similarly, immunoreactive intrarenal kallikrein levels were reduced in these rats in response to high-salt diet. These studies show that increases in blood pressure after salt loading in Dahl-SS and SHR are accompanied by increases in low-M(r) kininogen. Tissue kallikrein gene expression in hypertensive Dahl-SS and SHR and normotensive SD rats is suppressed after salt loading. These findings show that reduced renal kallikrein expression and increased kininogen expression is regulated at the transcriptional level during salt loading.
Parathyroid hormone-induced calcium efflux from cultured bone is mediated by protein kinase C translocation
Authors: Sprague S. M. , Popovtzer M. M. , Dranitzki-Elhalel M. , Wald H.
Published: December 2017

Activation of adenylate cyclase is believed to be the major intracellular mediator of bone resorption induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandins, and various bone resorbing cytokines. Studies have demonstrated a dissociation between PTH-induced bone resorption and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation, as well as suggested a role of protein kinase C (PKC) in mediating in part the actions of PTH. We therefore investigated the relative contribution of the adenylate cyclase or PKC signal transduction pathways in mediating the PTH-induced net calcium release from cultured neonatal calvariae, an in vitro model of bone resorption. PTH (10(-11) to 10(-7) M) caused a dose-dependent increase in calcium efflux from cultured bone and activated both cAMP and PKC. To determine the role of each of these second messengers in mediating PTH-induced calcium release from bone, calvariae were preincubated with either the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536 (10(-5) to 10(-4) M) or the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (10(-7) M) before coincubation with PTH. Compared with control, PTH caused a significant calcium efflux, whereas preincubation with SQ-22536 had no effect on basal calcium efflux and partially inhibited the calcium efflux caused by PTH. In contrast preincubation with staurosporine completely obliterated the PTH-induced calcium efflux. PTH is a potent stimulator of calcium release and activates both the cAMP and PKC signal transduction pathways in cultured bone. Inhibition of PTH-stimulated PKC activity completely abolished the PTH-induced calcium efflux from calvariae, whereas PTH-induced calcium efflux persisted despite adenylate cyclase inhibition. Thus the bone resorbing effect of PTH appears to be dependent predominantly on activation of PKC.
In vivo and in vitro evidence for increased expression of HGF receptor in kidney of diabetic rat
Authors: Liu Y. , Tolbert E. M. , Sun A. M. , Dworkin L. D.
Published: December 2017

Renal hypertrophy develops early in the course of diabetes and has been linked to progressive renal disease. Although the mechanism of renal hypertrophy is unknown, evidence suggests that local alterations in the production of one or more growth factors and/or their receptors are crucial to this process. In this study, we demonstrate that the c-met protooncogene product, a tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is increased in the kidney of the diabetic rat. Northern blot analysis showed that renal expression of the c-met gene was substantially increased in rats made diabetic by administration of streptozotocin. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the protein for c-met was concordantly elevated in cortical and medullar tubular epithelium following the onset of diabetes. Moreover, in vitro studies demonstrated that short-term exposure to high glucose concentration markedly stimulated c-met expression in cultured proximal tubular (opossum kidney) and inner medulla collecting duct cells (mIMCD-3). The results of enhanced renal expression of c-met together with elevated HGF indicate that the HGF/c-met system is markedly activated in the diabetic rat. These findings suggest that the HGF/c-met system may play a role in the diabetic renal hypertrophy.
Angiotensin II-receptor stimulation of cytosolic calcium concentration in cultured renal resistance arterioles
Authors: Zhu Z. , Arendshorst W. J.
Published: December 2017

This study provides an initial characterization of basic morphological properties of cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from rat preglomerular resistance vessels and of the functional coupling of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors to cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i (fura 2 fluorescence photometry). Renal VSMC were isolated from interlobular arteries and afferent arterioles (< 50 microns) using an iron oxide sieving method and compared with rat aortic VSMC cultured under similar conditions. Quiescent monolayers maintained uniform morphology and [Ca2+]i signaling profile between passages 3 and 10. Arteriolar and aortic VSMC were spindle shaped and expressed smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin and myosin heavy chains SM-1 and SM-2. ANG II caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i, followed by a sustained plateau phase at 50-60% of the peak value. The initial maximum [Ca2+]i responses were dose dependent and of similar magnitude in renal arteriolar and aortic VSMC. ANG II (10(-7) M) increased [Ca2+]i from 50 to 240 nM in arteriolar and from 57 to 201 nM in aortic VSMC (P < 0.001 for both). Inhibition of ANG II effects on [Ca2+]i revealed significant signaling through distinct AT-receptor subtypes (losartan and PD-123319 sensitive) in renal arteriolar VSMC. In contrast, only losartan was effective in aortic VSMC. The AT2-receptor ligand CGP-42112 had no effect in either vessel type. Our results demonstrate that cultured arteriolar VSMC have anatomical similarities to aortic VSMC and functional differences in AT-receptor signaling in response to ANG II. This novel preparation should provide a useful approach with which to investigate cellular mechanisms concerning receptor coupling to signaling pathways involved in vascular reactivity of arteriolar VSMC in the microcirculation in general and the kidney in particular.
Gentamicin inhibits rat renal cortical homotypic endosomal fusion: role of megalin
Authors: Hammond T. G. , Majewski R. R. , Kaysen J. H. , Goda F. O. , Navar G. L. , Pontillon F. , Verroust P. J.
Published: December 2017

Megalin, a giant glycoprotein receptor heavily concentrated in the early endosomal pathway of renal proximal tubular cells, binds gentamicin with high affinity and delivers the drug to lysosomes. Utilizing an in vitro reconstitution assay we tested whether gentamicin-induced vacuolation is associated with inhibition of early endosomal fusion, as well as whether megalin plays a role in mediating these effects. Pretreatment of rats with gentamicin inhibited rat renal proximal tubular homotypic endosomal fusion. Administered simultaneously, gentamicin and polymers of polyaspartic acid, which protect against the hemodynamic effects of gentamicin nephrotoxicity, had no net effect on fusion. Polyaspartic acid alone had no effect on fusion. Antisera to the tail of the megalin/gentamicin receptor inhibited fusion, whereas non-specific controls had no effect. Peptides matching homologous NPXY repeat sequence motifs in the cytosolic tail stimulated endosomal fusion, whereas reverse sequence control peptides had no effect. These data suggest that gentamicin inhibition of endosomal fusion in the renal proximal tubule is a damage mechanism mediated by specific peptide sequences in the cytosolic tail of the giant gentamicin-binding receptor megalin and that receptors can effect the fusion properties of membranes in which they reside.
Analysis and modeling of the primary cilium bending response to fluid shear
Authors: Schwartz E. A. , Leonard M. L. , Bizios R. , Bowser S. S.
Published: December 2017

Since a nonmotile, primary (9 + 0) cilium projects from most mammalian kidney epithelial cells into the tubule lumen, where it is exposed to fluid motion, the present study examined primary cilium response to fluid shear stress. The reversible, large-angle bending of the primary cilium upon exposure to fluid shear forces (10(-11)-10(-10) N.m2 = 10(-8)-10(-7) dyn/cm) was characterized in vitro using videomicroscopic side views of PtK1 cells, and the cilium was then mathematically modeled as a cantilevered beam. The flexural rigidity of the primary cilium was calculated to be 3.1 +/- 0.8 x 10(-23) N.m2 with a corrected quadruple integration approach and 1.4-1.6 x 10(-23) N.m2 with the "heavy elastica" theory. Comparison of theoretical profiles to the experimental bending responses of cilia established the validity of the "heavy elastica" model; this model, in turn, was used to predict primary cilium bending behavior under representative conditions in the rat nephron. The results of the study are consistent with the hypothesis that primary cilia serve a mechanosensory function in kidney epithelial cells.
Endothelin increases NO-dependent cGMP production in isolated glomeruli but not in mesangial cells
Authors: Tack I. , Castano E. M. , Pecher C. , Praddaude F. , Bascands J. L. , Bompart G. , Ader J. L. , Girolami J. P.
Published: December 2017

The ability of endothelins (ETs) to modulate nitric oxide-dependent glomerular guanosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production has recently been reported. The aim of this study was to directly confirm, using an antagonist, the involvement of the ETB receptor subtype and to investigate the potential role of mesangial cells (MC) in this ET-induced cGMP production. In glomeruli freshly isolated from rats, endothelin-3 (ET-3) induced a dose-dependent increase in cGMP content. This increase was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and methylene blue and was calcium dependent. Moreover, the effect of ET-3 was prevented by two ETB-selective receptor antagonists, BQ-788 and IRL-1038, but not by BQ-123, an ETA-selective receptor antagonist. It therefore appeared that ET-3 stimulates the glomerular constitutive NO pathway through activation of the ETB receptor subtype. In contrast, ET-3 and calcium ionophore had no effect on cGMP formation in cultured MC, whereas incubation with sodium nitroprusside resulted in an approximately 50-fold increase in the intracellular content of cGMP. However, ET-3 induced a dose-dependent rise in free MC cytosolic calcium that was abolished by an ETB antagonist. Moreover, both ETA and ETB receptors mRNA were expressed in primary cultures of MC. Finally, we failed to detect the presence of constitutive NO synthase (NOS), as demonstrated by the absence of L-citrulline forming activity and of the mRNA encoding for endothelial NOS, whereas they were present in isolated glomeruli. These data indicate that MC, despite the fact that they express ETB receptors, are not involved in glomerular NO production induced by exposure to ET-3, because they do not express constitutive NO synthase.
Altered organic anion and osmolyte content and excretion in rat polycystic kidney disease: an NMR study
Authors: Ogbron M. R. , Sareen S. , Prychitko J. , Buist R. , Peeling J.
Published: December 2017

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the fourth most common cause of end-stage renal disease and the most common potentially lethal inherited disease in humans. Early identification of carriers of dominant PKD in the absence of genetic markers is problematic in both humans and the Han:SPRD-cy/+ rat, a model of PKD that shares many features of human disease. We undertook a proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of young Han:SPRD-cy/+ and unaffected Han:SPRD(-)+/+ animals to determine whether carrier status could be identified based upon image appearance or signal characteristics. Affected animals demonstrated significant prolongation of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2) in both cystic renal cortex and noncystic renal medulla. Both of these measurements correlated significantly with whole kidney section tubular luminal space measurements, a correlate of water space, in the renal cortex, but only T1 in renal medulla showed a relationship to tubular luminal volume measured throughout the kidney. Urine and perchloric acid kidney extracts were studied using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to test the hypothesis that imaging differences implied specific urinary and tissue biochemical differences between affected and normal animals. 1H-NMR spectra of urine from cy/+ animals showed significantly increased excretion of alanine, citrate, succinate, and, 2-oxoglutarate but not methylamine compounds compared with +/+ animals. 1H-NMR spectra of aqueous perchloric acid kidney extracts confirmed reduced concentrations of the above ions and others involved in the citric acid cycle, as well the osmolytes betaine, taurine, and glycerophosphocholine PKD in the Han:SPRD-cy/+ rat is associated with distinct early MRI changes and alterations in urinary and tissue levels of organic anions and osmolytes.
Spatial and temporal expression of cell surface molecules during nephrogenesis
Authors: Goldberg M. R. , Barasch J. , Shifteh A. , D'Agati V. , Oliver J. A. , Hu C. , al-Awqati Q.
Published: December 2017

Cell-to-cell interaction is fundamental to the development of the kidney. Ureteric bud cells, through cell contact or short-distance interactions, induce the metanephric mesenchyme to convert, to epithelia and begin the process of tubulogenesis. To identify new molecules that are involved in these processes, we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the surface of induced mesenchymal cells taken from a day 15 rat embryonic kidney rudiment. MAbs were chosen for further study based either on a distinctive pattern of expression of their antigens or their functional effect on tubulogenesis. We identified a set of MAbs that preferentially stained the glomerular crevice, the first site for formation of the glomerular anlage. Another MAb inhibited tubulogenesis by producing widespread apoptosis in induced mesenchymal cells. This approach promises to identify new molecules that are central to kidney development.
Downregulation of renal atrial natriuretic factor receptors and receptor mRNAs during rat pregnancy
Authors: Omer S. , Vaillancourt P. , Peri K. G. , Varma D. R. , Mulay S.
Published: December 2017

Using renal glomeruli and papillae from virgin, pregnant (15- to 17-day), and postpartum (day 2) rats, we investigated whether the decrease in the renal effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) during pregnancy is caused by a downregulation of ANF receptors. Pregnancy decreased the maximal binding of 125I-labeled ANF to guanylyl cyclase (GC)-linked ANF-GC receptors in glomeruli and papillae and increased the binding to clearance receptors (ANF-C) in glomeruli; ANF-C receptors were not detected in the papillae Ribonuclease protection assay detected mRNAs for all the three receptors in the papillae; pregnancy decreased GC-A and ANF-C but not GC-B-receptor mRNAs. Western blots revealed a decrease in GC-A receptors in the papillae of pregnant rats; GC-B-receptor protein was barely detectable. Effects of ANF on guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production by the glomeruli and papillae were decreased during pregnancy and returned to virgin levels during postpartum. It is concluded that a decrease in the renal effects of ANF during pregnancy is caused by a downregulation of renal ANF GC-A receptors and receptor-coupled cGMP production.
Modulation of genetic hypertension by short-term AVP V1A or V2 receptor antagonism in young SHR
Authors: Naitoh M. , Burrell L. M. , Risvanis J. , Aldred K. L. , Rockell M. D. , Johnston C. I. , Phillips P. A.
Published: December 2017

To characterize the role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) V(1A) or V2 receptors and the possible interaction with the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), young male SHR were treated from 6 to 10 wk of age with AVP V(1A) receptor blockade, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, combination of V(1A) receptor blockade and ACE inhibition, V2 receptor blockade, and vehicle. Treatments were then withdrawn, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured until 19 wk of age. At both 10 and 19 wk of age, SBP was significantly reduced with V(1A) receptor blockade, ACE inhibition, and combined treatment compared with vehicle treatment, although no treatment normalized SBP to levels of Donryu normotensive rats. Throughout the experimental period, no significant additive effects were observed with combined treatment. At 10 wk of age, plasma AVP concentration and 24-h urinary AVP excretion were increased with AVP V2 receptor blockade. At 19 wk of age, SBP was significantly higher in rats previously treated with V2 receptor blockade (233 +/- 3 mmHg) than with vehicle (221 +/- 2 mmHg) (P < 0.01). Left ventricular mass was significantly reduced in rats previously treated with ACE inhibition or combined treatment. These results suggest that AVP (via V(1A) receptors) and angiotensin II contribute to the pathogenesis of SHR hypertension, whereas the AVP V2 receptor may be involved in preventing the full expression of the hypertension, in male SHR.
Immunolocalization and effect of dehydration on AQP3, a basolateral water channel of kidney collecting ducts
Authors: Ishibashi K. , Sasaki S. , Fushimi K. , Yamamoto T. , Kuwahara M. , Marumo F.
Published: December 2017

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is unique in its structure (lowest homology with other aquaporins) and in its function (significantly conductive to both small nonelectrolytes and water). However, there is a controversy among researchers on its water transport and induction by dehydration. We examined its localization and the effect of dehydration on its expression in the kidney, as well as its water channel activity when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In vitro translation using reticulocyte lysate revealed that the size of rat AQP3 was 26 kDa, and the band shifted to around 31 kDa with microsomal fraction, which was sensitive to the digestion with N-glycosidase F. In Western blot analysis of rat kidney medulla, AQP3 appeared as a sharp band at 27 kDa and a broad band at 34-40 kDa. In immunohistochemistry, AQP3 was localized to principal cells and absent in intercalated cells in outer medulla. In inner medulla, AQP3 was restricted to inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. AQP3 was confined to the basolateral membrane of these cells. Although dehydration of rats for 2 days did not change the distribution pattern of AQP3 in IMCD cells, the dehydration increased AQP3 mRNA by twofold with slight increase of its protein level in kidney medulla. Finally, we confirmed its water channel activity when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The human AQP3 stimulated osmotic water permeability by eightfold, which was inhibited by 0.3 mM mercury chloride by 34% and reversed by beta-mercaptoethanol. Our results indicate that AQP3 is a glycosylated protein and a mercury-sensitive water channel localized at the basolateral membrane of principal cells and IMCD cells, and its expression is induced by dehydration at both protein and mRNA level.
Mechanisms of amiloride stimulation of Mg2+ uptake in immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule cells
Authors: Dai L. J. , Raymond L. , Friedman P. A. , Quamme G. A.
Published: December 2017

The distal convoluted tubule reabsorbs approximately 10% of the filtered magnesium, which is approximately 70% of that delivered to it from the loop of Henle. The cellular mechanisms of magnesium transport in the distal convoluted tubule are not known. Amiloride has been reported to promote magnesium conservation. Studies were performed on immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (MDCT) cells to characterize distal magnesium transport and the effects ofamiloride. Intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was determined on single MDCT cells using microfluorescence with mag-fura 2. Basal [Mg2+]i was 0.53 +/- 0.01 mM, which is approximately 2% of the total cellular magnesium. To assess Mg2+ uptake, MDCT cells were first Mg2+ depleted (0.22 +/- 0.01 mM) by culturing in Mg2+-free media for 8-16 h and then placed in 5 mM MgCl2, and the [Mg2+]i was determined. [Mg2+]i returned to basal levels (0.50 +/- 0.04 mM) with refill rate, d([Mg2+]i)/dt, of 181 +/- 33 nM/s. Mg2+ entry rate was concentration dependent; a concentration of approximately 0.1 mM resulted in half-maximal uptake rates. Mg2+ uptake was inhibited by La3+ (36 +/- 17 nM/s), Mn2+ (56 +/- 25 nM/s), and nitrendipine (52 +/- 18 nM/s), but not Ca2+ (225 +/- 70 nM/s). Mg2+ uptake was influenced by the transmembrane voltage; hyperpolarization either with the addition of valinomycin or the substitution of bath NaCl with NaSCN stimulated Mg2+ influx (205 +/- 3 and 561 +/- 54 nM/s, respectively). Depolarization with external KCl diminished Mg2+ uptake (57 +/- 25 nM/s). These data provide evidence for novel Mg2+ entry pathways in MDCT cells that are specific for Mg2+ and activated by an increase in transmembrane voltage. Because amiloride leads to a hyperpolarization of the apical membrane, we postulated that amiloride may enhance Mg2+ transport by influencing the membrane voltage. Amiloride (50 microM) increased Mg2+ uptake (235 +/- 79 nM/s) in a concentration-dependent manner (half-maximal concentration of 35 microM amiloride). Accordingly, the distal diuretic, amiloride, inhibits Na+ transport, hyperpolarizes the apical membrane, and results in a stimulation of Mg2+ uptake in MDCT cells. These results provide the cellular basis for the clinical use of amiloride to bring about renal magnesium conservation.
Role of prostaglandins and renal nerves in the renal actions of adrenomedullin
Authors: Jougasaki M. , Aarhus L. L. , Heublein D. M. , Sandberg S. M. , Burnett J. C.
Published: December 2017

Adrenomedullin (ADM), originally discovered in human pheochromocytoma, is also of renal cell origin and has natriuretic and diuretic actions. The present study was designed to investigate the role of prostaglandins and renal nerves in the renal hemodynamic and natriuretic actions ofADM. ADM was administered intrarenally (1, 5 and 25 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1)) with and without prostaglandin inhibition (meclofenamate, 5 mg/kg intravenous bolus) in anesthetized normal mongrel dogs (n = 5, each). To elucidate the role of renal nerves, ADM was administered intrarenally to the denervated kidney in five dogs. ADM mediated a natriuretic action via increases in glomerular filtration rate and decreases in distal tubular sodium reabsorption, which was attenuated by renal denervation and completely abolished by prostaglandin inhibition. The renal vasodilatation induced by ADM was attenuated by meclofenamate, as well as by renal denervation, although not significantly. Additionally, renal nerves mediated hemodynamic effects of hypertension that were produced by intrarenal infusion of ADM. This study establishes an important mechanistic role for renal prostaglandins as a mediator of ADM-mediated natriuresis at the level of the glomerulus and terminal nephron.
N-acetyl cysteine ameliorates ischemic renal failure
Authors: DiMari J. , Megyesi J. , Udvarhelyi N. , Price P. , Davis R. , Safirstein R.
Published: December 2017

Recovery from ischemic renal injury is accompanied by enhanced DNA synthesis and a typical immediate early (IE) gene response. These two processes occur in distinct cell populations, suggesting that the IE gene response does not serve a proliferative function directly. As cellular stress induces an IE response through activation of the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK) that is not proliferative and can be inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), we determined whether the Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), members of the SAPKs, are activated during ischemia and whether NAC administration reduces the IE response and/or the induction of JNK activity. NAC (6 mM/kg body wt) infused 1 h prior to and 1 h following renal ischemia reduced c-fos and c-jun expression by 50 and 70%, respectively. Ischemia increased JNK activity, and this increase was inhibited by NAC. NAC infused animals had a higher glomerular filtration rate at 1 day (NAC, 0.9 +/- 0.2, vs. control, 0.05 +/- 0.01 ml/min, P < 0.001) and 7 days (NAC, 2.0 +/- 0.1, vs. control, 1.2 +/- 0.1, P < 0.001) after the induction of ischemia. NAC did not reduce the extent of proximal tubule necrosis at 24 h after reperfusion but improved histological appearance of the kidney at 7 days. The mechanism by which NAC ameliorates the loss of renal function is unknown but may involve its general properties as an antioxidant or a possible interaction with NAC and NO. We conclude that the IE gene response of the kidney to ischemia reperfusion is a consequence of the stress-activated kinase pathway and that part of the response is deleterious to kidney function and cellular integrity.
Effect of L-NAME on glomerular filtration rate in deep and superficial layers of rat kidneys
Authors: Treeck B. , Aukland K.
Published: December 2017

The effect of the NO synthase blocker N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in outer (OC), middle (MC), and inner cortex (IC) was studied in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats by the aprotinin method. The filtered amount of 125I- and 131I-labeled aprotinin injected before and after L-NAME injection was measured in the same cortical tissue samples after excising the kidney. Arterial pressure increased on average by 43 mmHg, whereas renal blood flow fell by 26% after L-NAME, giving an increase in renal resistance of 92%. At constant renal arterial pressure, resistance rose by only 39%, revealing that autoregulation was responsible for about one-half of the resistance increase. Total and zonal GFR showed a small, statistically insignificant increase after L-NAME, regardless of whether the renal pressure was allowed to rise or not. The response varied considerably among animals, but in each animal the GFR varied proportionately in OC, MC, and IC. We conclude that the vasodilator tone of NO is predominantly located in postglomerular resistance vessels and is similar in the three cortical layers.
Renal dopamine DA1 receptor coupling with G(S) and G(q/11) proteins in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Hussain T. , Lokhandwala M. F.
Published: December 2017

The dopamine DA1 receptor transduces its signal via adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C in the renal proximal tubule, which has been suggested to be defective at the level of receptor-G protein coupling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We prepared basolateral membranes from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR to determine the coupling of DA1 receptor with G proteins, especially G(q/11). Fenoldopam, a DA1-receptor agonist, produced a time- and concentration-dependent stimulation in 35S-labeled guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding in WKY rats. Fenoldopam-induced (10 microM) stimulation was significantly inhibited by a DA1-receptor antagonist, Sch-23390. Specific antibodies against COOH terminals of G(S)alpha and G(q/11)alpha produced 50-60% and 40-50% inhibition, respectively, in fenoldopam stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Western analysis of basolateral membranes with these antibodies revealed the presence of G(S)alpha (45 kDa) and G(q/11)alpha (42 kDa). Fenoldopam stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding was significantly attenuated in SHR compared with WKY rats. Parathyroid hormone stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding was similar in SHR and WKY rats, whereas stimulation by phenylephrine was significantly reduced in SHR. Densitometric quantification of 42-kDa band showed a reduced amount in SHR, whereas the density of 45-kDa band was not significantly different compared with WKY rats. We provide the direct evidence showing the coupling of DA1 receptor with G(q/11)alpha and G(S)alpha and propose that, in addition to a defect in the receptor-G protein coupling, a reduced amount of G(q/11)alpha observed in the hypertensive animals may also contribute to the diminished dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+-K+-adenosinetriphosphatase in SHR.
Heat stress ameliorates ATP depletion-induced sublethal injury in mouse proximal tubule cells
Authors: Borkan S. C. , Wang Y. H. , Lieberthal W. , Burke P. R. , Schwartz J. H.
Published: December 2017

The role of prior heat stress (HS) in ameliorating changes in the actin cytoskeleton and the loss of tight junction integrity that accompany ATP depletion was examined. Mouse proximal tubule cells in primary culture were exposed to sodium cyanide (CN) in the absence of dextrose for 1 h, a maneuver that produced equivalent degrees of ATP depletion in control and in HS cells. After ATP depletion, actin stress fibers were completely disrupted in control cells. In contrast, HS cells with elevated HSP-72 content showed preservation of stress fibers after CN exposure. ATP depletion in control and HS cells produced similar and reversible depletion of the G-actin pool without altering total actin content. Integrity of the tight junction was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and unidirectional flux of lucifer yellow (LY, mol wt 482). After CN alone, the nadir in TER was lower than that of HS + CN cells (51.6 +/- 2.5 vs. 96.2 +/- 3.2 omega x cm2, respectively; P < 0.05). After 30-min recovery, TER of HS + CN recovered to control values (277 +/- 7.2 vs. 227 +/- 6.6 omega x cm2; P > 0.05), whereas CN did not (165 +/- 7.3 vs. 227 +/- 6.6 omega x cm2; P < 0.05). Changes in LY flux paralleled those in TER. HS is associated with preservation of the actin cytoskeleton and improved integrity of the tight junction after sublethal ATP depletion injury. These protective effects may contribute to the preservation of epithelial cell polarity and function following an ischemic insult.
Endogenous inhibitor of Na-K-Cl cotransport system in inbred Dahl rats
Authors: Alvarez-Guerra M. , Vargas F. , Alda J. O. , Garay R. P.
Published: December 2017

Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats seem characterized by a ubiquitous increase in Na-K-Cl cotransport activity. Here, an endogenous inhibitor of the Na-K-Cl cotransport system (cotransport inhibitory factor, CIF) was investigated in inbred Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats. The animals were orally loaded for 10 days with 2% NaCl. Plasma from salt-loaded DS rats inhibited cotransport with a 50% inhibition concentration value (IC50) of 6.4 +/- 0.6% (% plasma concentration, vol/vol) vs. 24.2 +/- 2.2% in DR rats (P < 0.0001). In urine, IC50 for cotransport inhibition was constantly lower in DS before and all during the whole salt-loading period (after 10 days of salt loading, IC50 was 2.59 +/- 0.11% and 6.00 +/- 0.24% in DS and DR rats, respectively; P < 0.0001). After 3 days of salt loading, higher salt appetite in DS rats magnified the differences in urinary CIF excretion. In erythrocytes from DS rats, increased cotransport activity was strongly correlated with urinary CIF excretion (r = 0.967). In conclusion, DS rats present increased plasmatic and urinary CIF levels. This can be a compensatory phenomenon to reduce cotransport hyperactivity and increased NaCl reabsorption at the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop.
Reabsorptive and secretory 5-methyltetrahydrofolate transport pathways in cultured human proximal tubule cells
Authors: Morshed K. M. , McMartin K. E.
Published: December 2017

Decreases in plasma folate levels leading to folate deficiency can result from increased urinary loss of folate, due to changes in either the renal reabsorption or secretion of folate. Hence, human proximal tubule (HPT) cells were cultured on microporous membranes to separate apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) domains and to assess the transport of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate from AP-to-BL (i.e., reabsorptive) and BL-to-AP (secretory) directions. Cellular uptake of alpha-methylglucoside occurred specifically from the AP direction, and transport of p-aminohippurate occurred more readily from the BL direction, demonstrating cell polarity similar to that in vivo. Under tight monolayer conditions, binding of folate to the AP membrane occurred more readily from the AP direction, although AP binding also occurred from the BL chamber. Intracellular transport occurred equally from both AP and BL directions. When loaded from either direction, folate was effluxed from HPT cells into both AP and BL chambers. About 20-30% of the internalized substrate was converted to nonfolate catabolites. Thus HPT cells readily take up folate via both the AP and BL membranes, metabolize it intracellularly and secrete the products across both membranes. These studies suggest that renal folate homeostasis is regulated bidirectionally.
Apical K+ conductance in maturing rabbit principal cell
Authors: Satlin L. M. , Palmer L. G.
Published: December 2017

Net K+ secretion is not detected in cortical collecting ducts (CCDs) isolated from newborn rabbits and perfused in vitro. To establish whether a low apical K+ permeability of the neonatal principal cell limits K+ secretion early in life, we used the patch-clamp technique in split-open CCDs isolated from maturing rabbits to study the properties and density of conducting K+ channels in principal cells. With KCl in the pipette and a NaCl solution warmed to 37 degrees C in the bath, inward currents with a conductance of approximately 42 pS were observed in 0% (0 out of 13 or 0/13), 10% (2/21), 18% (5/28), 29% (4/14), and 56% (10/18) of cell-attached patches obtained in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-wk-old animals, respectively. The conductance and reversal potential of this channel led us to suspect that it represented the low-conductance K+ channel previously described in the rat CCD by L. G. Palmer, L. Antonian, and G. Frindt (J. Gen. Physiol. 104: 693-710, 1994). The mean number of open channels per patch (NPo) increased progressively (P < 0.05) after birth, from 0 at 1 wk, to 0.06 +/- 0.04 at 2 wk, to 0.40 +/- 0.18 at 3 wk, to 0.74 +/- 0.41 at 4 wk, and to 1.06 +/- 0.28 at 5 wk. The increase in NPo appeared to be due primarily to a developmental increase in N, which is the number of channels; open probability, Po, remained constant at approximately 0.5 for all channels identified after the 2nd wk of life. The increase in number of conducting K+ channels during postnatal life is likely to contribute to the maturational increase in net K+ secretion in the CCDs.
Amylin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and adrenomedullin: effects on thiazide receptor and calcium
Authors: Blakely P. , Vaughn D. A. , Fanestil D. D.
Published: December 2017

We previously reported that salmon calcitonin, but not rat calcitonin, increased renal thiazide receptor (TZR) density and decreased renal calcium [urinary calcium excretion (U(Caex))] in the rat. Since calcitonins, islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin), calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), and adrenomedullin interact with a family of calcitonin-related receptors, we examined the effects of these peptides on 1) TZR density, as quantitated by binding of [3H]metolazone to renal membranes; 2) plasma ionic composition; and 3) urinary electrolyte excretion. Subcutaneous amylin both increased TZR density nearly twofold and decreased U(Caex), with maximal effects by 24 h. The decreased U(Caex) occurred with plasma amylin levels in the physiological range, whereas the increased TZR did not reach maximum even with plasma amylin >100 times above normal. Similar doses of adrenomedullin increased TZR density modestly but without effect on U(Caex), whereas CGRP did not alter TZR density and tended to increase U(Caex). We propose that U(Caex) and TZR density in the rat kidney are regulated by rat amylin but not by rat calcitonin.