Rat Cortical Collecting Duct Research Articles

Hydrogen sulfide induces Ca2+ influx in the principal cells of rat cortical collecting ducts

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a gas-signaling agent in various tissues. Although it has been reported that endogenous enzymes that generate H2S are expressed abundantly in the kidney, few reports examine cellular responses to H2S in renal tubular epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaHS, an H2S donor, and l-cysteine, a substrate for H2S production, on the principal cells of rat cortical collecting ducts (CCDs). NaHS increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the principal cells. The removal of extracellular Ca2+ largely attenuated the [Ca2+]i response. The TRPV4 channel blocker significantly inhibited the effect of NaHS. Extracellular administration of l-cysteine also elicited a rise in [Ca2+]i. Prior treatment of CCDs with AOAA, an inhibitor of H2S production enzyme, l-cysteine-induced [Ca2+]i response was significantly reduced. These results suggest that not only exogenous H2S but also endogenously produced H2S triggers the extracellular influx pathway of Ca2+ in the principal cells of rat CCDs.

Crosstalk between epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) and basolateral potassium channels (Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1) in the cortical collecting duct.

Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir ) channels located on the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells of the distal nephron play a crucial role in K+ handling and BP control, making these channels an attractive target for the treatment of hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to determine how the inhibition of basolateral Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 heteromeric K+ channel affects epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated Na+ transport in the principal cells of cortical collecting duct (CCD). The effect of fluoxetine, amitriptyline and recently developed Kir inhibitor, VU0134992, on the activity of Kir 4.1, Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 and ENaC were tested using electrophysiological approaches in CHO cells transfected with respective channel subunits, cultured polarized epithelial mCCDcl1 cells and freshly isolated rat and human CCD tubules. To test the effect of pharmacological Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 inhibition on electrolyte homeostasis in vivo and corresponding changes in distal tubule transport, Dahl salt-sensitive rats were injected with amitriptyline (15 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) for 3 days. We found that inhibition of Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1, but not the Kir 4.1 channel, depolarizes the cell membrane, induces the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and suppresses ENaC activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that amitriptyline administration leads to a significant drop in plasma K+ level, triggering sodium excretion and diuresis. The present data uncover a specific role of the Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 channel in the modulation of ENaC activity and emphasize the potential for using Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 inhibitors to regulate electrolyte homeostasis and BP.

Angiotensin II Elicits Intracellular Ca 2+ Responses in Rat Cortical Collecting Ducts

Regulation of sodium transport in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) is pivotal for the long-term blood pressure control and excessive Na+ retention in this nephron segment is a known pathogenic determinant of hypertension. Sodium reabsorption in the CCD cells can be stimulated by volume-regulatory hormones, such as angiotensin II (AngII). AngII reportedly binds to AT1 receptors and increases the activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Yet, our understanding of the exact molecular determinants mediating AngII-induced intracellular signaling in the CCD cells remains limited. Numerous studies show that AngII induces intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in the vasculature, cardiomyocytes and glomerular podocytes. Here, we used ratiometric Fura-2 Ca2+-imaging to test if AngII employs Ca2+ as a second messenger in the CCDs freshly isolated from male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We found that application of 500 nM of AngII to a split-opened CCD results in a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i in the CCD cells. The amplitude of the observed [Ca2+]i increase is about 150 nM and is not significantly different in the CCDs isolated from male and female rats. AngII-dependent [Ca2+]i signal is not affected by removal of Ca2+ from the extracellular bathing solution, but is practically abolished, when the tubules are pre-incubated in 3 μM thapsigargin, indicative of Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores. Inhibition of PLC with 10 μM U73122 markedly diminishes AngII-induced [Ca2+]i transient. Chronic AngII infusion moderately impairs [Ca2+]i responses to AngII in the CCDs isolated from male rats by approximately 30%. In contrast, AngII-induced [Ca2+]i elevation is attenuated by 70% in the CCDs from AngII-infused females. We have previously reported a stronger antihypertensive effect of aldosterone antagonism in AngII-infused females, when compared to males. Here, we found that systemic administration of eplerenone prevents the decline of AngII-stimulated [Ca2+]i response in the CCDs from female rats with AngII-dependent hypertension, but not in males. Overall, our data demonstrate that AngII triggers Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores of the CCD cells in a PLC-dependent manner. This AngII-activated [Ca2+]i mobilization is impaired in AngII-infused SD rats of both sexes, but the attenuation is remarkably more pronounced in females. Systemic aldosterone antagonism with eplerenone restores the AngII-mediated [Ca2+]i response in the CCDs from female rats with AngII-dependent hypertension. Future studies are granted to investigate the interplay between AngII-dependent [Ca2+]i signal and ROS generation in the CCD cells.

Role of Basolateral K ir 4.1/K ir 5.1 Channel in the Regulation of Electrolyte Balance and ENaC Activity in the Cortical Collecting Duct

Recent genetic studies identified a critical role of basolateral inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels of the distal nephron in K+ homeostasis and blood pressure control, making these channels attractive targets for hypertension treatment. The main aim of the present study was to examine the effect of established and newly discovered inhibitors of basolateral Kir channels amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and VU0134992 on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). We show that inhibition of heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1, but not homomeric Kir4.1 channel, substantially suppressed both amiloride-sensitive equivalent short-circuit current in cultured polarized epithelial mCCDcl1 cells and single-channel ENaC activity in principal cells of rat and human CCD tubules. Using the combination of confocal microscopy, FluoVolt™ voltage-sensitive dye, and Fluo8HT Ca2+ dye, we show that acute application of amitriptyline or VU992 in concentrations that produce an inhibitory effect on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channel resulted in substantial depolarization of cellular membrane potential and increase in intracellular Ca2+ level in mCCDcl1 cells that can explain a significant decrease of ENaC open probability without altering channel conductance induced by these drugs. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of nonspecific Kir inhibitor amitriptyline on electrolyte homeostasis and apical Na+ transporters' expression in the distal nephron in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. The administration of amitriptyline for three days led to a significant drop in plasma K+, an increase in Na+ and K+ excretion, and diuresis. These changes were accompanied by the compensatory overexpression of ENaC and total and phosphorylated forms of thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl-- cotransporter. Our data uncovered the putative mechanism of the impact of basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channel inhibition on ENaC activity and further emphasized a specific role of this channel in regulation of blood K+ level and electrolyte homeostasis.

Видовые особенности негеномной реакции главных клеток собирательных трубок почек крыс и мышей на альдостерон

We have previously shown the fast nongenomic effect of aldosterone on intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) in the principal cells of rat kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD) in low sodium outer medium (14 mM NaCl). The method of fluorescence microscopy with the intracellular dye Sodium Green was used to study the rate of [Na+]i changes in response to external sodium shift (from 137 to 14 mM ) in Wistar rat and C57bl/6 mouse principal cells. In the presence of aldosterone (10 nM), the level of intracellular sodium in the rat principal cells was higher than in control at the low sodium medium (14 mM NaCl) (р˂0.05). In the principal cells of the mice kidney CCD, the response to a sharp change in the sodium level in the outer medium was significantly faster than we have found in rat, and the nongenomic response to aldosterone (10 nM) was weaker than in rats (р˂0.05). The data obtained for the first time demonstrated the differences in the fast nongenomic aldosterone effects in the principal cells of rat and mice CCD on intracellular sodium balance.

Effects of insulin on Na and K transporters in the rat CCD

We tested the effects of insulin (2 nM, 30-60 min) on principal cells of isolated split-open rat cortical collecting ducts (CCD) using whole-cell current measurements. Insulin addition to the superfusate of the tubules enhanced Na pump (ouabain-sensitive) current from 18 ± 3 to 31 ± 3 pA/cell in control and from 74 ± 9 to 126 ± 11 pA/cell in high K-fed animals. It also more than doubled ROMK (tertiapin-Q-sensitive) K(+) currents in control CCD from 320 ± 40 to 700 ± 80 pA/cell, although it did not affect this current in tubules from K-loaded rats. Insulin did not induce the appearance of amiloride-sensitive Na(+) current in control animals, while in high K-fed animals the currents were similar in the presence (140 ± 30) and the absence (180 ± 70 pA/cell) of insulin. Intraperitoneal injection of insulin plus hypertonic dextrose decreased Na excretion, as previously reported. However, injection of dextrose alone, or the nonmetabolized sugar mannose, had similar effects, suggesting that they were largely the result of vascular volume depletion rather than specific actions of the hormone. In summary, we find no evidence for acute upregulation of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) by physiological concentrations of insulin in the mammalian CCD. However, the hormone does activate both the Na/K pump and apical K(+) channels and could, under some conditions, enhance renal K(+) secretion.

Complex challenges–what will the collecting duct do when both Na+ and K+ have to be conserved

the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron, comprising the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), connecting tubule (CNT), cortical collecting duct (CCD), and outer medullary collecting duct, plays a major role in controlling Na+ and K+ homeostasis. A key mechanism, characterized mostly in the CCD, involves

11,12‐EET activated non‐selective cation channels in the cortical collecting duct

Patch-clamp experiments have identified a 30 pS non-selective (NS) cation channel in the apical membrane of the principal cell (PC) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). This cation channel was inhibited by gadolinium, a non-specific TRP channel inhibitor, suggesting the possibility that the 30 pS NS cation channel may be a TRP channel. Moreover, single channel recordings demonstrated that the 30 pS NS cation channel was activated by 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET), a CYP-epoxygenase-dependent metabolite of arachidonic acid, in both cell-attached and inside-out patches. To study the possibility that the 11,12-EET-sensitive cation channel may be involved in regulating Ca2+ influx in the CCD, we used fura-2 to measure the effect of 11,12-EET on the intracellular Ca2+. Additional 100 nM 11,12-EET significantly increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in PC of the rat CCD. Furthermore, removal of extracellular Ca2+ or applying gadolinium to the bath abolished the stimulatory effect of 11,12-EET on the intracellular Ca2+. We conclude that 11,12-EET activated 30 pS cation channels and that the 11,12-EET-sensitive cation channel may play a role in modulation of intracellular Ca2+ flux in the CCD.

A nicardipine-sensitive Ca2+ entry contributes to the hypotonicity-induced increase in [Ca2+]i of principal cells in rat cortical collecting duct

We examined the mechanisms involved in the [Ca2+]i response to the extracellular hypotonicity in the principal cells of freshly isolated rat cortical collecting duct (CCD), using Fura-2/AM fluorescence imaging.Reduction of extracellular osmolality from 305 (control) to 195mosmol/kgH2O (hypotonic) evoked transient increase in [Ca2+]i of principal cells of rat CCDs. The [Ca2+]i increase was markedly attenuated by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. The application of a P2 purinoceptor antagonist, suramin failed to inhibit the hypotonicity-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The [Ca2+]i increase in response to extracellular hypotonicity was not influenced by application of Gd3+ and ruthenium red. On the other hand, a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel inhibitor, nicardipine, significantly reduced the peak amplitude of [Ca2+]i increase in the principal cells. In order to assess Ca2+ entry during the hypotonic stimulation, we measured the quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence intensity by Mn2+. The hypotonic stimulation enhanced quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence by Mn2+, indicating that a Ca2+-permeable pathway was activated by the hypotonicity. The hypotonicity-mediated enhancement of Mn2+ quenching was significantly inhibited by nicardipine.These results strongly suggested that a nicardipine-sensitive Ca2+ entry pathway would contribute to the mechanisms underlying the hypotonicity-induced [Ca2+]i elevation of principal cells in rat CCD.

Decrease in dietary K intake stimulates the generation of superoxide anions in the kidney and inhibits K secretory channels in the CCD

We previously demonstrated that K depletion inhibited ROMK-like small-conductance K channels (SK) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and that the effect was mediated by superoxide anions that stimulated Src family protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (51). However, because animals on a K-deficient diet had a severe hypokalemia, superoxide-dependent signaling may not regulate ROMK channels under physiological conditions with a normal plasma K concentration. In the present study, we used the patch-clamp technique and Western blot to examine the effect of a moderate K restriction on ROMK-like SK channels and the role of PTK and MAPK in regulating apical K channels in the CCD of animals on a low-K diet (LK; 0.1% K). Rats and mice fed a LK diet for 7 days had a normal plasma K concentration. However, a LK intake increased the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the kidney. Moreover, patch-clamp experiments demonstrated that LK intake decreased the probability finding SK channels and channel activity defined by NP(o) (a product of channel number and open probability) in the CCD of both rat and mouse kidneys. Also, LK intake significantly stimulated the production of superoxide anions in the renal cortex and outer medulla in both rats and mice and increased superoxide level in the rat CCD. Moreover, LK intake augments the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPK, the expression of c-Src and tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK channels. However, treatment of animals with tempol abolished the effect of LK intake on MAPK and c-Src and increased ROMK channel activity in comparing with those of nontreated rats on a LK diet. Inhibiting p38 and ERK with SB202190 and PD98059 significantly stimulated SK in the CCD in rats on a LK diet. In addition, inhibition of PTK with herbimycin A activated SK channels in the CCD from rats on a LK diet. We conclude that LK intake stimulates the generation of superoxide anion and related products and that MAPK and Src family PTK play a physiological role in inhibiting apical K channels in the principal cells in response to LK intake.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Activates BK Channels in the Cortical Collecting Duct

The cortical collecting duct (CCD), which is involved in renal potassium (K) excretion, expresses cytochrome P450 (CYP)-epoxygenase. Here, we examined the effect of high dietary K on renal expression of CYP2C23 and CYP2J2 in the rat, as well as the role of CYP-epoxygenase-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid in the regulation of Ca(2+)-activated big-conductance K (BK) channels. By Western blot analysis, high dietary K stimulated the expression of CYP2C23 but not CYP2J2 and increased 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) levels in isolated rat CCD tubules. Application of arachidonic acid increased BK channel activity, and this occurred to a greater extent in rats on a high-K diet compared with a normal-K diet. This effect was unlikely due to arachidonic acid-induced changes in membrane fluidity, because 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid did not alter BK channel activity. Inhibiting CYP-epoxygenase but not cyclooxygenase- or CYP-omega-hydroxylase-dependent pathways completely abolished the stimulatory effect of arachidonic acid on BK channel activity. In addition, application of 11,12-EET mimicked the effect of arachidonic acid on BK channel activity, even in the presence of CYP-epoxygenase inhibition. This effect seemed specific to 11,12-EET, because both 8,9- and 14,15-EET failed to stimulate BK channels. Finally, inhibition of CYP-epoxygenase abolished iberiotoxin-sensitive and flow-stimulated but not basal net K secretion in isolated microperfused CCD. In conclusion, high dietary K stimulates the renal CYP-epoxygenase pathway, which plays an important role in activating BK channels and flow-stimulated K secretion in the CCD.

Mineralocorticoids decrease the activity of the apical small-conductance K channel in the cortical collecting duct

We used the patch-clamp technique to examine the effect of DOCA treatment (2 mg/kg) on the apical small-conductance K (SK) channels, epithelial Na channels (ENaC), and the basolateral 18-pS K channels in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Treatment of rats with DOCA for 6 days significantly decreased the plasma K from 3.8 to 3.1 meq and reduced the activity of the SK channel, defined as NP(o), from 1.3 in the CCD of control rats to 0.6. In contrast, DOCA treatment significantly increased ENaC activity from 0.01 to 0.53 and the basolateral 18-pS K channel activity from 0.67 to 1.63. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that DOCA treatment significantly increased the expression of the nonreceptor type of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), cSrc, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of ROMK in the renal cortex and outer medulla. The possibility that decreases in apical SK channel activity induced by DOCA treatment were the result of stimulation of PTK activity was further supported by experiments in which inhibition of PTK with herbimycin A significantly increased NP(o) from 0.6 to 2.1 in the CCD from rats receiving DOCA. Also, when rats were fed a high-K (10%) diet, DOCA treatment did not increase the expression of c-Src and decrease the activity of the SK channel in the CCD. We conclude that DOCA treatment decreased the apical SK channel activity in rats on a normal-K diet and that an increase in PTK expression may be responsible for decreased channel activity in the CCD from DOCA-treated rats.

Asymmetry in the Osmotic Response of a Rat Cortical Collecting Duct Cell Line: Role of Aquaporin-2

Transition from antidiuresis to diuresis exposes cortical collecting duct cells (CCD) to asymmetrical changes in environment osmolality, inducing an osmotic stress, which activates numerous membrane-associated events. The aim of the present work was to investigate, either in the presence or not of AQP2, the transepithelial osmotic water permeability (P(osm)) following cell exposure to asymmetrical hyper- or hypotonic gradients. For this purpose, transepithelial net volume fluxes were recorded every minute in two CCD cell lines: one not expressing AQPs (WT-RCCD(1)) and another stably transfected with AQP2 (AQP2-RCCD(1)). Our results demonstrated that the rate of osmosis produced by a given hypotonic shock depends on the gradient direction (osmotic rectification) only in the presence of apical AQP2. In contrast, hypertonic shocks elicit P(osm) rectification independently of AQP2 expression, and this phenomenon may be linked to modulation of basolateral membrane permeability. No asymmetry in transepithelial resistance was observed under hypo- or hypertonicity, indicating that rectification cannot be attributed to a shunt through the tight junction path. We conclude that osmotic rectification may be explained in terms of dynamical changes in membrane permeability probably due to activation/incorporation of AQPs or transporters to the plasma membrane via some mechanism triggered by osmolality.

Intracellular Na+ controls cell surface expression of Na,K-ATPase via a cAMP-independent PKA pathway in mammalian kidney collecting duct cells.

In the mammalian kidney the fine control of Na+ reabsorption takes place in collecting duct principal cells where basolateral Na,K-ATPase provides the driving force for vectorial Na+ transport. In the cortical collecting duct (CCD), a rise in intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) was shown to increase Na,K-ATPase activity and the number of ouabain binding sites, but the mechanism responsible for this event has not yet been elucidated. A rise in [Na+]i caused by incubation with the Na+ ionophore nystatin, increased Na,K-ATPase activity and cell surface expression to the same extent in isolated rat CCD. In cultured mouse mpkCCDcl4 collecting duct cells, increasing [Na+]i either by cell membrane permeabilization with amphotericin B or nystatin, or by incubating cells in a K(+)-free medium, also increased Na,K-ATPase cell surface expression. The [Na+]i-dependent increase in Na,K-ATPase cell-surface expression was prevented by PKA inhibitors H89 and PKI. Moreover, the effects of [Na+]i and cAMP were not additive. However, [Na+]i-dependent activation of PKA was not associated with an increase in cellular cAMP but was prevented by inhibiting the proteasome. These findings suggest that Na,K-ATPase may be recruited to the cell membrane following an increase in [Na+]i through cAMP-independent PKA activation that is itself dependent on proteasomal activity.

Hydrolyzable ATP and PIP(2) modulate the small-conductance K+ channel in apical membranes of rat cortical-collecting duct (CCD).

The small-conductance K+ channel (SK) in the apical membrane of the cortical-collecting duct (CCD) is regulated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphorylation-dephosphorylation processes. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, ROMK, a cloned K+ channel similar to the native SK channel, can be stimulated by phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), which is produced by phosphoinositide kinases from phosphatidylinositol. However, the effects of PIP2 on SK channel activity are not known. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which hydrolyzable ATP prevented run-down of SK channel activity in excised apical patches of principal cells from rat CCD. Channel run-down was significantly delayed by pretreatment with hydrolyzable Mg-ATP, but ATPγS and AMP-PNP had no effect. Addition of alkaline phosphatase also resulted in loss of channel activity. After run-down, SK channel activity rapidly increased upon addition of PIP2. Exposure of inside-out patches to phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors (LY294002, quercetin or wortmannin) decreased channel activity by 74% in the presence of Mg-ATP. PIP2 added to excised patches reactivated SK channels in the presence of these phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors. The protein kinase A inhibitor, PKI, reduced channel activity by 36% in the presence of Mg-ATP. PIP2 was also shown to modulate the inhibitory effects of extracellular and cytosolic ATP. We conclude that both ATP-dependent formation of PIP2 through membrane-bound phosphoinositide kinases and phosphorylation of SK by PKA play important roles in modulating SK channel activity.

AE4 is a DIDS-sensitive Cl(-)/HCO(-)(3) exchanger in the basolateral membrane of the renal CCD and the SMG duct.

The renal cortical collecting duct (CCD) plays an important role in systemic acid-base homeostasis. The beta-intercalated cells secrete most of the HCO(-)(3), which is mediated by a luminal, DIDS-insensitive, Cl(-)/HCO(-)(3) exchange. The identity of the luminal exchanger is a matter of debate. Anion exchanger isoform 4 (AE4) cloned from the rabbit kidney was proposed to perform this function (Tsuganezawa H et al. J Biol Chem 276: 8180-8189, 2001). By contrast, it was proposed (Royaux IE et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98: 4221-4226, 2001) that pendrin accomplishes this function in the mouse CCD. In the present work, we cloned, localized, and characterized the function of the rat AE4. Northern blot and RT-PCR showed high levels of AE4 mRNA in the CCD. Expression in HEK-293 and LLC-PK(1) cells showed that AE4 is targeted to the plasma membrane. Measurement of intracellular pH (pH(i)) revealed that AE4 indeed functions as a Cl(-)/HCO(-)(3) exchanger. However, AE4 activity was inhibited by DIDS. Immunolocalization revealed species-specific expression of AE4. In the rat and mouse CCD and the mouse SMG duct AE4 was in the basolateral membrane. By contrast, in the rabbit, AE4 was in the luminal and lateral membranes. In both, the rat and rabbit CCD AE4 was in alpha-intercalated cells. Importantly, localization of AE4 was not affected by the systemic acid-base status of the rats. Therefore, we conclude that expression and possibly function of AE4 is species specific. In the rat and mouse AE4 functions as a Cl(-)/HCO(-)(3) exchanger in the basolateral membrane of alpha-intercalated cells and may participate in HCO(-)(3) absorption. In the rabbit AE4 may contribute to HCO(-)(3) secretion.

Regulation of the apical Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger pendrin in rat cortical collecting duct in metabolic acidosis.

Pendrin is an apical Cl(-)/OH(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger in beta-intercalated cells (beta-ICs) of rat and mouse cortical collecting duct (CCD). However, little is known about its regulation in acid-base disorders. Here, we examined the regulation of pendrin in metabolic acidosis, a condition known to decrease HCO(3)(-) secretion in CCD. Rats were subjected to NH(4)Cl loading for 4 days, which resulted in metabolic acidosis. Apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger activity in beta-ICs was determined as amplitude and rate of intracellular pH change when Cl was removed in isolated, microperfused CCDs. Intracellular pH was measured by single-cell digital ratiometric imaging using fluorescent pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis-(3-carboxypropyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein-AM. Pendrin mRNA expression in kidney cortex was examined by Northern blot hybridizations. Expression of pendrin protein was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. Microperfused CCDs isolated from acidotic rats demonstrated approximately 60% reduction in apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger activity in beta-ICs (P < 0.001 vs. control). Northern blot hybridizations indicated that the mRNA expression of pendrin in kidney cortex decreased by 68% in acidotic animals (P < 0.02 vs. control). Immunofluorescence labeling demonstrated significant reduction in pendrin expression in CCDs of acidotic rats. We conclude that metabolic acidosis decreases the activity of the apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger in beta-ICs of the rat CCD by reducing the expression of pendrin. Adaptive downregulation of pendrin in metabolic acidosis indicates the important role of this exchanger in acid-base regulation in the CCD.

Basolateral translocation by vasopressin of the aldosterone-induced pool of latent Na-K-ATPases is accompanied by alpha1 subunit dephosphorylation: study in a new aldosterone-sensitive rat cortical collecting duct cell line.

The regulation of plasma membrane Na(+)-K(+)-ATPases (NKA) expression by aldosterone and arginin vasopressin (AVP) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) has been examined in a new rat CCD cell line, designated as RCCD(2). This cell line has maintained many characteristics of the CCD-in particular, the expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor. Mineralocorticoid receptor is expressed at the protein level and binds (3)H-aldosterone (approximately 15 to 20 fmol/mg protein). Short-circuit current (Isc) experiments showed approximately a twofold increase in Isc associated with a decrease in transepithelial resistance when cells were treated with aldosterone concentrations as low as 10(-9) M. This effect on Isc was significant 2 h after aldosterone addition and was still present after 24 h. It was accompanied by an increase in the amount of mRNA encoding for the alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (sixfold) and the alpha1 subunit of NKA (fourfold) after 24 h of hormone treatment. In addition, mRNA expression of the serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase (Sgk) was increased by 10(-9) M aldosterone treatment as early as 45 min after hormone addition. As had already been documented in native CCD obtained by microdissection, incubation of RCCD(2) cells for 24 h with aldosterone resulted in the constitution of a latent pool of NKA that could be rapidly recruited by AVP (15 min). NKA biotinylation experiments and preparation of membrane fractions show that this latent pool of NKA is present in the intracellular compartment of the cells and is recruited by AVP in the basolateral membrane through a translocation process. This mechanism is accompanied by dephosphorylation of the alpha(1) catalytic subunit of NKA.

Cellular localization, membrane distribution, and possible function of guanylyl cyclases A and 1 in collecting ducts of rat.

Natriuretic peptides regulate Na+ and H(2)O transport in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). We have shown that natriuretic peptides have no effect on ion conductances or water transport of principal cells (PC) even though a cGMP-regulated K+ channel is located in the basolateral membrane of these cells. RT-PCR was used to screen for different guanylyl cyclases (GC) in CCD and to look for the expression of GC-1 and GC-A mRNA in CCD of male and female Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the detected GC. BCECF was used to investigate the effects of ANP on intracellular pH in intercalated cells (IC). GC-A and GC-1 were detected. GC-A was immunolocalized in the luminal membrane of IC while GC-1 was mainly found in the luminal membrane of PC. GC-1 is expressed in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats except for male Sprague-Dawley rats, while GC-A is expressed in all strains. ANP (160 nM, n=11), urodilatin (140 nM, n=6), which had no effect in PC, significantly decreased pH(i) by 0.02+/-0.01 and 0.03 +/- 0.01 Units in IC, respectively. ANP as well as urodilatin and 8-Br-cGMP decreased the pH(i) recovery after acidification by 30 +/- 6% (n=12), 37 +/- 7% (n=8), and 19 +/- 3% (n=8), respectively. GC-A is located in the luminal membrane of IC of rat CCD and ANP acts through this receptor when regulating pH(i) via an inhibition of the Na+/H+-exchanger. PC do not possess GC-A. GC-1 seems to be the only GC in these cells of most rat strains tested and therefore, it could be responsible for the regulation of K+ channels in the basolateral membrane via cGMP-dependent protein kinase.

A mathematical model of rat cortical collecting duct: determinants of the transtubular potassium gradient.

In assessing disorders of potassium excretion, urine composition is used to calculate the transtubular gradient (TTKG), as an estimate of tubule fluid concentration, at a point when the fluid was last isotonic to plasma, namely, within the cortical collecting duct (CCD). A mathematical model of the CCD has been developed, consisting of principal cells and alpha- and beta-intercalated cells, and which includes Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), HCO, CO(2), H(2)CO(3), phosphate, ammonia, and urea. Parameters have been selected to achieve fluxes and permeabilities compatible with data obtained from perfusion studies of rat CCD under the influence of both antidiuretic hormone and mineralocorticoid. Both epithelial (flat sheet) and tubule models have been configured, and model calculations have focused on the determinants of the TTKG. Using the epithelial model, luminal K(+) concentrations can be computed at which K(+) secretion ceases (0-flux equilibrium), and this luminal concentration derives from the magnitude of principal cell peritubular uptake of K(+) via the Na-K-ATPase, relative to principal cell peritubular membrane K(+) permeability. When the model is configured as a tubule and examined in the context of conditions in vivo, osmotic equilibration of luminal fluid produces a doubling of the initial K(+) concentration, which, depending on delivered load, may be substantially greater than the zero-flux equilibrium value. Under such circumstances, the CCD will be a site for K(+) reabsorption, although the relatively low permeability ensures that this reabsorptive flux is likely to be small. Osmotic equilibration may also raise luminal NH(3) concentrations well above those in cortical blood. In this situation, diffusive reabsorption of NH(3) provides a mechanism for base reclamation without the metabolic cost of active proton secretion.