bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms through which ammonia regulates cortical collecting duct net proton secretion
Authors: Frank Amy E. , Wingo Charles S. , Andrews Peter M. , Ageloff Shana , Knepper Mark A. , Weiner I. David
Published: March 2015

Ammonia stimulates cortical collecting duct (CCD) net bicarbonate reabsorption by activating an apical H+-K+-ATPase through mechanisms that are independent of ammonia's known effects on intracellular pH and active sodium transport. The present studies examined whether this stimulation occurs through soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion attachment receptor (SNARE) protein-mediated vesicle fusion. Rabbit CCD segments were studied using in vitro microperfusion, and transepithelial bicarbonate transport was measured using microcalorimetry. Ammonia's stimulation of bicarbonate reabsorption was blocked by either chelating intracellular calcium with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester or by inhibiting microtubule polymerization with colchicine compared with parallel studies performed in the absence of these inhibitors. An inactive structural analog of colchicine, lumicolchicine, did not alter ammonia's stimulation of bicarbonate reabsorption. Tetanus toxin, a zinc endopeptidase specific for vesicle-associated SNARE (v-SNARE) proteins, prevented ammonia from stimulating net bicarbonate reabsorption. Consistent with the functional evidence for v-SNARE involvement, antibodies directed against a conserved region of isoforms 1–3 of the tetanus toxin-sensitive, vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) members of v-SNARE proteins labeled the apical and subapical region of collecting duct intercalated cells. Similarly, antibodies to NSF protein, a protein involved in activation of SNARE proteins for subsequent vesicle fusion, localized to the apical and subapical region of collecting duct intercalated cells. These results indicate that ammonia stimulates CCD bicarbonate reabsorption through an intracellular calcium-dependent, microtubule-dependent, and v-SNARE-dependent mechanism that appears to involve insertion of cytoplasmic vesicles into the apical plasma membrane of CCD intercalated cells.
Mechanism and regulation of vitamin B6 uptake by renal tubular epithelia: studies with cultured OK cells
Authors: Said Hamid M. , Ortiz Alvaro , Vaziri Nike D.
Published: March 2015

The kidneys play an important role in regulating vitamin B6 body homeostasis, but limited information exists regarding the mechanism of pyridoxine uptake by renal epithelial cells, and no study exists on its regulation. To address these issues, we used the renal opossum-derived tubular epithelial (opossum kidney; OK) cells and found pyridoxine uptake to 1) be temperature and energy dependent, 2) be pH dependent, with a higher uptake at alkaline or neutral buffer pH compared with acidic pH, 3) be Na+independent, 4) involve a saturable component (apparent Michaelis- Menten constant of 2.40 ± 0.23 μM), 5) be inhibited by structural analogs, and 6) be amiloride sensitive. Maintaining OK cells in a vitamin B6-deficient growth medium (for 48 h) led to a significant upregulation of pyridoxine uptake. This upregulation was found to be specific for pyridoxine, inhibited by cyclohexamide and actinomycin D, reversible, and mediated via an increase in maximal velocity. Pretreating OK cells with modulates of a Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathway led to a significant downregulation in pyridoxine uptake via inhibition of maximal velocity. These results demonstrate that pyridoxine uptake by renal tubular epithelial OK cells is via a specialized pH-sensitive carrier-mediated mechanism. This mechanism appears to be regulated by extracellular vitamin B6 levels and an intracellular Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathway.
Arginase inhibition slows the progression of renal failure in rats with renal ablation
Authors: Sabbatini Massimo , Pisani Antonio , Uccello Francesco , Fuiano Giorgio , Alfieri Raffaele , Cesaro Antonio , Cianciaruso Bruno , Andreucci Vittorio E.
Published: March 2015

Exogenous arginine slows the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) in remnant rats through a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. We tested whether the inhibition of arginase could induce similar results through the increased availability of endogenous arginine. Three groups of remnant rats were studied for 8 wk: 1) untreated rats (REM); 2) remnant rats treated with 1% l-arginine (ARG); and 3) remnant rats administered a Mn2+-free diet to inhibit arginase (MNF). Normal rats (NOR) were used as controls. Liver arginase activity was depressed in MNF rats (−35% vs. REM, P < 0.01). No difference in metabolic data was detected among the groups throughout the study; blood pressure was significantly lower in MNF vs. ARG and REM rats after 6 wk ( P < 0.001). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was greatly depressed in REM rats (−47% vs. NOR, P < 0.03) but was higher in ARG and MNF rats (+40 and +43% vs. REM, respectively, P < 0.05), with comparable changes in renal hemodynamics. Despite the better GFR, proteinuria was decreased in both ARG and MNF rats (−42%, P < 0.05, and −57%, P < 0.01, respectively, vs. REM rats). Arginine plasma levels, significantly reduced in REM rats (−41% vs. NOR, P < 0.01), were partially restored in MNF rats (+38% vs. REM), and urinary nitrite excretion, greatly depressed in REM rats (−76% vs. NOR, P < 0.01), was significantly increased in MNF rats (+209% vs. REM, P < 0.05). At the renal level, arginase activity was only slightly depressed in MNF rats (−18% vs. REM), but intrarenal concentrations of arginine were lower in this latter group ( P < 0.05 vs. other groups). Beyond the hemodynamic modifications, MNF rats showed a lower glomerular sclerosis index ( P < 0.05 vs. REM and ARG). Inhibition of arginase slows the progression of CRF in remnant rats similarly to arginine-treated rats; the better histological protection in MNF rats, however, suggests that additional factors are involved in these modifications.
Altered expression of major renal Na transporters in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Li Chunling , Wang Weidong , Kwon Tae-Hwan , Knepper Mark A. , Nielsen Søren , Frøkiær Jørgen
Published: March 2015

It has been demonstrated previously that ureteral obstruction was associated with downregulation of renal AQP2 expression and an impaired urinary concentrating capacity (Li C, Wang W, Kwon TH, Isikay L, Wen JG, Marples D, Djurhuus JC, Stockwell A, Knepper MA, Nielsen S, and Frøkiær J. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 281: F163–F171, 2001). In the present study, changes in the expression of major renal Na transporters were examined in a rat model with 24 h of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the marked natriuresis seen after release of UUO. Urine collection for 2 h after release of UUO revealed a significant reduction in urinary osmolality, solute-free water reabsorption, and a marked natriuresis (0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.17 ± 0.03 μmol/min, P < 0.05). Consistent with this, immunoblotting revealed significant reductions in the abundance of major renal Na transporters: type 3 Na+/H+exchanger (NHE3; 24 ± 4% of sham-operated control levels), type 2 Na-Picotransporter (NaPi-2; 21 ± 4%), Na-K-ATPase (37 ± 4%), type 1 bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (BSC-1; 15 ± 3%), and thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (TSC; 15 ± 4%). Immunocytochemistry confirmed the downregulation of NHE3, BSC-1, and TSC in response to obstruction. In nonobstructed contralateral kidneys, a significant reduction in the abundance of inner medullary Na-K-ATPase and cortical NaPi-2 was found. This may contribute to the compensatory increase in urinary production (23 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 1 μl · min−1· kg−1) and increased fractional excretion of urinary Na (0.62 ± 0.03 vs. 0.44 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, downregulation of major renal Na transporters in rats with UUO may contribute to the impairment in urinary concentrating capacity and natriuresis after release of obstruction, and reduced levels of Na-K-ATPase and NaPi-2 in the contralateral nonobstructed kidney may contribute to the compensatory increase in water and Na excretion from that kidney during UUO and after release of obstruction.
Reversibility of chronic cyclosporine nephropathy in rats after withdrawal of cyclosporine
Authors: Li Can , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Wan Young , Jung Ju Young , Cha Jung Ho , Kim Yong Soo , Kim Jin , Bennett William M. , Bang Byung Kee
Published: March 2015

Renal interstitial inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic cyclosporin A (CsA) nephropathy. We studied the expression of the chemoattractant osteopontin (OPN) and the relationship between OPN expression and tubulointerstitial injury in a rat model of chronic CsA nephropathy. Chronic CsA nephropathy was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering CsA (15 mg/kg sc) for 5 wk and then withdrawing it for 5 or 10 wk. Renal function, histopathology (arteriolopathy, ED-1-positive cells, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity, and OPN expression were observed during the follow-up period. Renal function deteriorated in CsA-treated rats, with the development of typical histopathology and activation of RAS. After CsA withdrawal, these parameters were significantly reversed (all P < 0.05). The upregulation of OPN mRNA and protein expression seen in CsA-treated rat kidneys was decreased 5 wk after CsA withdrawal and was further decreased after 10 wk. Of note, OPN mRNA expression correlated with the number of infiltrating macrophage ( r = 0.651, P < 0.01) and tubulointerstitial fibrosis ( r = 0.729, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that OPN expression and macrophage infiltration decrease after long-term CsA withdrawal in rats with established chronic CsA nephropathy, and this is closely associated with recovery from renal injury.
Disruption of F-actin stimulates hypertonic activation of the BGT1 transporter in MDCK cells
Authors: Bricker Jeremy L. , Chu Shaoyou , Kempson Stephen A.
Published: March 2015

Many membrane transport systems are altered by changes in the state of the actin cytoskeleton. Although an intact microtubule network is required for hypertonic activation of the betaine transporter (BGT1), the possible role of the actin cytoskeleton is unknown. BGT1 function in Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers was assessed as Na+-dependent uptake of GABA, following disassembly of F-actin by cytochalasin D (1.0 μM) or latrunculin A (0.6 μM). Both drugs significantly increased ( P < 0.001) the activation of BGT1 transport by 24-h hypertonicity (500 mosmol/kgH2O). In contrast, the hypertonic upregulation of Na+-dependent alanine uptake remained unaltered by cytochalasin D. Disruption of F-actin did not interfere with downregulation of BGT1 transport when cells were transferred from hypertonic to isotonic medium. Immunofluorescence staining revealed colocalization of BGT1 and F-actin at the plasma membrane of hypertonic cells. Surface biotinylation revealed no major change in BGT1 protein abundance after cytochalasin D action, suggesting that stimulation of hypertonic activation of BGT1 transport is due to increased activity of existing BGT1 transporters.
CD40 ligation stimulates MCP-1 and IL-8 production, TRAF6 recruitment, and MAPK activation in proximal tubule cells
Authors: Li Hongye , Nord Edward P.
Published: March 2015

The mechanism of CD40/CD154-induced chemokine production and its potential role in renal inflammatory disease were explored. Human proximal tubule cells maintained in primary culture were used as the experimental model. With the use of immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and a cell fractionation assay, the CD40 receptor was found to be expressed in the cell membrane of the epithelial cell, and, on engagement by CD154, its cognate ligand, translocated to the cytoplasmic compartment. Engagement of CD40 by CD154 stimulated interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production, which proceeded via receptor activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. CD40 ligation also engaged tumor necrosis factor receptor-activating factor 6 (TRAF6), as evidenced by colocalization of the activated receptor with TRAF6 in the cytoplasmic compartment, translocation of both proteins from the insoluble to the soluble cell fraction, and coimmunoprecipitation of the two proteins only under ligand-stimulated conditions. Furthermore, an antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide targeted against TRAF6 mRNA blunted p38 and SAPK/JNK but not ERK1/2 MAPK activities, as well as IL-8 and MCP-1 production, arguing that TRAF6 is an upstream activator. The zinc chelator TPEN, but not the calcium chelator BAPTA, obliterated CD154-evoked MAPK activity and chemokine production, providing indirect evidence for protein-protein interactions playing a critical role in CD40 signaling in these cells. We conclude that in human proximal tubule cells, CD40 and TRAF6 reside in separate low-density, detergent-insoluble membrane microdomains, or rafts, and on activation translocate and associate with one another probably via zinc-finger domains in the soluble or cytoplasmic compartment. TRAF6, in turn, activates SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which in turn stimulates IL-8 and MCP-1 production in these cells.
Acute hypertension provokes internalization of proximal tubule NHE3 without inhibition of transport activity
Authors: Yang Li , Leong Patrick K. K. , Chen Jennifer O. , Patel Nilem , Hamm-Alvarez Sarah F. , McDonough Alicia A.
Published: March 2015

Acute hypertension rapidly decreases proximal tubule (PT) Na+reabsorption, facilitated by a redistribution of PT Na+/H+exchangers (NHE3) out of the apical brush border, increasing NaCl at the macula densa, the signal for autoregulation of renal blood flow and GFR. This study aimed to determine whether NHE3 activity per transporter decreases during acute hypertension and the time dependence of the response. Blood pressure was elevated by 50–60 mmHg in male Sprague-Dawley rats for 5 or 30 min by constricting arteries. Renal cortical membranes were fractionated by density gradient centrifugation. NHE3 transport activity was assayed as the rate of appearance of acridine orange (AO) from AO-loaded vesicles in response to an inwardly directed Na+gradient. After 5-min hypertension, 20% of total NHE3 protein, assayed by immunoblot, redistributed from low-density apical membranes to middensity membranes enriched in intermicrovillar cleft markers; by 30 min, a similar percentage shifted to heavier density membranes containing markers of endosomes. NHE3 activity shifted to higher density membranes along with NHE3 protein, that is, no change in activity/transporter during acute hypertension. Confocal analysis of NHE3 distribution also verified removal from apical microvilli and appearance in subapical vesicles. We conclude that the decrease in renal PT Na+transport during acute hypertension is mediated by removal of transport-competent NHE3 from the apical brush border to subapical and internal reserves.
TGF-β signal transduction and mesangial cell fibrogenesis
Authors: Schnaper H. William , Hayashida Tomoko , Hubchak Susan C. , Poncelet Anne-Christine
Published: March 2015

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is closely associated with progressive renal fibrosis. Significant progress has been accomplished in determining the cellular signaling pathways that are activated by TGF-β. This knowledge is being applied to glomerular mesangial cell models of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. A central component of TGF-β-stimulated mesangial cell fibrogenesis is the TGF-β family-specific Smad signal transduction pathway. However, while Smads play an important role in collagen accumulation, recent findings indicate that cross talk among a variety of pathways is necessary for maximal stimulation of collagen expression. Further investigation of these multiple interactions will provide insight into possible ways to interrupt cellular mechanisms of glomerular fibrogenesis.
Arginine vasopressin modulates expression of neuronal NOS in rat renal medulla
Authors: Martin Pierre-Yves , Bianchi Mathieu , Roger Frank , Niksic Laurent , Féraille Eric
Published: March 2015

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays a central role in water balance. In principal cells of the collecting duct system, AVP controls the expression of several genes, including aquaporin-2. Because nitric oxide (NO) participates in the regulation of water reabsorption by the collecting duct system, we analyzed the effect of AVP on the expression of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in the kidney. Rats were either water restricted or water loaded to modify the circulating AVP levels, and expressions of NOS isoforms were assessed by Western blot analysis. In water-restricted rats, endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression increased in the outer medulla, and neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression rose in both the outer medulla and the papilla. Conversely, water loading induced a decrease in expression of nNOS in the outer medulla and papilla but did not alter eNOS expression. Oral administration of the specific V2-receptor antagonist SR-121463B decreased nNOS expression in the outer medulla and papilla but did not alter eNOS expression levels. Finally, the very low nNOS expression levels observed in AVP-deficient Brattleboro rats was restored by AVP infusion for 1 wk. Thus AVP specifically increases nNOS expression levels in the renal outer medulla and papilla. Because nNOS is specifically expressed in principal cells of the collecting duct system, the stimulation of nNOS expression by AVP may participate in the control of water reabsorption.
cGMP abolishes agonist-induced [Ca2+]ioscillations in human bladder epithelial cells
Authors: Kwan H. Y. , Huang Y. , Kong S. K. , Yao X.
Published: March 2015

First published August 9, 2001; 10.1152/ajprenal.00031.2001.—Cytosolic calcium oscillations may permit cells to respond to information provided by increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i ) while avoiding prolonged exposure to constantly elevated [Ca2+]i. In this study, we demonstrated that agonists could induce Ca2+oscillations in human bladder epithelial cells. Application of 10 μM acetylcholine or 200 nM bradykinin triggered an initial Ca2+ transient that was followed by periodic [Ca2+]i oscillations. The oscillations did not depend on extracellular Ca2+. 8-Bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate abolished acetylcholine- or bradykinin-induced oscillations. Elevation of cellular cGMP by dipyridamole, an inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, also terminated the [Ca2+]i oscillations. The inhibitory effect of cGMP could be reversed by KT-5823, a highly specific inhibitor of protein kinase G (PKG), suggesting that the action of cGMP was mediated by PKG. Comparison of the effect of cGMP with that of xestospongin C, an inhibitor of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, revealed similarities between the action of cGMP and xestospongin C. Therefore, it is likely that cGMP and PKG may target a signal transduction step(s) linked to IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release.
Calcium-activated nonselective cationic channel in macula densa cells
Authors: Lapointe Jean-Yves , Bell P. Darwin , Sabirov Ravshan Z. , Okada Yasunobu
Published: March 2015

Patch-clamp experiments in cell-attached (c/a) and inside-out (i/o) configurations were performed to directly observe ionic channels in lateral membranes of macula densa (MD) cells from rabbit kidney. In the presence of 140 mM KCl in the pipette and normal Ringer solution in the bath, we repeatedly observed in c/a and in i/o configurations a 20- to 23-pS channel with a linear current-voltage ( I- V) relationship reversing near 0 mV. Ionic replacement in the bath solution clearly indicated a cationic selectivity but with equal permeability for Na+ and K+. Single-channel kinetics was characterized by higher open probability at positive membrane potentials. In i/o experiments, elimination of bath Ca2+ (≤1 μM) abolished channel activity in a reversible manner. This MD nonselective cationic channel was found to display a certain Ca2+ permeability because single-channel events could be detected when the pipette potential was very negative (–60, –80, and –100 mV) in the presence of 73 mM CaCl2 in the bath solution. The similarities between this channel and some channels of the transient receptor potential family suggest a possible role for this MD basolateral channel in controlling membrane potential and regulating Ca2+ entry during MD cell signaling.
Effects of microinjection of synthetic Bcl-2 domain peptides on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Peherstorfer Elisabeth , Mayer Bernd , Boehm Stefan , Lukas Arno , Hauser Peter , Mayer Gert , Oberbauer Rainer
Published: March 2015

Bcl-2 protein family members are among the key regulators of the apoptosis effector phase. Therefore, we investigated the ability of synthetic peptides derived from proteins of the Bcl-2 family, namely, the NH2-terminal region of Bcl-2 (Bcl2_syn), a central domain of Bax (Bax_syn), and a central domain of Bak (Bak_syn) to interfere with the apoptotic process in LLC-PK1cells. Apoptosis was induced by tacrolimus or lipopolysaccharide treatment, and microinjection of Bcl2_syn into stimulated LLC-PK1cells significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells detected within 4 h after the treatment. Microinjection of Bax_syn or Bax_syn, in contrast, induced apoptosis in otherwise untreated LLC-PK1cells during the same period of time. A random sequence control peptide (Control_syn), which served as a negative control, as well as FITC-labeled dextran, which was coinjected in all experiments for visualization, were ineffective in either preventing or inducing apoptosis. These results suggest that synthetic peptides mimicking the functional domains of proteins of the Bcl-2 family are capable of regulating apoptosis when microinjected into LLC-PK1cells in vivo. Analogs to these regulatory peptides could therefore provide valuable lead compounds in the therapeutical context.
Contribution of angiotensin II internalization to intrarenal angiotensin II levels in rats
Authors: Ingert Catherine , Grima Michèle , Coquard Catherine , Barthelmebs Mariette , Imbs Jean-Louis
Published: March 2015

This study was designed to determine the involvement of AT1receptors in the uptake of ANG II in the kidney of rats exposed to differing salt intake. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated with a normal-salt (NS; 1% NaCl, n = 7) or a low-salt (LS; 0.025% NaCl, n = 7) diet combined with (LS+Los, n = 7; NS+Los, n = 7) or without losartan (30 mg · kg−1· day−1), an AT1receptor antagonist. Renin (RA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activities and angiotensinogen, ANG I, and ANG II levels were measured in plasma, renal cortex, and medulla. In LS rats, in both plasma and renal cortex, the increase in RA was associated with an increase in ANG I and ANG II levels compared with NS rats, but intrarenal ANG II levels increased more than ANG I levels. In NS+Los rats, the increase in RA in plasma was followed by a marked increase in plasma ANG I and ANG II levels compared with NS rats whereas in the kidney the increase of renal RA was followed by a decrease of the levels of these peptides. The same pattern was observed in LS+Los rats, but the decrease in renal ANG II levels was much more pronounced in LS+Los rats than in NS+Los rats. Our results suggest that the increase in renal ANG II levels after salt restriction results mainly from an uptake of ANG II, via AT1receptors. Such elevated intrarenal ANG II levels could contribute to maintain sodium and fluid balance and arterial blood pressure during salt-deficiency states.
Endothelial dysfunction in ischemic acute renal failure: rescue by transplanted endothelial cells
Authors: Brodsky Sergey V. , Yamamoto Tokunori , Tada Tetsuhiro , Kim Byungsoo , Chen Jun , Kajiya Fumihiko , Goligorsky Michael S.
Published: March 2015

There is accumulating circumstantial evidence suggesting that endothelial cell dysfunction contributes to the “no-reflow” phenomenon in postischemic kidneys. Here, we demonstrated the vulnerability of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo endothelial cells exposed to pathophysiologically relevant insults, such as oxidative and nitrosative stress or ischemia. All of these stimuli compromised the integrity of the endothelial lining. Next, we performed minimally invasive intravital microscopy of blood flow in peritubular capillaries, which provided direct evidence of the existence of the no-reflow phenomenon, attributable, at least in part, to endothelial injury. In an attempt to ameliorate the hemodynamic consequences of lost endothelial integrity, we transplanted endothelial cells or surrogate cells expressing endothelial nitric oxide synthase into rats subjected to renal artery clamping. Implantation of endothelial cells or their surrogates expressing functional endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the renal microvasculature resulted in a dramatic functional protection of ischemic kidneys. These observations strongly suggest that endothelial cell dysfunction is the primary cause of the no-reflow phenomenon, which, when ameliorated, results in prevention of renal injury seen in acute renal failure.
Expression of aldose reductase in developing rat kidney
Authors: Jung Ju-Young , Kim Young-Hee , Cha Jung-Ho , Han Ki-Hwan , Kim Moo-Kang , Madsen Kirsten M. , Kim Jin
Published: March 2015

Newborn rats are not capable of producing concentrated urine. With development of the concentrating system and a hypertonic medullary interstitium, intracellular osmolytes, such as sorbitol, accumulate in the renal medulla. Sorbitol is produced from glucose in a reaction catalyzed by aldose reductase (AR). The purpose of this study was to establish the time of expression and distribution of AR in the developing rat kidney. Kidneys from 16-, 18-, and 20-day-old fetuses and 1-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, 14-, and 21-day-old pups were processed for immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. In adult animals, AR was expressed only in the inner medulla, in which it was localized in ascending thin limbs (ATLs), inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs), and interstitial cells. AR immunoreactivity was not detected in fetal kidneys but was observed in the terminal part of the descending thin limb and IMCD in the renal papilla of 1-day-old pups. At birth, all of the loops of Henle are configured as short loops and there are no ATLs. After birth, papillary thick ascending limbs are gradually transformed into ATLs by a process that involves apoptotic deletion of cells from the thick ascending limb. During this time, AR immunoreactivity appeared in the cells undergoing transformation in the ascending limb, beginning at the papillary tip and ascending to the border between the outer medulla and the inner medulla. However, there was no labeling of apoptotic cells. The expression of AR in both the ATL and the IMCD gradually increased during kidney development. We conclude that AR expression in the inner medulla coincides with the increase in medullary tonicity that is known to occur during the first 3 wk after birth. On the basis of the observation that only AR-negative cells were deleted by apoptosis in the differentiating ATL, we propose that AR may protect ATL cells against apoptosis.
P-gp-induced modulation of regulatory volume increase occurs via PKC in mouse proximal tubule
Authors: Miyata Yukio , Okada Koji , Ishibashi Shun , Asano Yasushi , Muto Shigeaki
Published: March 2015

The present study examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-induced modulation of regulatory volume increase (RVI) in the isolated nonperfused proximal tubule S2 segments from mice lacking both mdr1a and mdr1b genes (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. The hyperosmotic solution (500 mosmol/kgH2O) involving 200 mM mannitol activated PKC and elicited RVI in the tubules from KO mice but not from WT mice. The addition of the hyperosmotic solution including the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to the tubules of the WT mice activated PKC and elicited RVI. The hyperosmotic solution in the presence of the P-gp inhibitors (verapamil or cyclosporin A) elicited RVI in the tubules from the WT mice but not from the KO mice. The PMA- and the P-gp inhibitors-induced RVI was abolished by cotreatment with the PKC inhibitors (staurosporine or calphostin C). In the tubules of the KO mice, the PKC inhibitors abolished RVI, but PMA did not. In the tubules of the WT mice, the microtubule disruptor (colchicine), the microfilament disruptor (cytochalasin B), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) blocker (wortmannin), but not another PI 3-kinase blocker (LY-294002), inhibited the PMA-induced RVI. In the tubules of the KO mice, colchicine, cytochalsin B, and wortmannin abolished RVI, but LY-294002 did not. We conclude that 1) in the mouse proximal tubule, P-gp-induced modulation of RVI occurs via PKC; and 2) the microtubule, microfilament, and wortmannin-sensitive, LY-294002-insensitive PI 3-kinase contribute to the PKC-induced RVI.
Skeletal muscle regulates extracellular potassium
Authors: McDonough Alicia A. , Thompson Curtis B. , Youn Jang H.
Published: March 2015

Maintaining extracellular fluid (ECF) K+concentration ([K+]) within a narrow range is accomplished by the concerted responses of the kidney, which matches K+excretion to K+intake, and skeletal muscle, the main intracellular fluid (ICF) store of K+, which can rapidly buffer ECF [K+]. In both systems, homologous P-type ATPase isoforms are key effectors of this homeostasis. During dietary K+deprivation, these P-type ATPases are regulated in opposite directions: increased abundance of the H,K-ATPase “colonic” isoform in the renal collecting duct drives active K+conservation while decreased abundance of the plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase α2-isoform leads to the specific shift of K+from muscle ICF to ECF. The skeletal muscle response is isoform and muscle specific: α2and β2, not α1and β1, levels are depressed, and fast glycolytic muscles lose >90% α2, whereas slow oxidative muscles lose ∼50%; however, both muscle types have the same fall in cellular [K+]. To understand the physiological impact, we developed the “K+clamp” to assess insulin-stimulated cellular K+uptake in vivo in the conscious rat by measuring the exogenous K+infusion rate needed to maintain constant plasma [K+] during insulin infusion. Using the K+clamp, we established that K+deprivation leads to near-complete insulin resistance of cellular K+uptake and that this insulin resistance can occur before any decrease in plasma [K+] or muscle Na+pump expression. These studies establish the advantage of combining molecular analyses of P-type ATPase expression with in vivo analyses of cellular K+uptake and excretion to determine mechanisms in models of disrupted K+homeostasis.
Heme activates the heme oxygenase-1 gene in renal epithelial cells by stabilizing Nrf2
Authors: Alam Jawed , Killeen Erin , Gong Pengfei , Naquin Ryan , Hu Bin , Stewart Daniel , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Nath Karl A.
Published: March 2015

The mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 gene ( ho-1) activation by heme in immortalized rat proximal tubular epithelial cells was examined. Analysis of the ho-1promoter identified the heme-responsive sequences as the stress-response element (StRE), multiple copies of which are present in two enhancer regions, E1 and E2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified Nrf2, MafG, ATF3, and Jun and Fos family members as StRE-binding proteins; binding of Nrf2, MafG, and ATF3 was increased in response to heme. Dominant-negative mutants of Nrf2 and Maf, but not of c-Fos and c-Jun, inhibited basal and heme-induced expression of an E1-controlled luciferase gene. Heme did not affect the transcription activity of Nrf2, dimerization between Nrf2 and MafG, or the level of MafG, but did stimulate expression of Nrf2. Heme did not influence the level of Nrf2 mRNA but increased the half-life of Nrf2 protein from ∼10 min to nearly 110 min. These results indicate that heme promotes stabilization of Nrf2, leading to accumulation of Nrf2 · MafG dimers that bind to StREs to activate the ho-1 gene.
Effect of sustained flow perturbations on stability and compensation of tubuloglomerular feedback
Authors: Oldson Darren R. , Moore Leon C. , Layton Harold E.
Published: March 2015

A mathematical model previously formulated by us predicts that limit-cycle oscillations (LCO) in nephron flow are mediated by tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) and that the LCO arise from a bifurcation that depends heavily on the feedback gain magnitude, γ, and on its relationship to a theoretically determined critical value of gain, γc. In this study, we used that model to show how sustained perturbations in proximal tubule flow, a common experimental maneuver, can initiate or terminate LCO by changing the values of γ and γc, thus changing the sign of γ - γc. This result may help explain experiments in which intratubular pressure oscillations were initiated by the sustained introduction or removal of fluid from the proximal tubule (Leyssac PP and Baumbach L. Acta Physiol Scand 117: 415–419, 1983). In addition, our model predicts that, for a range of TGF sensitivities, sustained perturbations that initiate or terminate LCO can yield substantial and abrupt changes in both distal NaCl delivery and NaCl delivery compensation, changes that may play an important role in the response to physiological challenge.
Obstruction-induced changes in urinary bladder smooth muscle contractility: a role for Rho kinase
Authors: Bing Wu , Chang Shaohua , Hypolite Joseph A. , DiSanto Michael E. , Zderic Stephen A. , Rolf Lester , Wein Alan J. , Chacko Samuel
Published: March 2015

Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) undergoes hypertrophy after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in male rabbits, as it does in men with PBOO induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite detrusor hypertrophy, some bladders are severely dysfunctional (decompensated). In this study, the rabbit model for PBOO was used to determine the biochemical regulation of the contractile apparatus and force maintenance by the detrusor from decompensated bladders (DB). Bladders from sham-operated rabbits served as a control. On stimulation with 125 mM KCl, the DSM from sham-operated (SB) rabbits showed phasic contractions, whereas the detrusor from DB was tonic, exhibiting slow development of force, a longer duration of force maintenance, and slow relaxation. The Rho kinase (ROK) inhibitor Y-27632 enhanced the relaxation of precontracted DSM strips from DB. The enhancement of relaxation of the KCl-induced contraction of DB by Y-27632 was associated with dephosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20). The DSM extract from DB showed low phosphatase activity compared with that from SB. The DB also showed more Ca2+-independent MLC20phosphorylation, which was partially inhibited by Y-27632. RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed similar expression levels of MLC kinase and ROK-α in SB and DB, but ROK-β was overexpressed in DB. These results suggest that the ROK-mediated pathway is partly responsible for the high degree of force maintenance and slow relaxation in the detrusor from DB.
Growth hormone regulation of glomerular AT1angiotensin receptors in adult uninephrectomized male rats
Authors: Mok Ka-Yin K. , Sandberg Kathryn , Sweeny Joseph M. , Zheng Wei , Lee Sunghou , Mulroney Susan E.
Published: March 2015

Sex differences exist in the mechanisms initiating early compensatory renal growth after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX); remnant kidney growth is growth hormone (GH) independent in adult female rats and GH dependent in adult male rats. The present study determined whether sex differences also exist in angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) regulation during early remnant kidney (REM) growth after UNX, and if so, whether GH modulates AT1R expression after UNX in the male rat. Scatchard analysis of radioligand binding in glomeruli demonstrated that 48 h post-UNX, AT1R density (Bmax) was significantly decreased by 20% in female REM compared with control kidneys. In contrast, male REM glomerular Bmaxwas significantly increased by 28% compared with control kidneys. Furthermore, GH-suppressed male rats displayed attenuated REM growth, which was associated with a 35% decrease in AT1R Bmax. Losartan treatment also decreased REM AT1R Bmaxby 55%. The activity of mRNA binding proteins that bind to the 5′ leader sequence of the AT1R was regulated by UNX and GH treatment in an inverse manner to AT1R expression. These findings suggest that in rats 1) there are sex differences in the regulation of glomerular AT1R expression after UNX; 2) the increase in AT1R binding sites in the male REM is regulated by GH and mediates early remnant kidney growth; and 3) AT1R 5′ leader sequence mRNA binding proteins play a role in UNX and GH regulation of glomerular AT1Rs in both males and females.
Effect of salt on hypertension and oxidative stress in a rat model of diet-induced obesity
Authors: Dobrian Anca D. , Schriver Suzanne D. , Lynch Terrie , Prewitt Russell L.
Published: March 2015

High-salt diet is known to induce or aggravate hypertension in animal models of hypertension and in humans. When Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 60) are fed a moderately high-fat diet (32% kcal fat, 0.8% NaCl) for 10 wk, about one-half develop obesity [obesity prone (OP)] and mild hypertension, whereas the other half [obesity resistant (OR)] maintain body weight equivalent to a low-fat control (C) and are normotensive. The aim of this study was to test the effect of high-NaCl diets (2 and 4% NaCl) on the development of hypertension and obesity, oxidative stress, and renal function. Both 2 and 4% NaCl induced an early increase in systolic blood pressure of OP but not OR or C rats. High-salt intake induced an increase in the size and reduction in number of adipocytes, concomitant to a twofold increase in circulating leptin in OP rats. Aortic superoxide generation indicated a 2.8-fold increase in the OP high-salt vs. normal-salt groups, whereas urine isoprostanes were not significantly increased. Also, hydroxynonenal protein adducts in the kidney were highly increased in OP rats on 2 and 4% NaCl, indicating oxidative stress in the renal tissue. Urine albumin was increased threefold in the OP on 2% NaCl and fourfold in the same group on 4% NaCl vs. 0.8% NaCl. Kidney histology indicated a higher degree of glomerulosclerosis in OP rats on high-salt diets. In summary, high-salt diet accelerated the development but did not increase the severity of hypertension; high salt increased oxidative stress in the vasculature and kidney and induced kidney glomerulosclerosis and microalbuminuria. Also, the OP rats on high salt displayed adipocyte hypertrophy and increased leptin production.
cAMP-dependent activation of the renal-specific Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter is mediated by regulation of cotransporter trafficking
Authors: Meade Patricia , Hoover Robert S. , Plata Consuelo , Vázquez Norma , Bobadilla Norma A. , Gamba Gerardo , Hebert Steven C.
Published: March 2015

The murine apical bumetanide-sensitive Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter gene (mBSC1) exhibits two spliced isoform products that differ at the COOH-terminal domain. A long COOH-terminal isoform (L-mBSC1) encodes the Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter, and a short isoform (S-mBSC1) exerts a dominant-negative effect on L-mBSC1 cotransporter activity that is abrogated by cAMP. However, the mechanism of this dominant-negative effect was not clear. In this study, we used confocal microscopic analysis of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion construct (L-mBSC1-EGFP) expressed to characterize the surface expression of the L-BSC1 isoform in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Functional expression was also assessed in L-mBSC1-injected oocytes by measuring the bumetanide-sensitive86Rb+uptake. Oocytes injected with L-mBSC1-EGFP cRNA developed a distinct plasma membrane-associated fluorescence that colocalized with the fluorescent membrane dye FM 4-64. The fluorescence intensity in L-mBSC1-EGFP oocytes did not change after cAMP was added to the extracellular medium. In contrast, L-mBSC1-EGFP fluorescence intensity was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, with coexpression of S-mBSC1. The inhibitory effect of S-mBSC1 was abrogated by cAMP. Finally, the exocytosis inhibitor colchicine blocked the effect of cAMP on the L-mBSC1-EGFP/S-mBSC1-coinjected oocytes. All changes in L-mBSC1 surface expression correlated with modification of bumetanide-sensitive86Rb+uptake. Our data suggest that the dominant-negative effect of S-mBSC1 on L-mBSC1 transport function is due to the effects of the cotransporter on trafficking.
Suppression of HGF receptor gene expression by oxidative stress is mediated through the interplay between Sp1 and Egr-1
Authors: Zhang Xianghong , Liu Youhua
Published: March 2015

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, the product of the c-metprotooncogene, is transcriptionally regulated by a wide variety of cytokines as well as extracellular environmental cues. In this report, we demonstrate that c-met expression was significantly suppressed by oxidative stress. Treatment of mouse renal inner medullary collecting duct epithelial cells with 0.5 mM H2O2inhibited c-met mRNA and protein expression, which was concomitant with induction of Egr-1 transcription factor. Ectopic expression of Egr-1 in renal epithelial cells markedly inhibited endogenous c-met expression in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting a causative effect of Egr-1 in mediating c-met suppression. The cis-acting element responsible for H2O2-induced c-met inhibition was localized at nucleotide position −223 to −68 of c-met promoter, in which reside an imperfect Egr-1 and three Sp1-binding sites. Egr-1 markedly suppressed c-met promoter activity but did not directly bind to its cis-acting element in the c-met gene. Induction of Egr-1 by oxidative stress attenuated the binding of Sp1 to its cognate sites, but it did not affect Sp1 abundance in renal epithelial cells. Immunoprecipitation uncovered that Egr-1 physically interacted with Sp1 by forming the Sp1/Egr-1 complex, which presumably resulted in a decreased availability of unbound Sp1 as a transcriptional activator for the c-met gene. Thus it appears that inhibition of c-met expression by oxidative stress is mediated by the interplay between Sp1 and Egr-1 transcription factors. Our findings reveal a novel transcriptional regulatory mechanism by which Egr-1 sequesters Sp1 as a transcriptional activator of c-met via physical interaction.
Key enzymes for renal prostaglandin synthesis: site-specific expression in rodent kidney (rat, mouse)
Authors: Câmpean Valentina , Theilig Franziska , Paliege Alex , Breyer Matthew , Bachmann Sebastian
Published: March 2015

Prostanoids derived from endogenous cylooxygenase (COX)-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism play important roles in the maintenance of renal blood flow and salt and water homeostasis. The relative importance of COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms is under active investigation. We have performed a comprehensive histochemical analysis by comparing rat and mouse kidneys for cellular and subcellular localization of COX-1 and -2 and microsomal-type PGE synthase (PGES), the rate-limiting biosynthetic enzyme in PGE2synthesis. A choice of different sera was compared, and the results were confirmed by antigen-retrieval techniques, in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and the use of COX knockout mice. In the glomerulus, significant COX-1 expression was detected in a subset of mesangial cells. Along the renal tubule, the known COX-2 expression in cTAL and macula densa was paralleled by PGES staining. In the terminal distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule, and cortical and medullary collecting ducts, a significant COX-1 signal was colocalized with PGES; COX-2 was not found in these sites. Intercalated cells were generally negative. Cortical fibroblasts were COX-1 and PGES positive in mice, whereas in rats only PGES could be reliably detected. Lipid-laden interstitial cells of the inner medulla were COX-1, -2, and PGES positive. Vascular smooth muscle cells were not stained. The present data support prominent functions of renal prostanoids, predominantly PGE2, by defining expression sites of the key enzymes for their biosynthesis in the rat and mouse. Results define the renal cell types involved in prostaglandin autacoid functions within spatially restricted sites such as the juxtaglomerular apparatus, mesangium, distal convolutions and collecting duct, and in compartments of the renal interstitium.
Complement C5b-9 induces cyclooxygenase-2 gene transcription in glomerular epithelial cells
Authors: Takano Tomoko , Cybulsky Andrey V. , Yang Xiaoxia , Aoudjit Lamine
Published: March 2015

First published July 12, 2001; 10.1152/ajprenal.0048.2001.—In rat membranous nephropathy, complement C5b-9 induces glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) injury and proteinuria, which is partially mediated by eicosanoids. Rat GEC in culture express cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 constitutively, whereas COX-2 expression is induced by C5b-9. Both isoforms contribute to complement-induced prostaglandin generation. The present study addresses mechanisms of complement-induced COX-2 expression in GEC. Downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) blunted complement-induced upregulation of COX-2 mRNA. Complement and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) both stimulated COX-2 promoter activity. C5b-9 activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and inhibition of JNK activity by transfection of a kinase-inactive JNK1 partially inhibited complement-induced (but not PMA-induced) COX-2 promoter activation. Conversely, a constitutively active mitogen-activated protein or extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase (MEKK)-1, a kinase upstream of JNK, increased COX-2 promoter activity. MEKK-induced COX-2 promoter activation was not affected by downregulation of PKC and was augmented by PMA. Thus, in GEC, PKC and JNK pathways contribute independently to complement-induced COX-2 expression. Nuclear factor-κB was also activated by complement in GEC but did not contribute to complement-induced COX-2 upregulation.
Role of cytochromeP-450 arachidonate metabolites in endothelin signaling in rat proximal tubule
Authors: Escalante Bruno A. , McGiff John C. , Oyekan Adebayo O.
Published: March 2015

We examined the rat proximal tubule (PT) response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) in terms of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) dependency. Arachidonic acid (AA) (1 μM) decreased ouabain-sensitive86Rb uptake from 2.1 ± 0.1 to 0.3 ± 0.08 ng Rb · 10 μg protein−1· 2 min−1( P < 0.05); 20-HETE (1 μM) had similar effects. Dibromododecenoic acid (DBDD) (2 μM), an inhibitor of ω-hydroxylase, abolished the inhibitory action of AA on86Rb uptake whereas the PT response to 20-HETE was unaffected. ET-1 at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nM reduced86Rb uptake from 2.8 ± 0.3 in control PTs to 2.4 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.1, 0.67 ± 0.08, and 0.1 ± 0.03 ng Rb · 10 μg protein−1· 2 min−1, respectively. DBDD (2 μM) abolished the inhibitory effect of ET-1 on86Rb uptake as did BMS182874 (1 μM), an ETA-selective receptor antagonist. ET-1 (100 nM) significantly increased PT 20-HETE release by ∼50%, an effect prevented by DBDD. Nω-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME), given for 4 days to inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS), increased arterial pressure from 92 ± 12 to 140 ± 8 mmHg and increased endogenous release of 20-HETE from isolated PTs (measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). Inl-NAME-treated PTs, but not in control PTs, 0.1 μM AA inhibited ouabain-sensitive86Rb uptake by >40%; the response to AA was attenuated by DBDD. We conclude that, in the PTs, 1) 20-HETE is a second messenger for ET-1 and 2) conversion of AA to 20-HETE is augmented when NOS is inhibited.