Adrenalectomized Rabbits Research Articles

Time course of sodium-induced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase recruitment in rabbit cortical collecting tubule.

In cortical collecting tubules (CCD) of aldosterone-repleted rabbit kidney, an increase in intracellular sodium concentration (Nai) induces the recruitment and/or activation of latent Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pumps (Blot-Chabaud et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265: 11676-11681, 1990). The present study was addressed to determine the time course of this Nai-dependent pump recruitment and to examine some of the factors possibly involved in this phenomenon. CCD from adrenalectomized rabbits complemented with aldosterone and dexamethasone were incubated at 4 degrees C either in a K(+)-free saline solution (Na(+)-loaded CCD) or in a sucrose solution (control CCD) and then rewarmed for various time periods to allow pump recruitment to occur. The number of pumps in the membrane was determined by specific [3H]ouabain binding; Nai was measured using 22Na. A rise in Nai induced a threefold increase in the number of basolateral pumps, which was fully achieved within 1-2 min. This pump recruitment was reversible within 15 min after restoration of low Nai. It was unaffected by inhibitors of cytoskeleton and Ca2+ ionophore A 23187. The blocker of the Na(+)-H+ antiporter, amiloride, did not prevent it. The protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, did not induce it in the absence of Na+. We conclude that Nai is a major determinant of pump recruitment and/or activation, which occurs over a very short period of time. It may constitute a rapid adaptative response to an increase in the cell Na+ load.

Immunolocalization of gluco- and mineralocorticoid receptors in rabbit kidney

The localization of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was determined in the rabbit kidney by immunohistochemistry with the use of a monoclonal, anti-GR antibody and a monoclonal, anti-idiotypic, anti-MR antibody. Immunostaining was performed on serial histological sections from normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. The specificity of immunostaining was assessed for MR by in situ competition studies with steroids and for GR by presaturation of the antibody with GR preparation. Immunostaining by both the anti-MR and the anti-GR antibodies was present in all parts of the distal nephron (beyond proximal tubule) and absent in the glomerulus and proximal tubule. The absence of staining by the anti-GR antibody in the proximal tubule suggests that the effects of glucocorticoids in this structure involve either a GR different from that of distal structures or a non-receptor mediated mechanism of action. MR immunostaining predominates in the distal and all along the collecting tubule in its cortical, medullary, and papillary portions. GR immunostaining was most abundant in the medullary ascending limb and distal tubule. Immunostaining by both antibodies was present in papillary interstitial cells and cells of the epithelium lining the papilla. Fifteen to twenty percent of the cells of the cortical collecting tubule, presumably intercalated cells, were devoid of MR and GR immunostaining. Immunostaining was present in both nuclear and cytoplasmic cell compartments. No clear difference was observed between normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. This study is the first report on renal immunolocalization of GR compared with MR. In addition, we show evidence for new targets for corticosteroid hormones such as papillary interstitial cells and papillary epithelium.

Cell sodium-induced recruitment of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pumps in rabbit cortical collecting tubules is aldosterone-dependent.

The influence of intracellular sodium concentration ( [Na+]i) on the number of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pumps was examined in cortical collecting tubules (CCD) of kidneys from rabbits in different aldosterone conditions. Specific [3H]ouabain binding was measured in isolated CCD with various [Na+]i. Experiments were performed on adrenalectomized rabbits receiving only a substitutive dose of dexamethasone and on adrenalectomized rabbits replete with aldosterone. In aldosterone-replete rabbits, the number of binding sites increased linearly with [Na+]i, from 16 fmol/nl tubular volume at 15 mM Na+i to 39 fmol/nl tubular volume at 140 mM Na+i. Neither actinomycin D (5 microM) nor cycloheximide (10 microM) prevented this [Na+]i-dependent increase. In adrenalectomized rabbits, the number of ouabain-binding sites was reduced and did not increase with [Na+]i. These results are in favor of the presence of a "latent" pool of pumps in CCD, rapidly recruited under [Na+]i influence. Aldosterone appears to be required for the constitution and/or activation of this pool.

Chronic indomethacin increases rabbit cortical collecting tubule Na+-K+-ATPase activity

To help determine whether prostaglandin-mediated inhibition of transport in the isolated rabbit cortical collecting tubule (CCT) is related to a suppression of sodium pump activity, adrenalectomized rabbits on replacement dexamethasone were treated for 3 days with vehicle or the prostaglandin inhibitor, indomethacin. On the day of death, rabbits treated with indomethacin had a significantly reduced urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion rate compared with vehicle-treated animals (107 +/- 7 vs. 415 +/- 129 ng.kg body wt-1.day-1, indomethacin vs. vehicle, P less than 0.05). In addition, CCTs obtained from indomethacin-treated rabbits had a significantly higher Na+-K+-ATPase activity than controls (2.66 +/- 0.33 vs. 1.17 +/- 0.33 mol Pi.kg dry wt-1.h-1, 37 degrees C, P less than 0.005); Mg-ATPase activity was invariant. Despite the elevated CCT Na+-K+-ATPase activity, there was no evidence of a sustained increase in Na reabsorption and/or K excretion by the kidney. Thus at death, the fractional excretions of Na and K, urinary Na/K ratios and plasma K values in rabbits given indomethacin were not significantly different from control values. There was also no evidence for a direct effect of either indomethacin or PGE2 on Na+-K+-ATPase activity when added directly to CCT broken-cell assays. Therefore in vivo chronic indomethacin administration leads to a rise in CCT Na+-K+-ATPase activity, which is coincident with a fall in urinary PGE2, suggesting that endogenous PGE2 may suppress the activity of this enzyme by a cell-mediated process.

Effects of aldosterone on NEM-sensitive ATPase in rabbit nephron segments

Aldosterone (aldo) treatment of animals stimulates the rate of H+ secretion in the collecting duct, a process which may involve an H+-ATPase sensitive to inhibition by NEM (N-ethylmaleimide). Therefore, we determined NEM-sensitive ATPase activity in distal nephron segments from three groups of adrenalectomized (adx) rabbits maintained on different doses of aldo (in an osmotic minipump) for seven days. Group 1 was given 1.5 micrograms aldo/100 g body wt/day, whereas groups 2 and 3 were maintained on 5 micrograms and 50 micrograms of aldo/100 g body wt/day, respectively. Aldo concentrations in the plasma of groups 1, 2 and 3 were 10.4 +/- 0.8, 70 +/- 7 and 408 +/- 133 ng/dl, respectively. There was a significant increase in NEM-sensitive ATPase activity in connecting tubule (CNT) and cortical, outer and inner medullary duct segments (CCD, OMCD and IMCD) but not in cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL) and distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in group 2 as compared to group 1. A further increase in plasma concentration of aldo (group 3) did not produce any more increase in NEM-sensitive ATPase activity in the CNT, CCD, OMCD and IMCD, but did increase the enzyme activity in the DCT. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that aldo increases H+ secretion in the connecting tubule and collecting duct segments by increasing the activity of NEM-sensitive H+-ATPase activity in these segments.

Effects of adrenalectomy on CCD: evidence for differential response of two cell types.

Electrophysiological and chemical methods were used to determine the Na and K transport properties of the isolated cortical collecting duct (CCD) of control and adrenalectomized (ADX) rabbits. Net fluxes of Na (JNa) and K (-JK) in controls were 5.7 and 3.2 pmol . mm-1 . min-1 and in ADX were 1.0 and 0.7 pmol . mm-1 . min-1, respectively, similar to electrically determined rates. In separate experiments, blind impalement of cells from adrenal intact (group 1), ADX (group 2), and ADX rabbits treated with deoxycorticosterone (group 3) allowed identification of two distinct cell types, majority cells (MA) and minority cells (MI). In all groups, MA were distinguished from MI by a relatively high basolateral membrane potential (-Vb), low apical membrane fractional resistance (FRa), and presence of apical and basolateral membrane K conductances. Vb of MA (-82.4 mV) was significantly hyperpolarized in groups 1 and 3 combined, when compared with group 2 (-66.4 mV). However, there was no significant difference between Vb of MI in group 2 (-38.9 mV) and Vb of MI in groups 1 and 3 (-36.2 mV). In MA of group 1 equivalent circuit values of apical membrane Na and K conductances (GNaa, GKa) and maximum pump current (Ipmax) were 0.84 and 6.72 mS/cm2 and 46.7 microA/cm2, respectively. These values in group 2 were significantly lower (0.28 and 1.52 mS/cm2 and 8.7 microA/cm2, respectively). It is concluded that two cell types can be distinguished electrically in the CCD. MA have properties consistent with principal cells and MI have properties consistent with intercalated cells. ADX causes a decrease in GNaa, GKa, and Ipmax of PC that results in proportionate decreases in INaa and IKa.

Effects of potassium bicarbonate on distal nephron Na-K-ATPase in adrenalectomized rabbits.

Na-K-ATPase activity in the connecting tubule (CNT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD) has been shown to be influenced by KCl both in the presence and in the absence of aldosterone. To investigate if the aldosterone-independent effect of K+ on Na-K-ATPase can be produced by other K+ salts, we studied the effects of dietary KHCO3 on Na-K-ATPase and ouabain-insensitive Mg-ATPase activities in four nephron segments of adrenalectomized (ADX) rabbits. The segments examined were: the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), CNT, CCD and medullary collecting duct (MCD). All diets were similar in composition except their KHCO3 contents which were 100, 300, 500 and 700 meq/kg in groups 1 to 4 respectively. Increasing KHCO3 in the diet increased K+ excretion (7 X) and urine pH (6.6 to 8.3). Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCD increased greater than 200% as dietary KHCO3 was increased to 700 meq/kg. There was a linear relation between Na-K-ATPase activity in this segment and steady state plasma K+ as well as K+ excretion in the urine. However, Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCD was lower in KHCO3-fed ADX rabbits than the KCl-fed animals studied previously under similar conditions. There were no significant differences in Na-K-ATPase activities in DCT, CNT and MCD among the four groups given different KHCO3-diets. It is concluded that dietary intake of KHCO3 can also influence Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCD independent of aldosterone.

Inhibition of antral and pyloric electrical activity by vagal afferent stimulation in the rabbit

The effects of stimulation of cervical vagal afferents on the electromyographic activity (e.m.g.) of the gastric antrum and pylorus have been studied both in conscious and decorticate, curarized rabbits. In the latter group, stimulation at 10–15 Hz (0.3–0.4 mA; 5–7 ms duration) inhibited both the antral and pyloric e.m.g. in 21 rabbits, elicited an excitatory response in two more but produced no change in the remaining 13 animals. The inhibitory response was not affected by guanethidine (1 mg/kg, i.v.), phentolamine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or propranolol (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) and persisted in rabbits in which the contralateral cervical vagus and both splanchnic nerves had been cut, the coeliac ganglia and both adrenal glands had been extirpated. It was only abolished by combined section of the spinal cord at the level of C 1, C 2 and the contralateral vagus in the neck. In conscious rabbits, vagal stimulation at 2–5 Hz (0.4 mA; 0.5–1.0 ms duration) consistently inhibited antral and pyloric e.m.g. This inhibitory response persisted in the presence of phentolamine, propranolol and naloxone (0.25–1.00 mg/kg), and in adrenalectomized rabbits with cut splanchnic nerves and extirpated coeliac ganglia. However, it was completely abolished by section of both vagi above the diaphragm. It is concluded that (1) the vagal afferents responsible for the inhibition of the gastric e.m.g. are already included in the abdominal vagus nerves, (2) this inhibition of gastric e.m.g. is mediated by non-adrenergic fibers, one group of them emerging from the thoracic spinal cord to join the thoracic vagi via the stellate ganglia.

Renal adaptation to potassium in the adrenalectomized rabbit. Role of distal tubular sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase.

Potassium secretion and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) activity in the distal nephron segments are known to be influenced by the dietary intake of K+. This has been attributed to a change in the plasma aldosterone level, which also influences K+ secretion and Na-K-ATPase activity in the distal nephron. To investigate whether or not dietary K+ can modulate Na-K-ATPase activity in the distal nephron independently of aldosterone, we determined Na-K-ATPase activity in four distinct nephron segments of adrenalectomized (adx) rabbits given four specific diets for 1 wk before experimentation. Na-K-ATPase activity was determined by a fluorometric microassay in which ATP hydrolysis is coupled to NADH oxidation. The nephron segments examined were the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), the connecting tubule (CNT), the cortical collecting duct (CCD), and the outer medullary collecting duct (MCD). All diets were similar in composition except for their K+ contents, which were 100, 300, 500, and 700 meq/kg in groups 1-4, respectively. In these adx animals, Na-K-ATPase activity increased greater than 200% in the CCD as the dietary intake of K+ increased. There was a linear relationship between K+ excretion and the enzyme activity in this segment. There was a 50% increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in the CNT as the dietary intake of K+ increased in adx animals. However, there were no significant differences in Na-K-ATPase activities in the DCT and MCD among the four treatment groups. It is concluded that dietary K+ intake can influence Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCD and CNT independently of plasma aldosterone levels.

Effects of in vitro aldosterone on the rabbit cortical collecting tubule

Considerable evidence indicates that the cortical collecting tubule is a target epithelium for aldosterone. Isolated perfused cortical collecting tubules from rabbits given large doses of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) for several days, or whose endogenous production of aldosterone is increased by dietary means, exhibit large lumen-negative transepithelial voltages, increased sodium (Na) absorption, and increased potassium (K) secretion compared with tubules from normal animals. However, controversy exists regarding the response of this nephron segment to acute in vitro administration of aldosterone. To address this issue we performed three groups of experiments: 1) clearance experiments on adrenalectomized rabbits to determine the minimum time required after in vivo aldosterone administration before significant changes in sodium excretion are observed; 2) microperfusion experiments on cortical collecting tubules from normal and adrenalectomized rabbits in which transepithelial voltage was measured before and after adding aldosterone to the bath; 3) microperfusion experiments on cortical collecting tubules from adrenalectomized rabbits in which transepithelial voltage, sodium and potassium flux were measured before and after in vitro exposure to aldosterone or dexamethasone. The clearance studies demonstrate that after a 2 hr latent period aldosterone produces significant antinatriuresis without change in K excretion. In vitro studies failed to reveal a steroid-induced change in the transepithelial voltage of cortical collecting tubules from either normal or adrenalectomized rabbits. However, aldosterone added in vitro to collecting tubules from adrenalectomized rabbits produced an increase in net Na absorption without a significant change in voltage or K secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cortical collecting tubule potassium secretion: Effect of amiloride, ouabain, and luminal sodium concentration

The present study examined the effect of sodium transport inhibition by amiloride, ouabain, and luminal sodium removal on potassium secretion in isolated cortical collecting tubules from adrenalectomized and DOCA-stimulated rabbits. Collecting tubules from adrenalectomized rabbits had a mean potassium secretion of 3.62 +/- 0.37 pmoles X mm-1 X min-1, which significantly decreased to 1.52 +/- 0.21 pmoles X mm-1 X min-1 after addition of amiloride, but no additional effect was observed after the addition of ouabain. The transepithelial voltage (VT) became less positive after exposure to amiloride. Cortical collecting tubules from DOCA-treated animals exhibited significantly greater potassium secretion (28.6 +/- 9.4 pmoles X mm-1 X mm-1). Amiloride totally inhibited potassium secretion, and VT reversed polarity in these tubules. In tubules from adrenalectomized rabbits the removal of luminal sodium inhibited potassium secretion by approximately 44% but had no effect on VT. There remained, however, a substantial amount of potassium secretion in the absence of transepithelial sodium flux. Thus, potassium secretion in the cortical collecting tubule is highly dependent on sodium reabsorption under conditions of mineralocorticoid stimulation but significantly less so in adrenalectomized animals. Potassium secretion in the cortical collecting tubule of adrenalectomized rabbits is inhibited independent of VT and occurs, in part, by an apparent electroneutral process. Chronic exposure to mineralocorticoids appears to stimulate electrogenic sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion.

Glucocorticoid effects on Na-K-ATPase in rabbit nephron segments.

We determined the effect of dexamethasone on Na-K-ATPase activity in six nephron segments of the adrenalectomized rabbit. Treatment consisted of 1.4 micrograms dexamethasone X 100 g body wt-1 X day-1 for 7 days prior to the study of the nephron segments. Enzyme activity was determined in individual nephron segments by a microfluorometric assay. There was 40-50% less activity of Na-K-ATPase in the S1 portion of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT, S1), the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of adrenalectomized rabbits compared with that of control (sham-operated) animals. There was no significant difference in the enzyme activity in proximal straight tubules (PST, S2 and S3) and cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL) of adrenalectomized and control animals. Dexamethasone treatment produced a dexamethasone concentration of 5 +/- 0.8 nM in the plasma and increased Na-K-ATPase activity in PCT (S1), MTAL, and DCT of the adrenalectomized animals to the control levels without significantly affecting the enzyme activity in the PST (S2, S3) or CTAL. The concentration of dexamethasone in the plasma was such that the hormone should bind mainly to dexamethasone receptors (Kd = 5 nM) and very little to aldosterone receptors (Kd greater than 60 nM). Thus, glucocorticoids probably stimulate Na-K-ATPase in PCT, MTAL, and DCT through glucocorticoid (Type II) receptors and not through mineralocorticoid (Type I) receptors.

Adrenal function and the action of propranolol in surgical stress-mediated insulin resistance of glucose utilization by peripheral tissues in vivo. Inhibition of glucose accumulation in skeletal muscle

The effect of acute adrenalectomy and the action of propranolol on insulin-stimulated glucose utilization was investigated in an in vivo model of peripheral tissues of the rabbit after evisceration and nephrectomy. The lactate/pyrucate ratios in muscle and blood and the content of energy-rich phosphate compounds in muscle were not altered during the experiments. The results obtained in animals with and without intact adrenals were compared. The insulin-mediated glucose utilization was inhibited by 34% in animals with intact adrenals. In the semimembranosus muscle of adrenalectomized rabbits the parameters of glucose metabolism corresponded to those in the ‘resting state’. In the muscle of animals with intact adrenals the content of glycogen was decreased and that of glycolytic intermediates was elevated; free glucose was accumulated in the muscle cell. Alterations of the glucose content in skeletal muscle were inversely correlated with the glucose utilization of peripheral tissues. DL-Propranolol (0.05 mg/kg) administered before surgery i.v. to rabbits with intact adrenals not only prevented glycogenolysos and accumulation of glycolytic intermediates but also the stress-mediated glucose accumulation in skeletal muscle. Propranolol abolished the insulin resistance of glucose utilization of peripheral tissues mediated by the adrenals after surgical preparation of the rabbits.

Kallikrein along the rabbit microdissected nephron: a micromethod for its measurement. Effect of adrenalectomy and DOCA treatment.

Active and inactive kallikrein were measured along the rabbit microdissected nephron. A sensitive and specific micromethod for the measurement of kininogenase activity was developed in order to quantify kallikrein in pieces of tubule as small as 0.3-0.5 mm. Our study confirms that active and inactive kallikrein are located to the connecting tubule (CNT). The effects on renal kallikrein of a chronic DOCA treatment and of adrenalectomy were studied. Urinary excretion of kallikrein was also monitored. After DOCA treatment, active kallikrein increased in the tubule and in urine but inactive kallikrein did not significantly change. Adrenalectomy decreased by 50% active and inactive contents of CNT, as well as reduced the excretion of total kallikrein. Kallikrein content in CNT was also measured in adrenalectomized rabbits 3 h after a single injection of either aldosterone (10 micrograms) or dexamethasone (100 micrograms). After either aldosterone or dexamethasone injections, kallikrein activities were not restored, whereas in the same animals Na-K-ATPase activity which was depressed on cortical and medullary collecting tubules after adrenalectomy returned toward normal values. These data indicate that kallikrein synthesis and activation are influenced by adrenal hormones. Renal kallikrein is, however, regulated at a much slower rate than Na+-K+-ATPase. This may suggest an indirect rather than direct action of corticosteroid hormones on kallikrein.

Angiotensin II directly stimulates sodium transport in rabbit proximal convoluted tubules.

Numerous previous studies have proposed a role for angiotensin II (AII) in the renal regulation of salt balance. At least one nephron site, the proximal convoluted segment, has been implicated in this role. We used in vitro microperfusion of rabbit proximal convoluted tubules to further examine this question. To insure use of appropriate in vivo concentrations as well as potency of the hormone in vitro, we measured plasma AII levels by radioimmunoassay in normal, sodium-depleted, and adrenalectomized rabbits, and measured AII activity by bioassay after incubation in various microperfusion baths. Plasma levels ranged from approximately 2 X 10(-11) to 5 X 10(-11) M. AII activity was stable in Ringer's solution plus albumin, but not in rabbit serum or Ringer's solution plus fetal calf serum. In Ringer's solution plus albumin, physiologic concentrations of AII stimulated volume reabsorption (Jv). 10(-11) M AII increased Jv by 16% (P less than 0.01). 10(-10) M AII produced a lesser increase, 7.5% (P less than 0.05). At a frequently studied, but probably pharmacologic dose, 10(-7) M AII inhibited Jv by 24% (P less than 0.001). AII at 10(-11) M did not stimulate Jv in the presence of 10(-7) M saralasin. Though previous studies have suggested agonistic effects of saralasin alone in epithelia, we found no significant effect of 10(-7) M saralasin on Jv. None of the AII doses measurably changed transepithelial voltage. We conclude that AII in physiologic doses directly stimulates Jv in proximal convoluted tubules and this effect is probably receptor mediated and, within the limits of detection, electroneutral.

Effects of acetylcholine injection into the hypothalamus on the insulin and glucagon release.

To evaluate the role of cholinergic neurones within the hypothalamus in modulating pancreatic-endocrine function, plasma levels of glucagon, insulin and glucose were measured after microinjection of acetylcholine into the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) of rabbits. Injection of acetylcholine (5 X 10(-8) mol in 2 microliter of saline) into the VMH of unanesthetized, unrestrained animals resulted in a prompt elevation of immunoreactive glucagon and glucose levels without any significant change in immunoreactive insulin level. The suppression of insulin secretion following cholinergic stimulation of the VMH was not counteracted by intravenous infusion of glucose (0.25 g/kg). Bilateral adrenalectomy prevented both hyperglucagonemia and hyperglycemia induced by the acetylcholine injection into the VMH. In adrenalectomized rabbits, exogenous glucose load was followed by a significant rise in the plasma insulin level despite the hypothalamic injection of acetylcholine. However, the response of insulin release to glucose load in these animals was much less than in adrenalectomized, saline-treated, control animals. These data support the conclusion that the action of acetylcholine within the hypothalamus on the pancreatic hormone secretions is mediated to a large part through sympatho-adrenomedullary activity. However, a part of the decreased insulin response to glucose may be mediated by direct innervation of the pancreas.

Central and peripheral injections of ACTH (1–24) reduce fever in adrenalectomized rabbits

Central administration of ACTH (1-24) reduces fever in normal rabbits in doses that have no effect on afebrile body temperature. Previous experimental and clinical reports indicate that peripheral administration of both ACTH and corticosteroids reduces fever, and since central injection of corticosteroids can also lower fever it might be that the antipyretic effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) ACTH (1-24) is due to adrenal stimulation. To learn whether this endogenous central peptide can produce antipyresis independently, ACTH (1-24) was injected ICV in bilaterally adrenalectomized (ADX) rabbits made febrile by IV injections of leukocytic pyrogen (LP). ACTH (250 ng) given ICV reduced fever in these animals and had a slight hypothermic effect when given to the same rabbits when they were afebrile. Doses of 25-75 ng reduced fever without influencing normal body temperature. Intravenous injections of ACTH (2.5 micrograms) also lowered fever caused by IV LP in ADX rabbits. The present findings raise the possibility that release of endogenous central ACTH, and perhaps entry into the brain of circulating ACTH, the release of which is known to increase in fever, limits the magnitude of the febrile response by influencing central temperature controls.

Binding of aldosterone to cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors of the rabbit kidney.

The binding characteristics of [3H]aldosterone ([3H]A) in the rabbit kidney were compared with those described in other species, and experimental conditions suitable for both the isolation of renal tubules and the retention of aldosterone receptors were examined. Specific binding of [3H]A to cytoplasmic (C) and nuclear (N) receptors was determined on kidney slices incubated at +30 degrees C in rabbits fed a low K+-high Na+ diet. Results indicate the presence of at least two binding sites in N fractions, one of high affinity (Kd (I)) 1.8 X 10(-8) M) and low capacity (Nmax (I) 4.6 X 10(-14) mol/mg DNA), called type I sites, and the other of lower affinity (Kd (II) 8.9 X 10(-8) M) and more numerous sites (Nmax (II) 13.1 X 10(-14) mol/mg DNA). Competition studies showed that type I sites have higher affinity for [3H]A than for other steroids. Incubation at +37 degrees C resulted in a loss of type I sites. In adrenalectomized rabbits the C binding was improved but not the N binding (Kd (I) 1.2 X 10(-8) M; Kd (II) 5.6 X 10(-8) M). In rabbits treated with aminoglutethimide, an inhibitor of steroid synthesis, the N binding was lower than in other series. It was concluded that 1) [3H]A binding in the rabbit kidney does not differ from that described in other species; 2) a low K+-high Na+ diet is a satisfactory condition for study of [3H]A binding; and 3) incubation at +30 degrees C, a temperature necessary for microdissection procedures, is suitable for aldosterone binding studies.

Urinary concentrating defect of adrenal insufficiency. Permissive role of adrenal steroids on the hydroosmotic response across the rabbit cortical collecting tubule.

Mineralo- and glucocorticoid-deficient states, such as Addison's disease, are partly characterized by an inability to generate a maximally concentrated urine. The purpose of the present study was to develop a model of adrenal insufficiency and to determine whether changes in the intrinsic function of the collecting duct could partly account for this concentrating defect. Two kinds of experiments were performed: an assessment of the in vivo ability of adrenal-ectomized rabbits to concentrate their urine, and an examination of the intrinsic hydroosmotic responsiveness of in vitro perfused collecting ducts isolated from normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. The present study demonstrates that adrenalectomized rabbits are unable to concentrate their urine maximally, and that the in vivo administration of either deoxycorticosterone, 250 mug/kg, or dexamethasone, 50 mug/kg, restored to or toward normal their concentrating ability. When cortical collecting tubules from adrenalectomized rabbits were perfused in vitro, they demonstrated a markedly blunted hydroosmotic response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which was corrected by the in vitro addition of either aldosterone (50 pM) or dexamethasone (50 pM), but not progesterone (50 pM). The steroids by themselves, in the absence of ADH, had no intrinsic effect on the water permeability of the collecting duct. The blunted hydroosmotic response across cortical collecting tubules from adrenal-ectomized rabbits was corrected by the addition of either 8-bromo cyclic AMP or a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine. The present studies show that the cortical collecting tubules obtained from adrenalectomized rabbits do not respond normally to ADH. The poor hydroosmotic response to ADH was corrected by exogenous aldosterone, dexamethasone, an analog of cyclic AMP, or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In conclusion, the present studies are consistent with the view that the concentrating defect seen in adrenal insufficiency is at least partly the result of the absence of the permissive effect that adrenal steroids exert on the ADH-induced reabsorption of water across the collecting duct. The absence of adrenal steroids results in a diminished rate of cyclic AMP accumulation in the cells of the collecting duct, either as a result of an augmented activity of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase or a diminished rate of cyclic AMP generation.

Identification of mineralocorticoid target sites in the isolated rabbit cortical nephron.

Previous evidence suggests that the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme citrate synthase [citrate oxaloacetate-lyase (pro-3S-CH(2)COO --> acetyl-CoA), EC 4.1.3.7] is increased in target tissues upon acute administration of aldosterone. Therefore, an ultramicro assay was established to determine citrate synthase levels in isolated rabbit nephron segments as a means of localizing mineralocorticoid-responsive sites within the renal cortex. The relative citrate synthase activities in normal rabbit segments (per kg of dry tissue) correlated with the metabolic activity of the segments. The order was: distal convoluted tubule > proximal convoluted tubule > cortical thick ascending limb of Henle > cortical collecting duct > pars recta. When these segments were isolated from adrenalectomized rabbits, only the citrate synthase activity in the cortical collecting duct was significantly decreased compared to normal values (3.2 mol of citrate/kg dry wt per hr compared to 7.1; P < 0.001). Furthermore, enzyme activities in segments isolated from adrenalectomized rabbits 90 min after intravenous injection of aldosterone (10 mug/kg) were unchanged from normal or adrenalectomized rabbit tubule values for all segments except the cortical collecting duct. In this segment, aldosterone significantly increased citrate synthase activity compared to adrenalectomized rabbit values (8.1 mol/kg per hr compared to 3.2; P < 0.001), in contrast to the effect of dexamethasone at 10 mug/kg (4.4 mol/kg per hr compared to 3.2; P, NS). Spirolactone SC 26304 administered 30 min prior to injection of aldosterone inhibited the increase in collecting duct citrate synthase activity seen with aldosterone alone (3.4 mol/kg per hr compared to 8.1; P < 0.001). These findings suggest that the collecting duct is the primary target for aldosterone in the renal cortex.