Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Function Research Articles

Role of GRK4 in the regulation of the renal ETB receptor in hypertension.

The endothelin receptor type B (ETBR) regulates water and electrolyte balance and blood pressure, in part, by inhibiting renal sodium transport. Our preliminary study found that the ETBR-mediated diuresis and natriuresis are impaired in hypertension with unknown mechanism. Persistently increased activity of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4), caused by increased expression or genetic variants (eg, GRKγ142V), impairs the ability of the kidney to excrete a sodium load, in part, by impairing renal dopamine D1 receptor function through persistent phosphorylation. Our present study found that although renal ETBR expression was not different between Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), renal ETBR phosphorylation was higher in SHRs. The role of hyper-phosphorylation in impaired ETBR-function was supported by results in human (h) GRK4γ transgenic mice. Stimulation of ETBR by BQ3020-induced natriuresis in human (h) GRK4γ wild-type (WT) mice. However, in hGRK4γ 142V transgenic mice, the renal ETBR was hyperphosphorylated and ETBR-mediated natriuresis and diuresis were not evident. There were co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation of ETBR and GRK4 in renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from both WKY and SHRs but was greater in the latter than the former group. SiRNA-mediated downregulation of GRK4 expression, recovered the impaired inhibitory effect of ETBR on Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity in RPT cells from SHR. In vivo downregulation of renal GRK4 expression, via ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction, decreased ETBR phosphorylation and restored ETBR-mediated natriuresis and diuresis in SHRs. This study provides a mechanism by which GRK4, via regulation of renal ETBR function, participates in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Exposure to Maternal Diabetes Mellitus Causes Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Dysfunction and Hypertension in Adult Rat Offspring.

Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that maternal diabetes mellitus programs hypertension that is associated with impaired sodium excretion in the adult offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Because dopamine receptor function is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, we hypothesized that impaired renal dopamine D1 receptor function is also involved in the hypertension in offspring of maternal diabetes mellitus. Maternal diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at day 0 of gestation. Compared with the offspring of mothers injected with citrate buffer (control mother offspring), the diabetic mother offspring (DMO) had increased systolic blood pressure and impaired D1 receptor-mediated diuresis and natriuresis, accompanied by increased renal PKC (protein kinase C) expression and activity, GRK-2 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2) expression, D1 receptor phosphorylation, D1 receptor/Gαs uncoupling, and loss of D1 receptor-mediated inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity in renal proximal tubule cells from DMO. Inhibition of PKC reduced the increased GRK-2 expression and normalized D1 receptor function in primary cultures of renal proximal tubule cells from DMO. In addition, DMO, relative to control mother offspring, in vivo, had increased oxidative stress, indicated by decreased renal glutathione and increased renal malondialdehyde and urine 8-isoprostane. Normalization of oxidative stress with tempol also normalized the renal D1 receptor phosphorylation, D1 receptor-mediated diuresis and natriuresis, and blood pressure in DMO. Our present study indicates that maternal diabetes mellitus-programed hypertension in the offspring is caused by impaired renal D1 receptor function because of oxidative stress that is mediated by increased PKC-GRK-2 activity.

Abstract P337: Angiotensin 1-7 Mitigates Oxidative Stress, Protects Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Function and Prevents Development of Hypertension

The role of angiotensin in etiology of cardiovascular diseases especially in hypertension is well established. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone contributes to the development and maintenance of hypertension directly by increases in vascular tone and renal sodium reabsorption or indirectly by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Contrary to this pathological arm, angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 via Mas receptors has been reported to protect the cardiovascular function although the exact mechanism is not yet clear. We have previously shown that oxidative stress leads to renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) dysfunction which could disrupt sodium regulation and subsequently lead to hypertension. In here we wanted to test whether chronic administration of Ang 1-7 in mice could mitigate oxidative stress, protect renal D1R function and prevent development of hypertension. Mice (C57BL) were implanted with telemetry probes and concomitantly treated with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, in drinking water) and Ang 1-7 (via jugular vein by osmotic pumps). Control (C, no treatment) and shams (implanted with saline filled pumps) exhibited similar behavioral and physiological parameters. Mice treated with BSO alone exhibited increased oxidative stress and high BP as compared to controls. Ang 1-7 treatment did not affect oxidative stress and BP in control mice but prevented the increase in BP and oxidative milieu in BSO treated mice. Mean arterial pressure (mmHg), C: 78.5 ± 2.3*; BSO: 97.3 ± 3.8; Ang 1-7: 80.1* ± 4.1; BSO+Ang 1-7: 83.2 ± 3.4*, *P <0.05 vs BSO. SKF38393, a D1R agonist, increased urine and sodium excretion in control mice but failed to induce diuresis or natriuresis in BSO-treated mice. Treatment with Ang 1-7 protected D1R function as both natriuresis and diuresis was observed in mice treated with BSO plus Ang 1-7. Chronic Ang 1-7 had no effect on D1R function in the absence of BSO. These data show that oxidative stress leads to hypertension by disrupting renal D1R dependent sodium regulation. Ang 1-7 mitigates oxidative stress, protects renal D1R function and prevents increase in BP. This study provides a new insight on how beneficial arm of Ang system could protect renal D1R-mediated sodium regulation and prevent development of hypertension during oxidative stress.

PP.28.13

Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of hypertension. It is reported that renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), a major contributor to sodium homeostasis and BP regulation, is negatively regulated by oxidative stress. Antioxidants can reduce BP and redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 could provide important clues for antihypertensive properties of antioxidants. We investigated the signaling molecules responsible for redox-sensitive renal proximal tubular D1R dysfunction and the role of renal specific Nrf2 in preserving D1R function. Design and method: Wild type (WT) and renal proximal tubular specific Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice were treated with 10 mM L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO, a pro-oxidant) without and with sulforaphane (S, an antioxidant; 5 μM daily by gavage) for 5 weeks. Human kidney proximal tubular (HK2) cells were also treated with BSO with and without sulforaphane. Results: In WT mice, BSO treatment increased oxidative stress and BP, reduced renal tubular D1R expression and attenuated SKF38393 (a D1R agonist)-induced Na/K-ATPase inhibition and sodium excretion. BSO also activated transcription factors activator protein (AP) 1 and SP3. However, the onset and severity of hypertension as well as oxidative stress, activation of AP1 and SP3 and D1R dysfunction were more robust in BSO-treated Nrf2 KO compared to WT mice. Also, sulforaphane activated Nrf2, reduced oxidative stress, normalized AP1 and SP3 activation, rescued DIR function and lowered BP in BSO-treated WT mice but not in Nrf2 KO mice. BSO also caused oxidative stress and D1R dysfunction in HK2 cells. BSO-treated HK2 cells exhibited increased AP1 (c-fos) and SP3 nuclear expression. Sulforaphane per se had no effect on oxidative milieu or D1R expression, but it mitigated BSO-induced oxidative stress, AP1—SP3 up-regulation and D1R down-regulation and dysfunction. Down-regulation of SP3 had no effect on BSO-mediated AP1 activation, however, AP1 siRNA blocked BSO-dependent SP3 up-regulation. In cells transfected with Nrf2 siRNA, sulforaphane failed to block BSO-induced AP1—SP3 activation and D1R dysfunction. Conclusions: Oxidative stress via AP1-SP3 pathway down-regulates D1R expression and function which leads to sodium retention and hypertension. Antioxidants, via Nrf2 activation, reduce oxidative stress, normalize AP1-SP3 signaling, protect renal D1R function and prevent development of hypertension.

Transcriptional regulation of renal dopamine D1 receptor function during oxidative stress.

There exists a strong link between oxidative stress, renal dopaminergic system, and hypertension. It is reported that reactive oxygen species attenuate renal proximal tubular dopamine receptor (D1R) function, which disrupts sodium regulation and leads to hypertension. However, the mechanisms for renal D1R dysfunction are not clear. We investigated the role of redox-sensitive transcription factors AP1 and SP3 in transcriptional suppression of D1R gene and subsequent D1R signaling. Human kidney proximal tubular cells were treated with a pro-oxidant l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) with and without an antioxidant tempol. In human kidney cells, BSO caused oxidative stress and reduced D1R mRNA and membrane receptor expression. Incubation of human kidney cells with SKF38393, a D1R agonist, caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na/K-ATPase. However, SKF38393 failed to inhibit Na/K-ATPase in BSO-treated cells. BSO increased AP1 and SP3 nuclear expression. Transfection with AP1- or SP3-specific siRNA abolished BSO-induced D1R downregulation. Treatment of rats with BSO for 4 weeks increased oxidative stress and SP3-AP1 expression and reduced D1R numbers in renal proximal tubules. These rats exhibited high blood pressure, and SKF38393 failed to inhibit proximal tubular Na/K-ATPase activity. Control rats were kept on tap water. Tempol per se had no effect on D1R expression or other signaling molecules but prevented BSO-induced oxidative stress, SP3-AP1 upregulation, and D1R dysfunction in both human kidney cells and rats. These data show that oxidative stress via AP1-SP3 activation suppresses D1R transcription and function. Tempol mitigates oxidative stress, blocks AP1-SP3 activation, and prevents D1R dysfunction and hypertension.

Prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure results in dysfunction of the renal dopamine D1 receptor in offspring

Adverse environment in early life can modulate the adult phenotype, including blood pressure. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in utero results in increased blood pressure in the offspring, but the exact mechanisms are not clear. Studies have shown that the renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) plays an important role in maintaining sodium homeostasis and normal blood pressure; dysfunction of D1R is associated with oxidative stress and hypertension. In this study, we determined if dysfunction of the renal D1R is involved in fetal-programmed hypertension, and if oxidative stress contributes to this process. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (0.79mg/kg) or saline at gestation days 8, 10, and 12. As compared with saline-injected (control) dams, offspring of LPS-treated dams had increased blood pressure, decreased renal sodium excretion, and increased markers of oxidative stress. In addition, offspring of LPS-treated dams had decreased renal D1R expression, increased D1R phosphorylation, and G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 2 (GRK2) and type 4 (GRK4) protein expression, and impaired D1R-mediated natriuresis and diuresis. All of the findings in the offspring of LPS-treated dams were normalized after treatment with TEMPOL, an oxygen free radical scavenger. In conclusion, prenatal LPS exposure, via an increase in oxidative stress, impairs renal D1R function and leads to hypertension in the offspring. Normalization of renal D1R function by amelioration of oxidative stress may be a therapeutic target of fetal programming of hypertension.

Abstract 72: Redox-sensitive Transcriptional Regulation of Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Function during Hypertension

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of hypertension. We and others have shown that renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), a major contributor to sodium homeostasis and BP regulation, is negatively regulated by oxidative stress. It is reported that antioxidants can reduce BP and redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 could provide important clues for antihypertensive properties of antioxidants. Here in we investigated the signaling molecules responsible for redox-sensitive renal proximal tubular D1R dysfunction and how the induction of renal specific Nrf2, in response to antioxidants, will protect D1R function and reduce BP. Wild type (WT) and renal proximal tubular specific Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice were treated with 10 mM L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO, a pro-oxidant) without and with sulforaphane (S, a polyphenol antioxidant; 5 μM daily by gavage) for 5 wks. In WT mice, BSO treatment increased oxidative stress and BP (mm Hg, WT: 104 ± 3, WT-BSO: 125 ± 5), reduced renal tubular D1R expression and attenuated SKF38393 (a D1R agonist)-induced Na/K-ATPase inhibition and sodium excretion. BSO also activated transcription factors activator protein (AP) 1 and SP3. However, the onset and severity of hypertension (BP, Nrf2-KO: 101 ± 3, Nrf2-KO-BSO: 137 ± 4) as well as oxidative stress, activation of AP1 and SP3 and D1R dysfunction were more robust in BSO-treated Nrf2 KO compared to WT mice. More importantly, sulforaphane activated Nrf2, reduced oxidative stress, normalized AP1 and SP3 activation, rescued DIR function and lowered BP (WT-S: 97 ± 4, WT-BSO+S: 109 ± 6) in BSO-treated WT mice but failed to normalize renal D1R function or reduce BP (Nrf2-KO-S: 99 ± 3, Nrf2-KO-BSO+S: 131 ± 4) in Nrf2 KO mice. Further experiments in human proximal tubular cultures revealed that BSO via AP1 activated SP3 which in turn transcriptionally down-regulated D1R expression and sulforaphane, via Nrf2 activation, abolished BSO-induced AP1 and SP3 activation and protected D1R function. In conclusion, oxidative stress via AP1-SP3 pathway down-regulates D1R expression and function which leads to sodium retention and hypertension. Antioxidants, via Nrf2 activation, reduce oxidative stress and normalize AP1-SP3 signaling and D1R function which reduces BP.

Oxidative Stress Causes Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Dysfunction and Salt-Sensitive Hypertension in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Renal dopamine plays an important role in maintaining sodium homeostasis and blood pressure (BP) during increased sodium intake. The present study was carried out to determine whether renal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) dysfunction contributes to increase in salt sensitivity during oxidative stress. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into various groups, received tap water (vehicle); 1% NaCl (high salt [HS]); L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an oxidant; and HS plus BSO with or without Tempol, an antioxidant, for 12 days. Compared with vehicle, HS intake increased urinary dopamine production and decreased basal renal Na/K-ATPase activity but did not affect BP. BSO-treated rats exhibited oxidative stress and a mild increase in BP. In these rats, D1R expression and G protein coupling were reduced, and SKF38393, a D1R agonist, failed to inhibit Na/K-ATPase activity and promote sodium excretion. Concomitant administration of BSO and HS caused oxidative stress, D1R dysfunction, and a marked increase in BP. Although renal dopamine production was increased, it failed to reduce the basal Na/K-ATPase activity in these animals. Treatment of BSO plus HS rats with Tempol decreased oxidative stress and restored endogenous, as well as exogenous, D1R agonist-mediated Na/K-ATPase inhibition and normalized BP. In conclusion, during HS intake, the increased dopamine production via Na/K-ATPase inhibition prevents an increase in BP. During oxidative stress, D1R function is defective, and there is mild hypertension. However, in the presence of oxidative stress, HS intake causes marked elevation in BP, which results from a defective renal D1R function leading to the failure of dopamine to inhibit Na/K-ATPase and promote sodium excretion.

Exercise decreases oxidative stress and inflammation and restores renal dopamine D1 receptor function in old rats

Recently, we reported that oxidative stress decreases D1 receptor numbers and G protein activation in renal proximal tubules (RPT), resulting in diminished natriuretic response to dopamine in old rats. We tested the hypothesis that exercise in old rats will decrease oxidative stress and restore natriuretic response to D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393. Old (23 mo) rats were subjected to rest (sedentary) or to treadmill exercise followed by measurement of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)], inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP)], anti-inflammation (IL-10), antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and natriuretic response to SKF 38393. We found that MDA levels decreased and total SOD activity and Cu/ZnSOD protein increased in RPT of exercised rats. Exercise increased the nuclear levels of Nrf2 transcription factor (which binds to anti-oxidant response elements) in RPT. The levels of CRP decreased and IL-10 increased in RPT of exercised rats. Furthermore, exercise increased the basal bindings of [3H]SCH 23390 and [35S]GTPgammaS (indexes of D1 receptor number and G protein activation, respectively) together with D1 receptor and Galphaq proteins in RPT membranes. Moreover, SKF 38393 increased sodium excretion in exercised rats. Also, exercise decreased the levels of proteins in the urine of old rats. These results demonstrate that exercise decreases oxidative stress, inflammation, and proteinuria and increases anti-oxidant defense and D1 receptor function in old rats. Therefore, exercise may prove beneficial in preventing age-associated increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and preserving kidney function, in general, and renal D1 receptor responsiveness, in particular.

Role of oxidative stress in defective renal dopamine D1 receptor-G protein coupling and function in old Fischer 344 rats

Aging is associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Previously, we have reported that dopamine failed to inhibit proximal tubular Na-K-ATPase and to promote sodium excretion in old rats (Beheray S, Kansra V, Hussain T, and Lokhandwala MF. Kidney Int 58: 712-720, 2000). This was due to uncoupling of dopamine D1 receptors from G proteins resulting from hyperphosphorylation of D1 receptors. The present study was designed to test the role of oxidative stress in the age-related decline in renal dopamine D1 receptor function. We observed that old animals had increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress, and decreased D1 receptor number and protein in the proximal tubules (PT) compared with adult rats. In old rats, there was increased G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) abundance, increased basal serine phosphorylation of D1 receptors, and defective D1 receptor-G protein coupling in PT membranes. Interestingly, supplementation with an antioxidant, tempol (1 mmol/l in drinking water for 15 days), lowered MDA levels and normalized D1 receptor number and protein in old rats to the level seen in adult rats. Furthermore, tempol decreased GRK-2 abundance and D1 receptor serine phosphorylation and restored D1 receptor-G protein coupling in PT of old rats. The functional consequence of these changes was the restoration of the natriuretic response to D1 receptor activation in tempol-supplemented old rats. Therefore, in old rats, tempol reduces oxidative stress and prevents GRK-2 membranous abundance and hyperphosphorylation of D1 receptors, resulting in restoration of D1 receptor-G protein coupling and the natriuretic response to SKF-38393. Thus tempol, by lowering oxidative stress, normalizes the age-related decline in dopamine receptor function.