Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells Research Articles

Mechanical Stimulation of Piezo1 Induced Protein Expression and Intracellular Trafficking of Aquaporin‐2 in IMCD Cells

Pressure and shear stress‐induced stretch of tubular epithelial cells is relevant to both physiological and diseased kidney. Piezo1 is a mechanically‐activated cation channel stimulated by membrane tension and stretch; it is highly expressed in the inner medulla of the kidney. Aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) is located in the principal cells of the collecting ducts in the kidney, which is a key aquaporin determining final urine output. The current study aims to investigate whether activation of Piezo1 induces AQP2 expression in the collecting duct principal cells. In human kidney biopsy specimen, Piezo1 was found expressed mainly in the collecting ducts where it co‐localized with AQP2. Upon treating primary cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells with Piezo1 activator Yoda1 (0.01μM to 1μM), the protein expression of AQP2 was markedly increased. Activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 was also associated with intracellular F‐actin depolymerization and dramatically increased accumulation of AQP2 on the apical plasma membrane of IMCD cells. Upregulation of AQP2 protein was also observed when Piezo1 was stimulated with mechanical cyclic tensile strain at 5% elongation, 1Hz for 3hour in IMCD cells, which was markedly inhibited by GsMTx4 (0.1μM to 5μM), a Piezo1 antagonist. Both stretch and Yoda1 treatment induced elevation of intracellular calcium levels and upregulation of calpain2 protein expression (calcium‐activated non‐lysosomal thiol‐proteases) as well as phosphorylation of Akt protein in rat IMCD cells. Dehydration for 24h (which is presumably leading to the swelling of principal cells, Chou CL, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 2008) in mice was associated with increased levels of piezo1 mRNA and protein expression in the kidney inner medulla. In conclusion, activation of Piezo1 by mechanical stretch or activators increased protein expression and intracellular trafficking of AQP2 in rat IMCD cells, which was associated with F‐actin depolymerizing and elevated intracellular calcium levels. These studies indicate that piezo1 may play a functional role in the regulation of urinary osmolarity in pressure‐induced stretch of principal cells relevant to both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Claudin 19 Is Regulated by Extracellular Osmolality in Rat Kidney Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells.

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is subject to severe changes in ambient osmolality and must either allow water transport or be able to seal the lumen against a very high osmotic pressure. We postulate that the tight junction protein claudin-19 is expressed in IMCD and that it takes part in epithelial adaptation to changing osmolality at different functional states. Presence of claudin-19 in rat IMCD was investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Primary cell culture of rat IMCD cells on permeable filter supports was performed under different osmotic culture conditions and after stimulation by antidiuretic hormone (AVP). Electrogenic transepithelial transport properties were measured in Ussing chambers. IMCD cells cultivated at 300 mosm/kg showed high transepithelial resistance, a cation selective paracellular pathway and claudin-19 was mainly located in the tight junction. Treatment by AVP increased cation selectivity but did not alter transepithelial resistance or claudin-19 subcellular localization. In contrast, IMCD cells cultivated at 900 mosm/kg had low transepithelial resistance, anion selectivity, and claudin-19 was relocated from the tight junctions to intracellular vesicles. The data shows osmolality-dependent transformation of IMCD epithelium from tight and sodium-transporting to leaky, with claudin-19 expression in the tight junction associated to tightness and cation selectivity under low osmolality.

Bile Acid G Protein-Coupled Membrane Receptor TGR5 Modulates Aquaporin 2-Mediated Water Homeostasis.

The bile acid-activated receptors, including the membrane G protein-coupled receptor TGR5 and nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR), have roles in kidney diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of TGR5 in renal water handling and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We used tubule suspensions of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells from rat kidneys to investigate the effect of TGR5 signaling on aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression, and examined the in vivo effects of TGR5 in mice with lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) and Tgr5 knockout (Tgr5-/-) mice. Activation of TGR5 by lithocholic acid (LCA), an endogenous TGR5 ligand, or INT-777, a synthetic TGR5-specific agonist, induced AQP2 expression and intracellular trafficking in rat IMCD cells via a cAMP-protein kinase A signaling pathway. In mice with NDI, dietary supplementation with LCA markedly decreased urine output and increased urine osmolality, which was associated with significantly upregulated AQP2 expression in the kidney inner medulla. Supplementation with endogenous FXR agonist had no effect. In primary IMCD suspensions from lithium-treated rats, treatment with INT-767 (FXR and TGR5 dual agonist) or INT-777, but not INT-747 (FXR agonist), increased AQP2 expression. Tgr5-/- mice exhibited an attenuated ability to concentrate urine in response to dehydration, which was associated with decreased AQP2 expression in the kidney inner medulla. In lithium-treated Tgr5-/- mice, LCA treatment failed to prevent reduction of AQP2 expression. TGR5 stimulation increases renal AQP2 expression and improves impaired urinary concentration in lithium-induced NDI. TGR5 is thus involved in regulating water metabolism in the kidney.

Identification of UT-A1- and AQP2-interacting proteins in rat inner medullary collecting duct.

The urea channel UT-A1 and the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) mediate vasopressin-regulated transport in the renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). To identify the proteins that interact with UT-A1 and AQP2 in native rat IMCD cells, we carried out chemical cross-linking followed by detergent solubilization, immunoprecipitation, and LC-MS/MS analysis of the immunoprecipitated material. The analyses revealed 133 UT-A1-interacting proteins and 139 AQP2-interacting proteins, each identified in multiple replicates. Fifty-three proteins that were present in both the UT-A1 and the AQP2 interactomes can be considered as mediators of housekeeping interactions, likely common to all plasma membrane proteins. Among proteins unique to the UT-A1 list were those involved in posttranslational modifications: phosphorylation (protein kinases Cdc42bpb, Phkb, Camk2d, and Mtor), ubiquitylation/deubiquitylation (Uba1, Usp9x), and neddylation (Nae1 and Uba3). Among the proteins unique to the AQP2 list were several Rab proteins (Rab1a, Rab2a, Rab5b, Rab5c, Rab7a, Rab11a, Rab11b, Rab14, Rab17) involved in membrane trafficking. UT-A1 was found to interact with UT-A3, although quantitative proteomics revealed that most UT-A1 molecules in the cell are not bound to UT-A3. In vitro incubation of UT-A1 peptides with the protein kinases identified in the UT-A1 interactome revealed that all except Mtor were capable of phosphorylating known sites in UT-A1. Overall, the UT-A1 and AQP2 interactomes provide a snapshot of a dynamic process in which UT-A1 and AQP2 are produced in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, processed through the Golgi apparatus, delivered to endosomes that move into and out of the plasma membrane, and are regulated in the plasma membrane.

ET‐1 and Nitric Oxide Stimulate Trans‐Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TER) in Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

In the renal collecting duct, it is the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) that is the rate‐limiting step for Na reabsorption. We recently reported, that collecting duct nitric oxide synthase‐1 (NOS1) is necessary for endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) dependent inhibition of ENaC activity. Loss of either ET‐1 or NOS1 expression specifically in the collecting duct generates a salt‐sensitive blood pressure phenotype. In the kidney, it is the IMCD that expresses the highest NOS activity in the kidney, and produces the most ET‐1 throughout the body. Previous studies demonstrating ENaC regulation in the collecting duct have utilized patch‐clamp electro‐physiology in the cortical collecting duct, however the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is technically difficult to patch clamp. Thus, the purpose of this study was to utilize TER, which is inversely related to ion transport, to determine the effect of ET‐1 and NOS inhibition on IMCD ENaC activity. TER was measured with a volt‐ohmmeter and STX2 electrode. Transwell cell culture inserts were used, allowing mouse or rat IMCD cells to polarize. Both rat primary IMCD and mouse mIMCD‐3 exhibited amiloride‐sensitive ENaC inhibition. Amiloride (1 uM) increased TER (decreased ENaC activity) in rat IMCD cells (+5.27 ± 0.63%) and mIMCD‐3 cells (+9.53 ± 1.33%) compared to vehicle controls (+0.29 ±0.19%). ET‐1 (100 nM) stimulated a significant increase in TER for rat IMCD (+2.66‐‐ ± 0.23%) and mouse mIMCD‐3 cells (+3.25 ± 0.62%−) compared to vehicle, indicating an inhibition of ion transport. NOS inhibition (5 mM L‐NAME) also stimulated a significant decrease in TER in rat IMCD (−3.50 ± 0.5%) and mouse mIMCD‐3 cells (−8.35 ± 1.20%). The decrease in resistance, and therefore increase in ion transport, with NOS inhibition could not be reversed with the addition of ET‐1, indicating that the NOS system contributes to the tonic inhibition of ion transport in the IMCD. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that the ET‐1 and NOS systems regulate ion transport, most likely ENaC, in the IMCD of rats and mice.Support or Funding InformationNIHP01HL95499 and The University of Alabama at Birmingham Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education Program (PARADiGM) R25 HL120883

Proteomic profiling of nuclear fractions from native renal inner medullary collecting duct cells

The control of renal water excretion occurs in part by regulation of transcription in response to vasopressin in cells of the collecting duct. A systems biology-based approach to understanding transcriptional control in renal collecting duct cells depends on knowledge of what transcription factors and other regulatory proteins are present in the cells' nuclei. The goal of this article is to report comprehensive proteomic profiling of cellular fractions enriched in nuclear proteins from native inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells of the rat. Multidimensional separation procedures and state-of-the art protein mass spectrometry produced 18 GB of spectral data that allowed the high-stringency identification of 5,048 proteins in nuclear pellet (NP) and nuclear extract (NE) fractions of biochemically isolated rat IMCD cells (URL: https://helixweb.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/IMCD_Nucleus/). The analysis identified 369 transcription factor proteins out of the 1,371 transcription factors coded by the rat genome. The analysis added 1,511 proteins to the recognized proteome of rat IMCD cells, now amounting to 8,290 unique proteins. Analysis of samples treated with the vasopressin analog dDAVP (1 nM for 30 min) or its vehicle revealed 99 proteins in the NP fraction and 88 proteins in the NE fraction with significant changes in spectral counts (Fisher exact test, P < 0.005). Among those altered by vasopressin were seven distinct histone proteins, all of which showed decreased abundance in the NP fraction, consistent with a possible effect of vasopressin to induce chromatin remodeling. The results provide a data resource for future studies of vasopressin-mediated transcriptional regulation in the renal collecting duct.

Identification of Two Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT)-response Elements in the 5′-Upstream Regulatory Region of the ET-1 Promoter

Collecting duct-derived ET-1 regulates salt excretion and blood pressure. We have reported the presence of an inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD)-specific enhancer region in the 5'-upstream ET-1 promoter (Strait, K. A., Stricklett, P. K., Kohan, J. L., Miller, M. B., and Kohan, D. E. (2007) Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 293, F601-F606). The current studies provide further characterization of the ET-1 5'-upstream distal promoter to identify the IMCD-specific enhancer elements. Deletion studies identified two regions of the 5'-upstream ET-1 promoter, -1725 to -1319 bp and -1319 to -1026 bp, which were required for maximal promoter activity in transfected rat IMCD cells. Transcription factor binding site analysis of these regions identified two consensus nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) binding sites at -1263 and -1563. EMSA analysis using nuclear extracts from IMCD cells showed that both the -1263 and the -1563 NFAT sites in the ET-1 distal promoter competed for NFAT binding to previously identified NFAT sites in the IL-2 and TNF genes. Gel supershift analysis showed that each of the NFAT binding sites in the ET-1 promoter bound NFAT proteins derived from IMCD nuclear extracts, but they selectively bound different NFAT isoforms; ET-1263 bound NFATc1, whereas ET-1563 bound NFATc3. Site-directed mutagenesis of either the ET-1263 or the ET-1563 sites prevented NFAT binding and reduced ET-1 promoter activity. Thus, NFAT appears to be an important regulator of ET-1 transcription in IMCD cells, and thus, it may play a role in controlling blood pressure through ET-1 regulation of renal salt excretion.

Vasopressin Triggers Phosphorylation of Na‐K‐2Cl Cotransporter (NKCC1) in Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct (IMCD)

Vasopressin‐induced cell swelling in rat IMCD is dependent on the cotransporter NKCC1. NKCC1 is regulated by phosphorylation at Thr203 and Thr208 in other cell types. Here we used R5, a previously characterized antibody recognizing the pThr203/pThr208 double‐phospho‐form of NKCC1, to study vasopressin's effects in rat IMCD suspensions. The V2R‐selective vasopressin analog dDAVP (1 nM) significantly increased the abundance of phosphorylated NKCC1 (168±15%, n=4), an effect mimicked by cAMP analog CPT‐cAMP and inhibited by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H‐89. Immunoblotting using the R5 antibody cross‐preadsorbed with synthetic mono‐phosphopeptides (pThr203 or pThr208) demonstrated that dDAVP increases phosphorylation at Thr203 but not Thr208. Inhibitors of calmodulin (W7) or myosin light chain kinase (ML‐7) did not prevent NKCC1 phosphorylation. Incubating a nonphosphorylated synthetic peptide spanning Thr203 and Thr208 with purified PKA catalytic subunit failed to phosphorylate the peptide, despite phosphorylation of positive‐control peptide. These results show that dDAVP triggers phosphorylation of NKCC1 at Thr203 in native rat IMCD cells and suggest that the effect is indirectly dependent on PKA.

Quantitative analysis of aquaporin-2 phosphorylation

The action of vasopressin in rodent collecting ducts to regulate water permeability depends in part on increases in phosphorylation of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) at three sites: Ser256, Ser264, and Ser269. Previous studies of AQP2 phosphorylation have depended largely on qualitative data using protein mass spectrometry and phospho-specific antibodies. Here, we use a new method employing phospho-specific antibodies to determine the percentage of total AQP2 phosphorylated at each site in the presence and absence of the V2-receptor-selective vasopressin analog dDAVP in rat renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and cultured mpkCCD cells. Phosphorylation of Ser269, a site previously implicated in plasma membrane retention, was found to increase from 3 to 26% of total AQP2 in rat IMCD cells following dDAVP. Quantification of immunogold labeling of the opposite kidneys from the same rats estimated that 11% of total AQP2 is present in the apical plasma membrane (APM) without injection of dDAVP and 25% is present in the APM after dDAVP. Surprisingly, the baseline level of Ser256 phosphorylation was constitutively high, and there was no increase with dDAVP (confirmed in 2 more sets of rats). In general, Ser264 phosphorylation remained below 5% of total. The pattern of response was similar in cultured mpkCCD cells (large increase in Ser269 phosphorylation following dDAVP, but constitutively high levels of Ser256 phosphorylation). We suggest from these studies that Ser269 phosphorylation may be a more consistent indicator of vasopressin action and AQP2 membrane abundance than is Ser256 phosphorylation.

Transcriptional Profiling of Native Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells from Rat Kidney

Vasopressin acts on the renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) to regulate water and urea transport. To obtain a ‘parts list’ of gene products expressed in the IMCD, we carried out mRNA profiling of freshly isolated rat IMCD cells using Affymetrix Rat 230 2.0 microarrays with approximately 31,000 features. 7913 annotated transcripts were found to be expressed above background in the IMCD cells. We have created a “IMCD Transcriptome Database” to make the results publicly accessible. Among the 30 transcripts with the greatest signals on the arrays were three water channels: aquaporin‐2, aquaporin‐3, and aquaporin‐4, all of which have been reported to be targets for regulation by vasopressin. In addition, the transcript with the greatest signal among members of the solute carrier (SLC) family of genes was the UT‐A urea transporter (Slc14a2), which is also regulated by vasopressin. The V2 vasopressin receptor was strongly expressed, but the V1a and V1b receptors did not produce signals above background. Among the 200 protein kinases expressed, the serum‐glucocorticoid regulated kinase (Sgk1) had the greatest signal intensity in the IMCD. Altogether, the results combine with proteomics studies of the IMCD to provide a framework for modeling complex interaction networks responsible for vasopressin action in collecting duct cells. Source of research support: Z01‐HL001285.

Transcriptional profiling of native inner medullary collecting duct cells from rat kidney

Vasopressin acts on the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) in the kidney to regulate water and urea transport. To obtain a "parts list" of gene products expressed in the IMCD, we carried out mRNA profiling of freshly isolated rat IMCD cells using Affymetrix Rat 230 2.0 microarrays with approximately 31,000 features; 7,913 annotated transcripts were found to be expressed above background in the IMCD cells. We have created a new online database (the "IMCD Transcriptome Database;" http://dir.nhlbi.nih.gov/papers/lkem/imcdtr/) to make the results publicly accessible. Among the 30 transcripts with the greatest signals on the arrays were 3 water channels: aquaporin-2, aquaporin-3, and aquaporin-4, all of which have been reported to be targets for regulation by vasopressin. In addition, the transcript with the greatest signal among members of the solute carrier family of genes was the UT-A urea transporter (Slc14a2), which is also regulated by vasopressin. The V2 vasopressin receptor was strongly expressed, but the V1a and V1b vasopressin receptors did not produce signals above background. Among the 200 protein kinases expressed, the serum-glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (Sgk1) had the greatest signal intensity in the IMCD. WNK1 and WNK4 were also expressed in the IMCD with a relatively high signal intensity, as was protein kinase A (beta-catalytic subunit). In addition, a large number of transcripts corresponding to A kinase anchoring proteins and 14-3-3 proteins (phospho-S/T-binding proteins) were expressed. Altogether, the results combine with proteomics studies of the IMCD to provide a framework for modeling complex interaction networks responsible for vasopressin action in collecting duct cells.

Adenosine triphosphate inhibits endothelin-1 production by rat inner medullary collecting duct cells.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and endothelin (ET)-1 inhibit vasopressin-stimulated water reabsorption in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Because both ATP and ET-1 are released by the IMCD and can act in an autocrine manner to regulate IMCD water transport, we sought to determine whether these factors can modulate the other's production. To begin such studies, the effect of ATP on IMCD ET-1 production was examined. ATP caused a dose-dependent inhibition of ET-1 release and inhibited ET-1 mRNA levels in primary cultures of rat IMCD cells. This effect was first evident after 4 hrs of exposure to ATP and persisted for at least 24 hrs. The 50% inhibitory concentration for ATP inhibition of ET-1 production was approximately 1 microM, and the maximal response was observed at 25-100 microM. ATP acted, at least in part, through the P2Y2 receptor because its effect was mimicked by UTP, but not by the P2X agonist, alpha,beta-methylene-ATP. N-methyl-L-arginine, or indomethacin, did not block the ATP inhibitory effect. In summary, these data demonstrate that ATP inhibits IMCD ET-1 protein and mRNA accumulation, that this is mediated via P2Y receptors, and that the ATP effect is independent of cyclooxygenase or nitric oxide synthase metabolites. These findings suggest that although ATP and ET-1 both antagonize vasopressin action in the IMCD, they may have a complex interaction that ultimately determines the degree to which they each participate in modulating collecting duct function.

Modulation by dietary sodium intake of melanocortin 3 receptor mRNA and protein abundance in the rat kidney

Gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma-MSH) is a circulating natriuretic peptide hormone derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC); its concentration in plasma and pituitary POMC mRNA abundance, increase in rats ingesting a high-sodium diet (HSD, 8% NaCl) compared with a low-sodium diet (LSD, 0.07% NaCl). RT-PCR of rat kidney RNA demonstrated reaction products of the expected size in both cortex and medulla for MC3-R, MC4-R, and MC5-R mRNA; no signal for MC1-R or MC2-R was detected. Relative to beta-actin or cyclophilin, abundance of the three receptor transcripts after 1 wk of the LSD was approximately equal in both cortex and medulla. After 1 wk of the HSD, mRNA abundance of MC4-R and MC5-R was unchanged, whereas that of MC3-R in medulla more than doubled, the ratio of MC3-R/beta-actin signal increasing from 0.38 +/- 0.04 on LSD to 0.84 +/- 0.04 on HSD (P < 0.001). No significant increase occurred in the cortex. The increase in MC3-R expression induced by dietary sodium was observed in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells isolated from the kidneys of HSD rats, suggesting that these cells were the major site of receptor expression in the medulla. Immunoblots of whole medullary and IMCD cell homogenates detected MC3-R immunoreactive protein; its expression was twice as great in samples from HSD vs. LSD rat kidneys, paralleling the increase in MC3-R mRNA abundance on the HSD. No changes in MC4-R or MC5-R protein expression were observed. Incubation of IMCD cell suspensions with increasing concentrations of gamma2-MSH led to increased cAMP accumulation, with values from rats on the HSD being roughly double the values from LSD rats. Intrarenal infusion of gamma2-MSH (500 fmol/min) increased sodium and cAMP excretion from the infused but not contralateral kidney of HSD rats, while having no effect in LSD rats. These data show that MC3-R is expressed in rat IMCD cells in a manner modulated by dietary sodium intake. Because MC3-R is the receptor with which gamma-MSH interacts, our findings suggest the existence of a sodium-regulating system, activated in response to a HSD, which increases urinary sodium excretion to balance the high-sodium intake.

Non-muscle Myosin II and Myosin Light Chain Kinase Are Downstream Targets for Vasopressin Signaling in the Renal Collecting Duct

We have previously demonstrated that vasopressin increases the water permeability of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) by inducing trafficking of aquaporin-2 to the apical plasma membrane and that this response is dependent on intracellular calcium mobilization and calmodulin activation. Here, we address the hypothesis that this water permeability response is mediated in part through activation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and regulation of non-muscle myosin II. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of MLCK, the myosin regulatory light chain (MLC), and the IIA and IIB isoforms of the non-muscle myosin heavy chain in rat IMCD cells. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identified two isoforms of MLC, both of which also exist in phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms. 32P incubation of the inner medulla followed by autoradiography of two-dimensional gels demonstrated increased 32P labeling of both isoforms in response to the V2 receptor agonist [deamino-Cys1,D-Arg8]vasopressin (DDAVP). Time course studies of MLC phosphorylation in IMCD suspensions (using immunoblotting with anti-phospho-MLC antibodies) showed that the increase in phosphorylation could be detected as early as 30 s after exposure to vasopressin. The MLCK inhibitor ML-7 blocked the DDAVP-induced MLC phosphorylation and substantially reduced [Arg8]vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated water permeability. AVP-induced MLC phosphorylation was associated with a rearrangement of actin filaments (Alexa Fluor 568-phalloidin) in primary cultures of IMCD cells. These results demonstrate that MLC phosphorylation by MLCK represents a downstream effect of AVP-activated calcium/calmodulin signaling in IMCD cells and point to a role for non-muscle myosin II in regulation of water permeability by vasopressin.

Syntaxin Isoform Specificity in the Regulation of Renal H+-ATPase Exocytosis

Intercalated and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells of the kidney mediate the transport of H+ by a plasma membrane H+-ATPase. The rate of H+ transport in these cells is regulated by exocytic insertion of H+-ATPase-laden vesicles into the apical membrane. We have shown that the exocytic insertion of proton pumps (H+-ATPase) into the apical membrane of rat IMCD cells, in culture, involves SNARE proteins (syntaxin (synt), SNAP-23, and VAMP). The membrane fusion complex observed in IMCD cells with the induction of proton pump exocytosis not only included these SNAREs but also the H+-ATPase. Based on these observations, we suggested that the targeting of these vesicles to the apical membrane is mediated by an interaction between the H+-ATPase and a specific t-SNARE. To evaluate this hypothesis, we utilized a "pull-down" assay in which we identified, by Western analysis, the proteins in a rat kidney medullary homogenate that complexed with glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion syntaxin isoforms attached to Sepharose 4B-glutathione beads. The syntaxin isoforms employed were 1A, 1B, 2, 4, 5, and also 1A that was truncated to exclude the H3 SNARE binding domain (synt-1ADeltaH3). All full-length syntaxin isoforms formed complexes with SNAP-23 and VAMP. Neither GST nor synt-1ADeltaH3 formed complexes with these SNAREs. H+-ATPase (subunits E, a, and c) bound to syntaxin-1A and to a lesser extent to synt-1B but not to synt-1ADeltaH3 or synt-2, -4, and -5. In cultured IMCD cells transfected to express syntaxin truncated for the membrane binding domain (synt-DeltaC), expression of synt-1ADeltaC, but not synt-4DeltaC, inhibited H+-ATPase exocytosis. In conclusion, because all full-length syntaxins examined bound VAMP-2 and SNAP-23, but only non-H3-truncated syntaxin-1 bound H+-ATPase, and synt-1ADeltaC expression by intact IMCD cells inhibited H+-ATPase exocytosis, it is likely that the H+-ATPase binds directly to the H3 domain of syntaxin-1 and not through VAMP-2 or SNAP-23. Interaction between the syntaxin-1A and H+-ATPase is important in the targeted exocytosis of the proton pump to the apical membrane of intercalated cells.

Endothelin inhibits NPR-A and stimulates eNOS gene expression in rat IMCD cells.

We have shown in previous studies that high extracellular tonicity is associated with increased expression of the type A natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) and reduced expression of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene in cultured rat inner-medullary collecting duct cells. The vasoactive peptide endothelin has been shown to be avidly expressed in this nephron segment, and to be subject to osmotic regulation. We asked whether endothelin might play a role in the control of basal or osmotically regulated NPR-A or eNOS gene expression in these cells. Although exogenous endothelin had little or no effect on basal expression of eNOS mRNA or protein or NPR-A gene expression, both the type A (BQ610) and type B (IRL1038) endothelin receptor antagonists proved capable of reducing eNOS mRNA and protein expression, and increasing levels of the NPR-A mRNA. Increased extracellular tonicity reduced endothelin mRNA accumulation in these cells (approximately 15% of control levels); however, exogenous endothelin failed to normalize osmotically increased NPR-A activity or expression, or osmotically suppressed eNOS expression. Collectively, these data demonstrate the presence of a number of independent but highly interactive local regulatory networks governing fluid and electrolyte handling in this distal nephron segment.

Chronic hyperosmolality enhances ANP-dependent cGMP production via stimulation of transcription and protein synthesis in cultured rat IMCD cells.

Recently, we found that hyperosmolality acutely inhibited atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) dependent cGMP production by reducing ANP binding sites in cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the chronic effect of hyperosmolality on ANP dependent cGMPproduction in IMCD cells. Cell culture was carried out either in an iso-osmotic or hyperosmotic solution consisting of equi-isomolar NaCl and/or urea. Incubations with ANP and/or other agents were performed under the same osmotic conditions. ANP or SNP stimulated cGMP production was enhanced in a chronically hyperosmotic medium. These changes occurred in an osmolality-dependent manner. Hyperosmolality with sodium alone or with sodium and urea, but not with urea alone, was effective for the enhancement of ANP action. There was no significant difference between 125I-ANP specific bindings under iso-osmotic and hyperosmotic conditions. Incubation with cytoskeleton modulators did not affect ANP-dependent cGMP production stimulated by hyperosmolality. On the other hand, both actinomycin D, an inhibitor of transcription, and cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevented the stimulatory effects of hyperosmolality. The results suggest that chronic hyperosmolality enhances ANP-dependent cGMP production via stimulation of transcription and protein synthesis in cultured rat IMCD cells.

Characterization of anion exchangers in an inner medullary collecting duct cell line.

Although the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) plays a major role in urinary acidification, the molecular identification of many of the specific components of the transport system in this nephron segment are lacking. A cultured line of rat IMCD cells was used to characterize the mediators of cellular HCO3 exit. This cell line functionally resembles alpha-intercalated cells. Physiologic experiments document that HCO3- transport is a reversible, electroneutral, Cl dependent, Na+-independent process. It can be driven by Cl-gradients and inhibited by stilbenes such as 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. Immunohistochemical analysis, using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against the carboxy-terminal 12 amino acids of anion exchanger 1 (AE1), revealed a distribution of immunoreactive protein that is consistent with a basolateral localization of AE in cultured cells and in alpha-intercalated cells identified in sections of rat kidney cortex. Immunoblot revealed two immunoreactive bands (approximately 100 and 180 kD in size) in membranes from cultured IMCD cells, rat renal medulla, and freshly isolated IMCD cells. The mobility of the lower molecular weight band was similar to that of AE1 in red blood cell ghosts and kidney homogenate and therefore probably represents AE1. The mobility of the 180-kD band is similar to that for rat stomach and kidney AE2 and therefore probably represents AE2. Selective biotinylation of the apical or basolateral membrane proteins in cultured IMCD cells revealed that both AE1 and AE2 are polarized to the basolateral membrane. Northern blot analysis documented the expression of mRNA for AE1 and AE2 but not AE3. Furthermore, the cDNA sequence of AE1 and AE2 expressed by these cells was found to be virtually identical to that reported for kidney AE1 and rat stomach AE2. It is concluded that this cultured line of rat IMCD cells expresses two members of the anion exchanger gene family, AE1 and AE2, and both of these exchangers probably mediate the electroneutral Cl--dependent HCO3-transport observed in this cell line.

Hypoxia regulates endothelin-1 production by the inner medullary collecting duct

Renal endothelin- 1 (ET-1) production is increased by hypoxia and has been implicated in ischemia-induced renal hypoperfusion. Because the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is a major source of ET-1 in the kidney, and because ET-1—in the setting of ischemic renal failure—may alter medullary perfusion, we sought to determine whether hypoxia modulated ET-1 production by IMCD cells. Primary cultures of rat IMCD cells were exposed to 21%, 3%, or 0% O 2. IMCD ET-1 secretion significantly increased after exposure of cultures to 3% O 2 (114.1% ± 4.7% increase over control value) and 0% O 2 (171.7% ± 7.9% increase). ET-1 mRNA levels, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, also increased 2.5-fold after 24-hour exposure to 0% O 2. We speculate that a hypoxia-induced increase in IMCD ET-1 production plays a role in modulating renal medullary perfusion during ischemic renal failure.

Arachidonic acid as a second messenger for hypotonicity-induced calcium transients in rat IMCD cells.

In rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells in primary culture, hypotonic stress induces Ca2+ transients consisting of an early peak phase caused by a Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and a subsequent plateau phase that involves Ca2+ entry from the extracellular milieu. In the present study, the mechanisms by which cell swelling is transduced into the Ca2+ release were investigated. The free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured using the fluorescent dye fura-2 and cell volume using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In control experiments, after reduction of extracellular osmolarity from 600 to 300 mosmol/l, by omission of sucrose, [Ca2+]i rapidly increased from 106 +/- 9 nmol/l to a peak value of 405 +/- 22 nmol/l (P </= 0.05) and thereafter reached a steady-state of 230 +/- 23 nmol/l. In low-Ca2+ conditions (10 nmol/l), the reduction of osmolarity evoked only a transient increase of [Ca2+]i by 182 +/- 11 nmol/l (P </= 0.05), which reflected Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Hyposmotic stress had no effect on inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) production measured by a [3H]IP3 radioreceptor assay. Preincubation with 100 micromol/l ETYA (a non-metabolisible derivative of arachidonic acid) reduced the Ca2+ response to hyposmotic stress under high and low Ca2+ conditions (87 and 85% inhibition respectively) as well as the regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Extracellular application of arachidonic acid in isotonic medium led to an increase in [Ca2+]i under high and low Ca2+ conditions. Pretreatment of IMCD cells with 50 microg/ml D609 (a phosphatidylcholine-directed phospholipase C inhibitor) or with 200 micromol/l propranolol (a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor) reduced the hypotonic Ca2+ response more strongly than pretreatment with 5 micromol/l BPhB (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor). The Ca2+ response was also suppressed after preincubation with 200 micromol/l RHC 80267 (a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor). Preincubation with 50 ng/ml pertussis toxin (a G-protein inhibitor) reduced the transient component of the Ca2+ response partially. We conclude that G-proteins, phosphatidylcholine-directed phospholipase C, phospholipase A2, diacylglycerol lipase and arachidonic acid, but not IP3, are involved in the mechanisms by which Ca2+ is released from the intracellular stores during RVD in IMCD cells.