Fluid Reabsorption In Proximal Tubule Research Articles

Effect of rMnSOD on Sodium Reabsorption in Renal Proximal Tubule in Ochratoxin A-Treated Rats.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium that represent toxic real threat for human beings and animal health. In this study we evaluated the effect of a new recombinant mitochondrial manganese containing superoxide dismutase (rMnSOD) on oxidative stress and on the alterations of fluid reabsorption in renal proximal tubule (PT) as possible causes of OTA nephrotoxicity. Finally, we have measured the concentration of O2- in the kidney through dihydroethidium assay (DHE) and nitric oxide (NO) concentration through nitrites and nitrates assay. Male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 120-150 g were treated for 14 days by gavage, as follows: Control group, 12 rats received a corresponding amount of saline solution (including 10% DMSO); rMnSOD group, 12 rats treated with rMnSOD (10 µg/kg bw); OTA group, 12 rats treated with OTA (0.5 mg/kg bw) dissolved in 10% DMSO and then scaled to required volume with corn oil; rMnSOD + OTA, 12 rats treated with rMnSOD (10 µg/kg bw) plus OTA (0.5 mg/kg bw). Our results have shown that rMnSOD restores the alteration of reabsorption in PT in rats treated with OTA plus rMnSOD, probably through the response to pressure natriuresis, where nitric oxide plays a key role. Moreover, rMnSOD prevents the nephrotoxicity induced by OTA probably restoring the balance between superoxide and NO that is most probably the cause of hypertension and renal functional alterations through the inhibition of NO synthase. In conclusion these data provide important information for understanding of mechanism of toxic action of OTA. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 424-430, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract P269: Sodium Transporter Profile in Mice Lacking AT1A Receptors in the Renal Proximal Tubule

We have reported that mice lacking AT1A receptors (KO) in renal proximal tubule (PT) have 10 mmHg lower baseline BP and less PT fluid reabsorption than wild type (WT). We tested the hypothesis that the lower BP is associated with less abundant renal Na transporters or regulators. Homogenates of renal cortex and medulla (n=6/group) were prepared and 1 and 1/2 protein amounts of each subjected to immunoblot analysis with specific antibodies and quantitated. Results for cortex and medulla, displayed as mean +/- SEM, normalized to mean abundance of WT=1 (*p <0.05), are summarized in figures. In KO vs. WT abundance of PT NHE3, the associated motor myosin VI, the paracellular NaCl transporter claudin 2, and the Na-HCO3 transporter NBCe1 are lower in KO; in the thick ascending limb (TAL) NKCC2 and its associated kinase SPAK are less abundant, and there is a tendency for lower DCT NCC and CCD ENaC in KO. The results support our hypothesis and suggest that KO of PT AT1R reduces transport routes not only in the PT but beyond the PT, in spite of increased volume flow from PT and lower BP.

Prostaglandin E2 increases proximal tubule fluid reabsorption, and modulates cultured proximal tubule cell responses via EP1 and EP4 receptors

Renal prostaglandin (PG) E2 regulates salt and water transport, and affects disease processes via EP1–4 receptors, but its role in the proximal tubule (PT) is unknown. Our study investigates the effects of PGE2 on mouse PT fluid reabsorption, and its role in growth, sodium transporter expression, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in a mouse PT cell line (MCT). To determine which PGE2 EP receptors are expressed in MCT, qPCR for EP1–4 was performed on cells stimulated for 24 h with PGE2 or transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), a known mediator of PT injury in kidney disease. EP1 and EP4 were detected in MCT, but EP2 and EP3 are not expressed. EP1 was increased by PGE2 and TGFβ, but EP4 was unchanged. To confirm the involvement of EP1 and EP4, sulprostone (SLP, EP1/3 agonist), ONO8711 (EP1 antagonist), and EP1 and EP4 siRNA were used. We first show that PGE2, SLP, and TGFβ reduced H3-thymidine and H3-leucine incorporation. The effects on cell-cycle regulators were examined by western blot. PGE2 increased p27 via EP1 and EP4, but TGFβ increased p21; PGE2-induced p27 was attenuated by TGFβ. PGE2 and SLP reduced cyclinE, while TGFβ increased cyclinD1, an effect attenuated by PGE2 administration. Na-K-ATPase α1 (NaK) was increased by PGE2 via EP1 and EP4. TGFβ had no effect on NaK. Additionally, PGE2 and TGFβ increased fibronectin levels, reaching 12-fold upon co-stimulation. EP1 siRNA abrogated PGE2-fibronectin. PGE2 also increased ROS generation, and ONO-8711 blocked PGE2-ROS. Finally, PGE2 significantly increased fluid reabsorption by 31 and 46% in isolated perfused mouse PT from C57BL/6 and FVB mice, respectively, and this was attenuated in FVB-EP1 null mice. Altogether PGE2 acting on EP1 and EP4 receptors may prove to be important mediators of PT injury, and salt and water transport.

The Protective Effect of Apocynin on Cyclosporine A-Induced Hypertension and Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the prototype of immunosuppressant drugs that has provided new perspectives in human and veterinary medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat certain autoimmune diseases and dermatologic diseases. Unfortunately, the treatment with CSA is often limited by severe adverse effects such as hypertension and nephrotoxicity. Some data suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the oxidative stress play an important role in its pathogenesis, in particular the superoxide (O2 (-)) that is the most powerful free radical generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase present mainly in the kidney. The present study has been designed to investigate the role of Apocynin a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity on cyclosporine-induced adverse effect. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of CsA, used alone or in association with Apocynin on blood pressure (BP), on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), on absoluted fluid reabsorption (Jv) in proximal tubule (PT), on O2 (-) concentration, and on nitric oxide (NO) production. We have demonstrated that CsA administration increases superoxide concentration in the aorta, decreases the NO concentration, reduces GFR and the Jv in PT, and induces a significant increase in BP. Moreover, we have shown that Apocynin treatment restores these hemodynamic alterations, as well as NO and superoxide productions. In conclusion, the reported data indicate that CsA induced nephrotoxicity and hypertension are related to NADPH oxidase activity, in fact Apocynin protects the kidney function and BP from toxic effects induced by CsA through the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity.

Abstract 044: Ddah-1 And Adma Regulate Proximal Tubular Fluid Reabsorption: Comparison Of Pharmacological Blockade Of Ddah-1 With Gene Knockdown

Background: Proximal tubule (PT) fluid reabsorption (Jv) is diminished by knockout of NOS-I or III. ADMA is an endogenous inhibitor of NOS, but its effects on tubular function are unknown. ADMA is degradated by DDAH whose type 1 isoform (DDAH-1) is richly expressed in the PT. SNIPs of DDAH-1 predict the decline of GFR in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypothesis: that DDAH-1 metabolizes ADMA in the PT thereby reducing its plasma concentration and enhancing Jv. Methods: Jv was measured in anesthetized rats and mice in S2 segments of the PT by direct in vivo micropuncture and microperfusion of artificial tubular fluid (ATF). Results: Addition of L-257 (10 -4 M; DDAH-1 inhibitor) vs vehicle to ATF perfusing the PT of rats for 10 mins did not affect Jv (3.4 ± 0.20 vs 3.1±0.39 nl/min/mm). However, a bolus i.v. injection (60mg/kg) of L-257 2hrs before and 10 mins of PT perfusion significantly (P< 0.005) reduced Jv by 33% to 2.3±0.17 nl/min/mm and increased plasma ADMA (systemic Veh: 0.46 ± 0.030 vs. systemic L-257: 0.67 ± 0.029 μmol/l; P < 0.0001) without changing SDMA. Microperfusion of ADMA (10 -4 M) or L-NAME (10 -4 M) in rats both reduced Jv significantly by >40% to 2.0±0.24 and 1.8±0.22 nl/min/mm, respectively (P<0.05). An IV 1 ml bolus of saline containing Transit and siRNA targeted to DDAH-1 (hydrodynamic in vivo gene silencing in mice) three days later reduced Jv significantly by 36% compared to scrambled siRNA (2.2 ± 0.16 vs 1.4 ± 0.26 nl/min/mm; P<0.05). Surprisingly, PT cell-specific DDAH-1 knockdown in mice did not affect Jv significantly compared to wild type (PTC-D1WT: 1.7 ± 0.21 vs PTC-D1KO: 2.0 ± 0.15). Conclusions: PT fluid reabsorption is regulated by ADMA and its tubular metabolism by DDAH-1. The two-hour delay for L-257 to diminish Jv likely was required for accumulation of sufficient tubular ADMA to impair PT reabsorption. Whereas systemic DDAH-1 gene knockdown in mice was as effective as systemic DDAH-1 blockade with L-257 in rats in reducing Jv in the PT, lifelong deletion of PT DDAH-1 was ineffective, suggesting robust adaptive mechanisms that restore PT reabsorption. Thus, L-257 is a novel regulator of PT function. SNIPs that alter DDAH-1 in the PT may change tubular function and thereby contribute to CKD progression.

Significant water absorption goes paracellular in kidney proximal tubules

it had been a fundamental dispute for several decades, whether water passes epithelia such as kidney proximal tubule or small intestine along the transcellular, paracellular, or both pathways. By discovery of the transmembranal aquaporin water channels (AQP), the molecular basis of the

The calcium sensing receptor modulates fluid reabsorption and acid secretion in the proximal tubule

The proximal tubule uses a complex process of apical acid secretion and basolateral bicarbonate absorption to regulate both luminal acidification and fluid absorption. One of the primary regulators of apical acid secretion is the luminal sodium-hydrogen exchanger expressed along the apical membrane of the proximal tubule. Similarly, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is also located along the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule. Here we investigated the role of CaSR in proton secretion and fluid reabsorption in proximal tubules by modulating luminal calcium concentration, using both in vivo micropuncture in rats and in vitro perfused mouse proximal tubules. Using CaSR knockout mice and a calcimimetic agent, we found that increased proton secretion and fluid reabsorption were CaSR dependent. Activating CaSR by either raising the luminal calcium ion concentration or by the calcimimetic caused a concomitant increase in sodium-dependent proton extrusion and fluid reabsorption, whereas in proximal tubules isolated from CaSR knockout mice varying calcium ion concentration had no effect. Application of a calcimimetic in lower concentrations of calcium ion stimulated these processes in vitro and in vivo. Thus, in both rats and mice, increased luminal calcium concentration leads to enhanced fluid reabsorption in the proximal tubule, a process related to activation of CaSR.

Abstract 223: Genetic Deletion or Pharmacological Blockade of Ddah-1 Impairs Reabsorption of Fluid From the Rat Renal Proximal Tubule Perfused in vivo.

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates proximal tubule (PT) Na + and fluid reabsorption. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) but its effects on tubular function are unknown. ADMA is metabolized by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) whose type 1 isoform is predominant in the PT. SNIPs of DDAH-1 predicted the rate of decline of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that DDAH-1 metabolizes ADMA in the proximal tubule and thereby enhances PT fluid reabsorption (J v ). J v was measured in anesthetized rats by direct in vivo microperfusion and recollection of artificial tubular fluid (ATF) in S2 segments of the PT isolated between oil blocks. Addition of a selective inhibitor of DDAH-1, L-257 (10 -4 M) to ATF did not effect J v when compared to addition of vehicle (3.40.6 vs 3.10.3 nl/min/mm). However, L-257 administered as a bolus intravenous injection (60mg/kg) 2hrs before microperfusion of the PT with L-257 significantly reduced J v to 1.80.2 nl/min/mm, (P<0.05) and significantly enhanced urine flow rate (2.1±0.3 vs 9.0±1.8 μl/min; P<0.05). Microperfusion of ADMA (10 -4 M) or L-NAME (10 -4 M) into the PT both reduced J v significantly to 2.00.2 and 1.80.2 nl/min/mm, respectively (P<0.05). Rats pretreated with a rapid intravenous injection of siRNA targeted to DDAH-1 that reduced its renal mRNA expression significantly also had reduced J v (3.1±0.2 vs 2.2±6.2 nl/min/mm; P<0.05) and had a further reduction in J v with 10 -4 M ADMA added to ATF to 1.4±0.1 nl/min/mm; (P<0.005). In conclusion, PT fluid reabsorption is regulated by ADMA and its tubular metabolism by DDAH-1. The two hour delay in the effects of a bolus injection of L-257 to diminish J v indicated the time required after inhibition of DDAH-1 for accumulation of sufficient tubular ADMA to impair PT reabsorption. Thus, L-257 is a novel regulator of PT function and is a proximal tubule diuretic. SNIPs that alter DDAH-1 in the PT may change renal function and contribute to CKD progression.

Abstract 224: Differential Actions of Angiotensin II on Proximal Tubule Transport

Studies with the proximal tubule-specific angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT 1 R) knockout mouse have shown that the proximal tubule (PT) contributes to Ang II-induced hypertension. Ang II levels in the PT fluid are 100- to 1000-fold higher than in plasma, yet the function of the AT 1 -Rs on the luminal side of the PT is unclear. Moreover, hemodynamic actions of Ang II that raise the filtration fraction and the peritubular fluid uptake forces also stimulate PT fluid uptake. We tested the effects of Ang II and AT 1 -Rs on PT fluid uptake in rats. Ang II (200 ng/kg/min) delivered for 2 weeks increased MAP (Con: 95±9 vs Ang II: 140±5 mmHg, p<0.001), single nephron GFR (snGFR)(Con: 36±3 vs Ang II: 43±3, p<0.05) and absolute proximal reabsorption (APR) (Con: 20±3 vs Ang II: 34.5±6.5 nl/min, p<0.01), measured by free flow collections in the S2 segments of the PT in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. These effects were normalized by acute reduction of MAP via a supra-renal aortic clamp. In a separate group of Munich Wistar Frömter (MWF) rats, which have surface glomeruli, Ang II increased snGFR and APR in the S1 segment (Con: 19±4 vs AngII: 44±5 nl/min, p<0.01; +125±9 %) substantially more than in the S2 segment (Con: 25±6 vs Ang II 37±7 nl/min, p<0.01; +48±6 %). In microperfusion and recollection experiments, in which snGFR was controlled, fluid uptake (Jv) in the PT of SD rats was reduced dose-dependently by Ang II delivered directly into the lumen of S2 segments. Ang II (10 -9 M) at physiological levels reduced Jv by 60±7%. This effect on Jv was blocked by co-perfusion of an AT 1 R blocker. Ang II (10 -9 M), microperfused directly into the S2 reduced Jv in MWF rats as well by 44±5%. Ang II in cultured PT cells at higher concentrations (10 -7 to 10 -9 M) also reduced 22 Na + uptake by 20-35%. In conclusion, enhanced PT fluid reabsorption by Ang II is due to hemodynamic enhancement that likely entails peritubular fluid uptake primarily in the S1 segment. However, luminal Ang II acting on AT 1 -Rs in the S1 and S2 segments of the PT reduces fluid uptake. This effect could be overridden by the hemodynamic effect of systemic Ang II to increase reabsorption especially in the S1 segment.

Exposure of luminal membranes of LLC-PK1cells to ANG II induces dimerization of AT1/AT2receptors to activate SERCA and to promote Ca2+mobilization

ANG II is secreted into the lumens of proximal tubules where it is also synthesized, thus increasing the local concentration of the peptide to levels of potential physiological relevance. In the present work, we studied the effect of ANG II via the luminal membranes of LLC-PK(1) cells on Ca(2+)-ATPase of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum (SERCA) and plasma membrane (PMCA). ANG II (at concentrations found in the lumen) stimulated rapid (30 s) and persistent (30 min) SERCA activity by more than 100% and increased Ca(2+) mobilization. Pretreatment with ANG II for 30 min enhanced the ANG II-induced Ca(2+) spark, demonstrating a positively self-sustained stimulus of Ca(2+) mobilization by ANG II. ANG II in the medium facing the luminal side of the cells decreased with time with no formation of metabolites, indicating peptide internalization. ANG II increased heterodimerization of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors by 140%, and either losartan or PD123319 completely blocked the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II. Using the PLC inhibitor U73122, PMA, and calphostin C, it was possible to demonstrate the involvement of a PLC→DAG(PMA)→PKC pathway in the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II with no effect on PMCA. We conclude that ANG II triggers SERCA activation via the luminal membrane, increasing the Ca(2+) stock in the reticulum to ensure a more efficient subsequent mobilization of Ca(2+). This first report on the regulation of SERCA activity by ANG II shows a new mechanism for Ca(2+) homeostasis in renal cells and also for regulation of Ca(2+)-modulated fluid reabsorption in proximal tubules.

Renal Proximal Tubular Reabsorption Is Reduced In Adult Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Proximal tubule reabsorption is regulated by systemic and intrinsic mechanisms, including locally produced autocoids. Superoxide, produced by NADPH oxidase enhances NaCl transport in the loop of Henle and the collecting duct, but its role in the proximal tubule is unclear. We measured proximal tubule fluid reabsorption (Jv) in WKY rats and compared that with Jv in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), a model of enhanced renal superoxide generation. Rats were treated with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (Apo) or with small interfering RNA for p22(phox), which is the critical subunit of NADPH oxidase. Jv was lower in SHR compared with Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY; WKY: 2.3+/-0.3 vs SHR: 1.1+/-0.2 nL/min per millimeter; n=9 to 11; P<0.001). Apo and small interfering RNA to p22(phox) normalized Jv in SHRs but had no effect in WKY rats. Jv was reduced in proximal tubules perfused with S-1611, a highly selective inhibitor of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3, the major Na(+) uptake pathway in the proximal tubule, in WKY rats but not in SHRs. Pretreatment with Apo restored an effect of S-1611 to reduce Jv in the SHRs (SHR+Apo: 2.9+/-0.4 vs SHR+Apo+S-1611: 1.0+/-0.3 nL/min per millimeter; P<0.001). However, because expression of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 was similar between SHR and WKY rats, this suggests that superoxide affects Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 activity. Direct microperfusion of Tempol or Apo into the proximal tubule also restored Jv in SHRs. In conclusion, superoxide generated by NADPH oxidase inhibits proximal tubule fluid reabsorption in SHRs. This finding implies that proximal tubule fluid reabsorption is regulated by redox balance, which may have profound effects on ion and fluid homeostasis in the hypertensive kidney.

Downregulation of claudin-2 expression in renal epithelial cells by metabolic acidosis

Chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) is associated with an inhibition of fluid reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule. The effects of CMA on paracellular transport across the renal epithelial tight junction (TJ) is unknown. Claudin-2 is a transmembrane TJ-associated protein which confers TJ paracellular permeability to Na(+). We examined the effects of CMA on the expression of TJ transport proteins using both in vivo and in vitro models of CMA. The results showed downregulation of claudin-2 mRNA and protein expression in the cortex of rats subjected to the NH(4)Cl loading model of CMA. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and HK-2 cells are models of renal epithelial cells and express claudin-2 protein in their TJ. We examined the effects of acidic pH exposure on the expression of claudin-2 in MDCK and HK-2 renal epithelial cells. Exposure of MDCK cells to pH 6.96 medium caused a significant and reversible decrease in claudin-2 protein abundance. A dose-response analysis of acidic medium exposure of MDCK and HK-2 cells demonstrated a downregulation of claudin-2 protein. The downregulation effect of acidic pH is specific to claudin-2 expression as the expression of other TJ-associated proteins (i.e., claudin-1, -3, -4, and -7, occludin, and zonula occludens-1) remained unchanged compared with control pH (7.40). Collectively, these data demonstrate that CMA downregulates the expression of claudin-2 likely through a direct effect of acidic pH. Potential physiological significance of these changes is discussed.

Activation of the apical Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 by formate: a basis of enhanced fluid and electrolyte reabsorption by formate in the kidney.

Formate stimulates sodium chloride and fluid reabsorption in kidney proximal tubule; however, the exact cellular mechanism of this effect remains unknown. We hypothesized that the primary target of formate is the apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. Here, we demonstrate that formate directly enhances the apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE3) activity in mouse kidney proximal tubule. In the absence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-), addition of formate (500 microM) to the bath and lumen of microperfused mouse kidney proximal tubule caused significant intracellular alkalinization, with intracellular pH (pH(i)) increasing from baseline levels 7.17 +/- 0.01 to 7.55 +/- 0.01 (P < 0.001, n = 14), with a Delta pH of 0.38 +/- 0.02. Removal of luminal chloride did not block cell pH alkalinization by formate (baseline pH of 7.26 +/- 0.01 to 7.53 +/- 0.01 with formate, P < 0.001, n = 10), indicating that the apical Cl(-)/OH(-) exchanger was not the primary mediator of the effect of formate on cell pH. However, removal of sodium from the lumen or addition of EIPA completely prevented cell pH alkalinization. Addition of formate to the lumen and bath in the outer medullary collecting duct, which does not express any apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, did not cause any cell pH alkalinization. At lower concentrations (50 microM), formate caused significant pH(i) alkalinization in proximal tubule cells, with pH(i) increasing from baseline levels 7.15 +/- 0.02 to 7.36 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.02, n = 11). Acetate, at 50 microM, had no effect on pH(i). Formate's effect was observed both in the absence and presence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) in the media. We conclude that formate stimulates the apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 in the kidney proximal tubule. We propose that formate stimulation of chloride reabsorption in the proximal tubule is indirect and is secondary to the activation of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3, which then leads to the stimulation of the apical chloride/base exchanger.

Diuretic response to acute hypertension is blunted during angiotensin II clamp.

Acute hypertension inhibits proximal tubule (PT) fluid reabsorption. The resultant increase in end proximal flow rate provides the error signal to mediate tubuloglomerular feedback autoregulation of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and suppresses renal renin secretion. To test whether the suppression of the renin-angiotensin system during acute hypertension affects the magnitude of the inhibition of PT fluid and sodium reabsorption, plasma ANG II levels were clamped by infusion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril (12 microg/min) and ANG II after pretreatment with the bradykinin B(2) receptor blocker HOE-140 (100 microg/kg bolus). Because ACE also degrades bradykinin, HOE-140 was included to block effect of accumulating vasodilatory bradykinins during captopril infusion. HOE-140 increased the sensitivity of arterial blood pressure to ANG II: after captopril infusion without HOE-140, 20 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1) ANG II had no pressor effect, whereas with HOE-140, 20 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1) ANG II increased blood pressure from 104 +/- 4 to 140 +/- 6 mmHg. ANG II infused at 2 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1) had no pressor effect after captopril and HOE-140 infusion ("ANG II clamp"). When blood pressure was acutely increased 50-60 mmHg by arterial constriction without ANG II clamp, urine output and endogenous lithium clearance increased 4.0- and 6.7-fold, respectively. With ANG II clamp, the effects of acute hypertension were reduced 50%: urine output and endogenous lithium clearance increased two- and threefold, respectively. We conclude that HOE-140, an inhibitor of the B(2) receptor, potentiates the sensitivity of arterial pressure to ANG II and that clamping systemic ANG II levels during acute hypertension blunts the magnitude of the pressure diuretic response.

Detection of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity inhibition in proximal tubules induced by acute hypertension.

We previously showed that acute arterial hypertension induces an inhibition of fluid and NaCl reabsorption in proximal tubules of Sprague-Dawley rats, which is associated with a rapid reversible internalization of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in brush border. To determine whether there is a corresponding inhibition of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in proximal tubules to account for the reduced tubular reabsorption, an instrument capable of measuring intracellular pH (pH(i)) ratiometrically and repeatedly on the surface of kidney with high temporal resolution is required. We report the design and validation of such a fluorimetric system based on two ultraviolet nitrogen-pulsed lasers and a photomultiplier. pH(i) of proximal tubules in situ was measured with pH-sensitive fluorescence dye 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein at 5 Hz. Using the initial rate of change of pH(i) (dpH(i)/dt) during luminal Na(+) removal as an index of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, the exchanger activity was found to be reduced by 52 +/- 11% (n = 14, P < 0.05) compared with the baseline after 20 min of induced acute hypertension. The inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity was alleviated when the blood pressure was returned to prehypertensive level. These observations indicate that acute changes in arterial pressure can reversibly inhibit apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, which might contribute to pressure natriuresis in proximal tubule.

Presentation of the 1999 Jean Hamburger Award to Barry M. Brenner

It is a great privilege and pleasure to introduce my former mentor, the recipient of the Jean Hamburger Award in 1999, Dr. Barry M. Brenner. Although Dr. Brenner's name is readily recognized from his research, theories and textbooks, not many have had my good fortune of being able to observe him so closely and for so long. It was the summer of 1974, when I was visiting from Tokyo, that Dr. Brenner granted me my first interview in his small office at the VA hospital on Clement Street in San Francisco, which overlooks the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. During the next seven years of working with him, Dr. Brenner taught me nephrology, medicine, and importantly for me, English, as well. I believe that the many significant benefits that I received from working with him have earned me the right to introduce Dr. Brenner today.

Potassium permeability in the absence of fluid reabsorption in proximal tubule of the anesthetized rat.

A luminal microperfusion technique was used to examine the K+ permeability of surface proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) in the kidney of anesthetized rats. Transtubular potassium concentration ([K+]) gradients were varied by altering the concentration of KCl in luminal perfusates, to which 32 mmol/l of the impermeant solute raffinose was also added to prevent net fluid reabsorption. The arithmetic mean transtubular [K+] gradient was highly predictive of net potassium flux, yielding an apparent K+ permeability of 31.9 +/- 1.7 x 10(-5) cm/s in the absence of fluid reabsorption. When compared using identical calculation techniques, we found this was not significantly different from the permeability derived in a previous study when fluid reabsorption was present [J. D. Kibble, M. Wareing, R. W. Wilson, and R.Green. Am. J. Physiol. 268 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 27): F778-F783, 1995]. We conclude that fluid reabsorption does not affect the apparent permeability of the proximal tubule to potassium. The apparent permeability to 86Rb, measured following its addition to luminal perfusates, was not significantly different from the value obtained for K+, suggesting that rubidium is a useful marker for net potassium movements in the PCT of the rat.

Pathophysiology of the aquaporin water channels.

Discovery of aquaporin water channel proteins has provided insight into the molecular mechanism of membrane water permeability. The distribution of known mammalian aquaporins predicts roles in physiology and disease. Aquaporin-1 mediates proximal tubule fluid reabsorption, secretion of aqueous humor and cerebrospinal fluid, and lung water homeostasis. Aquaporin-2 mediates vasopressin-dependent renal collecting duct water permeability; mutations or downregulation can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Aquaporin-3 in the basolateral membrane of the collecting duct provides an exit pathway for reabsorbed water. Aquaporin-4 is abundant in brain and probably participates in reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid, osmoregulation, and regulation of brain edema. Aquaporin-5 mediates fluid secretion in salivary and lacrimal glands and is abundant in alveolar epithelium of the lung. Specific regulation of membrane water permeability will likely prove important to understanding edema formation and fluid balance in both normal physiology and disease.

Endogenous production of angiotensin II modulates rat proximal tubule transport.

There is evidence that angiotensin II is synthesized by the proximal tubule and secreted into the tubular lumen. This study examined the functional significance of endogenously produced angiotensin II on proximal tubule transport in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Addition of 10(-11), 10(-8), and 10(-6) M angiotensin II to the lumen of proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vivo had no effect on the rate of fluid reabsorption. The absence of an effect of exogenous luminal angiotensin II could be due to its endogenous production and luminal secretion. Luminal 10(-8) M Dup 753 (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist) resulted in a 35% decrease in proximal tubule fluid reabsorption when compared to control (Jv = 1.64 +/- 0.12 nl/mm.min vs. 2.55 +/- 0.32 nl/mm.min, P < 0.05). Similarly, luminal 10(-4) M enalaprilat, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, decreased fluid reabsorption by 40% (Jv = 1.53 +/- 0.23 nl/mm.min vs. 2.55 +/- 0.32 nl/mm.min, P < 0.05). When 10(-11) or 10(-8) M exogenous angiotensin II was added to enalaprilat (10(-4) M) in the luminal perfusate, fluid reabsorption returned to its baseline rate (Jv = 2.78 +/- 0.35 nl/mm.min). Thus, addition of exogenous angiotensin II stimulates proximal tubule transport when endogenous production is inhibited. These experiments show that endogenously produced angiotensin II modulates fluid transport in the proximal tubule independent of systemic angiotensin II.

A micropuncture study of the renal response to haemorrhage in rats: assessment of the role of vasopressin.

The acute effects of haemorrhage (15 ml (kg body wt)-1) on renal function at whole-kidney and single-nephron levels were studied in Inactin-anaesthetized rats. In order to assess the role of vasopressin in mediating the haemodynamic effects, responses in untreated Long-Evans rats were compared with those in Brattleboro rats (which lack circulating vasopressin) and in Long-Evans rats treated with a V1 receptor antagonist. In time-control animals, there were no significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), excretion rates, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), superficial-nephron GFR (SNGFR) or fluid reabsorption in the superficial proximal tubules during the course of the experiment. Following haemorrhage, the immediate reduction in MAP was followed in each group by partial recovery for 30 min; thereafter, MAP was stable. In untreated Long-Evans rats, haemorrhage was followed by a 26% reduction in GFR (P < 0.001, measured 60-150 min post-haemorrhage) and a larger reduction (45%, P < 0.001) in SNGFR, so that the SNGFR/GFR ratio fell significantly ((27.9 +/- 1.9) x 10(-6), control period; (20.2 +/- 2.2) x 10(-6) post-haemorrhage, P < 0.01). Slightly greater reductions in GFR and SNGFR were seen in Brattleboro rats and V1 antagonist-treated Long-Evans rats, which corresponded to slightly greater haemorrhage-induced reductions in blood pressure in these groups; the falls in the SNGFR/GFR ratio were similar to that in untreated Long-Evans rats. In all three groups of bled rats, fractional reabsorption by the proximal convoluted tubule increased slightly 30-60 min after haemorrhage, but during the subsequent period (60-150 min) returned to values indistinguishable from those during the control period. The results suggest that the renal haemodynamic changes that follow moderate haemorrhage include a preferential reduction in the GFR of superficial nephrons. Vasopressin appears to play no role in this response. Increases in fractional reabsorption in the proximal tubules are seen only during the immediate post-haemorrhage period.