Rat Renal Proximal Tubule Research Articles

Acute and chronic effect of dietary phosphorus restriction on protein expression in young rat renal proximal tubules

Renal proximal tubules play a vital role in phosphorus (P) homeostasis. It is well known that dietary P restriction up-regulates the activities of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-1alpha-hydroxylase (1-OHase), an enzyme that is involved in activation of vitamin D and thereby maintaining P balance. However, the mechanism involved in such regulation is not known. In the present study, we aim to identify proteins that might be involved in the renal adaptation to dietary P restriction using a proteomic approach. Renal proximal tubules were harvested from young rats fed either normal P diet or low P diet (LPD) for 1 to 7 days. Western blotting analysis of 1-OHase and signaling proteins in insulin-like growth factor I axis indicated an increase in expression of these proteins upon dietary P restriction. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis, we found that LPD reduced the total number of protein species expressed in renal proximal tubules. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed and located using the software Melanie III, and their identities were found using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Our results showed that beta-actin, gamma-actin, major urinary protein, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta isoform, and G1/S-specific cyclin D3 are up-regulated and nonspecific lipid transfer protein is down-regulated by LPD.

Acute and chronic effect of dietary phosphorus restriction on protein expression in young rat renal proximal tubules.

Renal proximal tubules play a vital role in phosphorus (P) homeostasis. It is well known that dietary P restriction up-regulates the activities of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-1alpha-hydroxylase (1-OHase), an enzyme that is involved in activation of vitamin D and thereby maintaining P balance. However, the mechanism involved in such regulation is not known. In the present study, we aim to identify proteins that might be involved in the renal adaptation to dietary P restriction using a proteomic approach. Renal proximal tubules were harvested from young rats fed either normal P diet or low P diet (LPD) for 1 to 7 days. Western blotting analysis of 1-OHase and signaling proteins in insulin-like growth factor I axis indicated an increase in expression of these proteins upon dietary P restriction. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis, we found that LPD reduced the total number of protein species expressed in renal proximal tubules. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed and located using the software Melanie III, and their identities were found using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Our results showed that beta-actin, gamma-actin, major urinary protein, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta isoform, and G1/S-specific cyclin D3 are up-regulated and nonspecific lipid transfer protein is down-regulated by LPD.

Glucagon Acutely Inhibits but Chronically Activates Na+/H+ Antiporter 3 Activity in OKP Cells

Background: We previously found that the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 (NHE3) is localized in the apical membrane of the rat renal proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of Henle. In the present study, we examined the direct effect of glucagon on the opossum kidney P (OKP) cell Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, encoded by NHE3. Methods: Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter activity was measured as the rate of cell pH recovery from an acid load using 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Northern blot and Western blot analyses were performed using OKP NHE3 cDNA and anti-OKP-NHE3 antibodies. Results: Glucagon (1 ng/ml) acutely (1 h) inhibited, but chronically (24 h) activated NHE3 activity in OKP cells. These effects were blocked by either KT5720 or RpcAMP [protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors], and mimicked by 10^–4M dibutyryl-cAMP. Both NHE3 mRNA and protein abundance increased with the 24-hour incubation in glucagon or dibutyryl-cAMP. Cycloheximide did not prevent a significant increase in NHE3 activity at 24 h. We therefore examined NHE3 protein abundance in the surface membrane by the biotinylation mehtod. cAMP or glucagon significantly increased NHE3 protein abundance in the surface membrane when incubated with cycloheximide for 24 h. Conclusions: Glucagon acutely inhibits but chronically activates NHE3 activity in OKP cells via a PKA-dependent pathway. Both protein-synthesis-dependent and -independent mechanisms play important roles in the chronic activation of NHE3.

Different molecular capacity in the induction of apoptosis by polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rat renal tubular cell cultures.

The effects of a commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture (Aroclor 1248) and two individual PCB congeners were evaluated on rat renal proximal tubule culture cell viability and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation (DNA ladder) characteristic of apoptosis. Treatment with Aroclor 1248 caused the loss of cell viability and promoted apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The two PCB congeners assessed can also induce apoptosis. However, the extent of apoptosis generated was greater for the non-ortho-substituted planar congener (3,3',4,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl) than for the di-ortho-substituted nonplanar congener (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl). This correlated with the loss of cell viability since the planar compound is much more cytotoxic. The results suggest a different molecular mechanism in the induction of apoptosis by planar or nonplanar PCB congeners.

Role of multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) in glutathione-bimane efflux from Caco-2 and rat renal proximal tubule cells.

1. The multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) has been shown to play an important role in the transport of glutathione conjugates in the liver. Its importance in renal excretion, however, is still uncertain and other organic anion transporters may be involved. The objective of the present study was to characterize glutathione conjugate efflux from rat kidney proximal tubule cells (PTC), and to determine the contribution of Mrp2. 2. We used isolated PTC in suspension, as well as grown to monolayer density. For comparison, transport characteristics were also determined in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2, an established model to study MRP2-mediated transport. The cells were loaded with monochlorobimane (MCB) at 10 degrees C. MCB enters the cells by simple diffusion and is conjugated with glutathione to form the fluorescent glutathione-bimane (GS-B). 3. In primary cultures of rat PTC, no indications for a transporter-mediated mechanism were found. The efflux of GS-B from Caco-2 cells and freshly isolated PTC was time- and temperature-dependent. Furthermore, GS-B transport in both models was inhibited by chlorodinitrobenzene (CDNB), with an inhibitory constant of 46.8+/-0.9 microM in freshly isolated PTC. In Caco-2 cells, the inhibitory potency of CDNB was approximately 20 fold higher. Finally, efflux of GS-B from freshly isolated PTC from Mrp2-deficient (TR(-)) rats was studied. As compared to normal rat PTC, transport characteristics were not different. 4. We conclude that in freshly isolated rat PTC glutathione conjugate excretion is mediated by other organic anion transporters rather than by Mrp2.

Free-flow potential profile along rat kidney proximal tubule. 1974.

The transepithelial electrical potential difference across rat renal proximal tubule was reinvestigated, using improved techniques. To diminish tip potential artefacts the microelectrodes were filled with HCO 3 - Ringer's solution instead of 3 molar KCI. The error of the potential measurements with HCO 3 Ringer's microelectrodes was tested and was found to be ≤0.5 mV. A significant electrical potential profile was detected along the proximal tubular lumen under free flow. From near zero at the glomerulum the potential difference rose to -1.5 mV, lumen negative, in the first tubular loop at approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm of tubular length. It decreased then rapidly, changed sign and attained a maximum of ca.2.0 mV, lumen positive, at I mm of tubular length, after which it declined gradually to +1.6 mV in the last accessible loop. The mean of 85 punctures in intermediate and late loops was +1.8, S.D. ±0.33 mV, range +1.0 to +3.2 mV On the basis of perfusion experiments described in the subsequent paper, the lumen-negative potential difference across early loops can be explained as an active transport potential. It is caused by the presence of glucose and amino acids in the glomerular filtrate, which increase the rate of active Na + absorption over that of active HCO 3 absorption. The lumen-positive potential difference in intermediate and late loops is explained as the sum of a membrane diffusion potential arising from the shift in intratubular Cl - and HCO 3 concentrations and a small lumen-positive active transport potential from H + secretion/HCO 3 -absorption.

Subchronic cadmium treatment affects the abundance and arrangement of cytoskeletal proteins in rat renal proximal tubule cells

Disfunction of proximal tubules (PT) in cadmium (Cd) nephrotoxicity in mammals results from the diminished functional capacity of brush-border membrane (BBM) caused by (a) direct inhibition of BBM transporters by Cd, (b) shortening and loss of microvilli, and (c) loss of specific BBM transporters. The loss of transporters may partially result from impaired intracellular vesicle recycling due to loss or/and inhibition of vacuolar H +-ATPase in the PT cell organelles. Cytoskeleton plays an important role in vesicle-mediated recycling and processing of BBM transporters in PT cells. Experiments in vitro have indicated that Cd may affect the state of polymerization of some cytoskeletal proteins. In this work we studied the in vivo effect of CdCl 2-treatment in rats (2 mg Cd/kg b. m., s.c., daily for 14 days) upon abundance and arrangement of actin filaments, actin-bundling protein villin, and microtubules (MT) in PT cells. Cd-treatment elicited a dramatic accumulation of Cd in the kidney cortex (200 μg/g tissue wet mass after 14 days) and a strongly increased abundance of metallothionein in PT cells. As revealed by immunocytochemistry in tissue cryosections, the staining intensity of actin and villin in PT cells of Cd-treated rats was generally decreased, without a marked change in their intracellular distribution, whereas MT became largely irregular, diminished in most cells, and lost in many cells. However, the immunoblots revealed an increased content of villin and α-tubulin in cortical tissue homogenates from Cd-treated rats, thus indicating an impaired bundling of actin and greatly depolymerized MT in cells intoxicated with Cd. The partial loss of apical actin and villin in PT cells of Cd-treated rats may reflect (or cause) shortening and loss of microvilli, whereas derangement and depolymerization of MT may contribute to the impairment of intracellular recycling of BBM proteins, and lead to the loss of BBM transporters.

Transcytosis of retinol-binding protein across renal proximal tubule cells after megalin (gp 330)-mediated endocytosis.

Plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) combined with vitamin A (retinol) is partially filtered through the glomerulus and then absorbed by proximal tubule cells, leading to recycling of retinol to the circulation. Recently, it was shown that reabsorption of RBP-retinol complexes by proximal tubule cells is mediated by megalin (gp 330), an apical endocytic receptor. It was proposed that RBP is transported by megalin to lysosomes, where it is degraded, thus liberating retinol, which then combines with newly synthesized RBP to be secreted into the bloodstream. This study shows that passage of RBP through immortalized rat renal proximal tubule (IRPT) cells occurs by transcytosis after megalin-mediated endocytosis, which provides an alternative pathway for recycling of retinol. IRPT cells cultured as polarized monolayers with tight junctions were used on permeable filters in the upper chamber of dual-chambered devices, with megalin expression exclusively on the upper surface. After addition of RBP to the upper chamber and incubation at 37 degrees C, intact RBP was found in fluids that were collected from the lower chamber. In contrast, control substances (mannitol, lysozyme, albumin, and glutathione-S-transferase) were not appreciably transported across IRPT cells, indicating that passage of RBP was by transcytosis and not by paracellular leakage. Confocal microscopy analysis of IRPT cells after addition of RBP to the upper chamber revealed RBP-containing granules at the apical membrane, subapically, and also at basolateral membranes. When RBP was added to IRPT cells together with megalin competitors, the amount of transcytosed RBP was markedly reduced. We also found that some RBP was internalized and degraded by IRPT cells, but this process was not appreciably affected by megalin competitors, indicating that RBP endocytosed by megalin was not transported to lysosomes and degraded but rather transcytosed across IRPT cells.

Redistribution of cPLA 2 in rat renal tubular cell cultures in response to PCBs

The influence of different polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) upon the cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA 2) redistribution to the particulate fraction has been investigated in rat renal proximal tubule culture cells. Treatment with Aroclor 1248 increased PLA 2 activity in the particulate fraction in a concentration-dependent manner using two radioactive substrates. However, the activity of PLA 2 in the cytosolic fraction decreased. This work also shows that 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) (a di- ortho-substituted nonplanar congener) can increase the activity of PLA 2 in the particulate fraction and decrease the enzyme activity in the cytosolic fraction. The exposure of cell cultures to 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) (a non- ortho-subtituted planar congener) does not alter PLA 2 activity. These results suggest that PCBs, depending on their planar or nonplanar structures, cause a translocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to membranes. To evaluate this possibility, the contents of immunoreactive cPLA 2 were examined by immunoblot analysis in the high-speed supernatant and the particulate fraction of treated cell cultures. The increases/decreases in the amounts of cPLA 2 protein agree with the increases/decreases of PLA 2 activity previously cited. These data demonstrate that the PCB-stimulated redistribution of cPLA 2 to membranes is associated, at least in part, with the changes detected in the activity of the enzyme.

Dopamine induces ERK activation in renal epithelial cells through H2O2 produced by monoamine oxidase

The rat renal proximal tubule cells contain a large amount of monoamine oxidase, which catalyzes the oxidative deamination of catecholamines such as dopamine (DA). The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced by monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoform on regulation of cell signaling and function. Primary rat proximal tubular cells, which contain almost exclusively MAO-A, and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells stably transfected with human MAO-B cDNA were treated with DA or tyramine in the presence or the absence of some inhibitors. Then, Shc protein tyrosine phosphorylation and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) activation were evaluated by immunoprecipitation/immunoblot analysis and cell proliferation by [3H]thymidine incorporation or cell counting. In rat proximal tubule cells, DA induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, ERK activation, and a significant increase in DNA synthesis. The involvement of MAO-dependent H2O2 generation induced by DA (5 micromol/L) was supported by the demonstration that the DA effects were (1) fully prevented by cell pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor pargyline, the antioxydant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and the DA uptake inhibitor GBR 12909; (2) not abrogated by the D1 and D2 receptor antagonists; (3) observed in HEK 293 MAO-B cells but not in HEK 293 wild-type cells, which do not express MAO; and (4) similar to those induced by another MAO substrate, tyramine. Taken together, these results show that in addition to the effects related to receptor stimulation, DA, and probably the other catecholamines, may induce some of its effects through the MAO-dependent H2O2 production.

Activation of dopamine D1-like receptor causes phosphorylation of α1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase in rat renal proximal tubules

Dopamine causes inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity via activation of dopamine D1-like receptors. It is the phosphorylation of Serine18 of the α1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase which results in the inhibition of the enzyme activity; however, such a phosphorylation by dopamine D1-like receptor agonist has not been demonstrated in the proximal tubules. We show here by immunoprecipitation and detection with phosphoserine antibody that SKF 38393, a dopamine D1-like receptor agonist, causes phosphorylation of the α1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase. The effect of (±)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrochloride, SKF 38393, is blocked by R(+)-7-choro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzazepine hydrochloride, SCH 23390, a dopamine D1-like receptor antagonist, and staurosporin, a protein kinase C inhibitor. The phosphorylation is also increased by phorbol 12–13 dibutyrate ester. However, Rp-cAMP triethylamine, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, does not affect the SKF 38393-mediated phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase. Therefore, these results provide the evidence that dopamine D1-like receptor activation causes phosphorylation of the α1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase in renal proximal tubules via protein kinase C pathway.

Chronic effect of parathyroid hormone on NHE3 expression in rat renal proximal tubules

The most abundant Na+/H+ exchanger in the apical membrane of proximal tubules is the type 3 isoform (NHE3), and its activity is acutely inhibited by parathyroid hormone (PTH). In the present study, we investigate whether changes in protein abundance as well as in mRNA levels play a significant role in the long-term modulation of NHE3 by PTH. Three groups of animals were compared: (1) HP: animals submitted to hyperparathyroidism by subcutaneous implantation of PTH pellets, providing threefold basal levels of this hormone (2.1 U. h-1); (2) control: sham-operated rats in which placebo pellets were implanted; (3) PTX: animals submitted to hypoparathyroidism by thyroparathyroidectomy followed by subcutaneous implantation of thyroxin pellets, which provided basal levels of thyroid hormone. After eight days, we measured bicarbonate reabsorption in renal proximal tubules by in vivo microperfusion. NHE3 activity was also measured in brush border membrane (BBM) vesicles by proton dependent uptake of 22Na. NHE3 expression was evaluated by Northern blot, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Bicarbonate reabsorption in renal proximal tubules was significantly decreased in HP rats. Na+/H+ exchange activity in isolated BBM vesicles was 6400 +/- 840, 9225 +/- 505, and 12205 +/- 690 cpm. mg-1. 15 s-1 in HP, sham, and PTX groups, respectively. BBM NHE3 protein abundance decreased 39.3 +/- 8.2% in HP rats and increased 54.6 +/- 7.8% in PTX rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that expression of NHE3 protein in apical BBM was decreased in HP rats and was increased in PTX rats. Northern blot analysis of total kidney RNA showed that the abundance of NHE3 mRNA was 20.3 +/- 1.3% decreased in HP rats and 27. 7 +/- 2.1% increased in PTX. Our results indicate that the chronic inhibitory effect of PTH on the renal proximal tubule NHE3 is associated with changes in the expression of NHE3 mRNA levels and protein abundance.

Gbeta regulation of Na/H exchanger-3 activity in rat renal proximal tubules during development.

The decreased natriuretic action of dopamine in the young has been attributed to decreased generation of cAMP by the activated renal D(1)-like receptor. However, sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) 3 activity in renal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) can be modulated independent of cytoplasmic second messengers. We therefore studied D(1)-like receptor regulation of NHE activity in BBMVs in 2-, 4-, and 12-wk-old (adult) rats. Basal NHE activity was least in 2-wk-old compared with 4- and 12-wk-old rats. D(1)-like agonist (SKF-81297) inhibition of NHE activity was also least in 2-wk-old (-1 +/- 9%, n = 3) compared with 4 (-15 +/- 5%, n = 6)- and 12 (-65 +/- 4%, n = 6)-wk-old rats. The decreased response to the D(1)-like agonist in BBMV was not caused by decreased D(1) receptors or NHE3 expression in the young. G(s)alpha, which inhibits NHE3 activity by itself, coimmunoprecipitated with NHE3 to the same extent in 2-wk-old and adult rats. G(s)alpha function was also not impaired in the young because guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) decreased NHE activity to a similar extent in 4-wk-old and adult rats. Galpha(i-3) protein expression in BBMV also did not change with age. In contrast, Gbeta expression and the amount of Gbeta that coimmunoprecipitated with NHE3 in BBMV was greatest in 2-wk-old rats and decreased with age. Gbeta common antibodies did not affect D(1)-like agonist inhibition of NHE activity in adult rats (8%) but markedly increased it (48%)in 4-wk-old rats. We conclude that the decreased inhibitory effect of D(1)-like receptors on NHE activity in BBMV in young rats is caused, in part, by the increased expression and activity of the G protein subunit Gbeta/gamma. The direct regulation of NHE activity by G protein subunits may be an important step in the maturation of renal tubular ion transport.

Apoptosis in renal proximal tubules of rats treated with low doses of aminoglycosides.

Kidney cortex apoptosis was studied with female Wistar rats treated for 10 days with gentamicin and netilmicin at daily doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight and amikacin or isepamicin at daily doses of 40 mg/kg. Apoptosis was detected and quantitated using cytological (methyl green-pyronine) and immunohistochemical (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) staining, in parallel with a measurement of drug-induced phospholipidosis (cortical phospholipids and phospholipiduria), cortical proliferative response ((3)H incorporation in DNA and histoautoradiography after in vivo pulse-labeling with [(3)H]thymidine), and kidney dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Gentamicin induced in proximal tubules a marked apoptotic reaction which (i) was detectable after 4 days of treatment but was most conspicuous after 10 days, (ii) was dose dependent, (iii) occurred in the absence of necrosis, and (iv) was nonlinearly correlated with the proliferative response (tubular and peritubular cells). Comparative studies revealed a parallelism among the extents of phospholipidosis, apoptosis, and proliferative response for three aminoglycosides (gentamicin >> amikacin congruent with isepamicin). By contrast, netilmicin induced a marked phospholipidosis but a moderate apoptosis and proliferative response. We conclude that rats treated with gentamicin develop an apoptotic process as part of the various cortical alterations induced by this antibiotic at low doses. Netilmicin, and still more amikacin and isepamicin, appears safer in this respect. Whereas a relation between aminoglycoside-induced tubular apoptosis and cortical proliferative response seems to be established, no simple correlation with phospholipidosis can be drawn.

DOPAMINE INHIBITS Na,H-EXCHANGER VIA D1-LIKE RECEPTOR-MEDIATED STIMULATION OF PROTEIN KINASE A IN RENAL PROXIMAL TUBULES

Dopamine causes natriuresis and diuresis via activation of D1-like receptors located in the renal proximal tubules. It is reported that this response to dopamine results from the inhibition of Na,H-exchanger and Na,K-ATPase. Earlier studies have suggested a role of protein kinase A (PKA) in the inhibition of Na,H-exchanger, however, the effect of dopamine or the dopamine receptor subtype responsible for the stimulation of PKA has not been reported. Present study was designed to examine the effect of dopamine and D1-like receptor agonist, SKF 38393, on the stimulation of PKA activity in rat renal proximal tubules. Dopamine and SKF 38393 (1 nM – 1 μM) caused stimulation of PKA activity, an effect which was antagonized by a D1-like receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (10 μM). Stimulation of PKA activity was also seen with forskolin and di-butyryl cAMP. We also observed that dopamine and SKF 38393 inhibited Na,H-exchanger activity in the proximal tubules. This response was blocked by SCH 23390 and Rp-cAMPS triethylamine, a selective inhibitor of PKA. Similarly, forskolin and di-butyryl cAMP inhibited Na,H-exchanger activity. The data provide direct evidence showing that dopamine, through the activation of D1-like receptors stimulates PKA activity which in turn inhibits Na,H-exchanger in the proximal tubules.

Calpain activity in rat renal proximal tubules. An in situ assay.

AbstractAlthough considerable information about calpain has been obtained from studies using isolated enzyme preparations, this does not permit the dynamic assessment of intracellular protease activity during changes in intracellular Ca2+ and pH. Intracellular calpain activity is regulated by complex interactions with the specific inhibitory protein (calpastatin), Ca2+ and phospholipids, conditions which are difficult to duplicate in isolated systems. Thus a method to measure calpain activity over time in living cells would be helpful in studying its regulation and physiological roles.KeywordsProximal TubuleCalpain ActivityDynamic AssessmentWestern Blot ProcedurePage BufferThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Calpain activity in rat renal proximal tubules. An in vitro assay.

AbstractThe general assay for proteolytic activity using casein as a substrate was described in 1947. A modification using azocasein has been described, in which digestion by calpain results in colored peptides soluble in trichloroacetic acid (TCA), so that the intensity of the color in the supernatant from TCA precipitation is a function of proteolytic activity. The assay is simple, reliable, and sensitive, but not specific, although the absolute requirement of calpain for Ca2+ is used to impart some degree of specificity 1).KeywordsProximal TubuleCalpain ActivityCytosolic ExtractPorcine KidneyFree BufferThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Rat renal proximal tubules, hypoxia, ionomycin, and calpain.

Rat renal proximal tubules, hypoxia, ionomycin, and calpain.

BIPHASIC EFFECTS OF DOPAMINE ON 86RUBIDIUM UPTAKE IN RAT RENAL PROXIMAL TUBULES

The mechanism(s) by which dopamine inhibits Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity in the renal proximal tubule is still controversial. We studied the short-term effects of dopamine on the sodium pump in rat renal proximal tubule suspensions with the 86Rb uptake method. Dopamine and the D1-like agonist, SKF81297, initially stimulated Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity at 5 min and subsequently inhibited it at 10 min and 20 min; the inhibition by 10 μM dopamine at 20 min was 21.3 ± 4.5 %. The inhibitory effect of dopamine on Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity was mimicked by thymeleatoxin (a classical protein kinase C [PKC] agonist) while Sp-8-CPT-cAMPS (a protein kinase A [PKA] agonist) had no effect. However, the combination of the PKC and PKA agonists mimicked the biphasic effects of dopamine and SKF81297. Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS (a PKA inhibitor), U-73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor), or calphostin C (a PKC inhibitor), blocked the dopamine-mediated biphasic effects on Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity. It is suggested that the biphasic effects of dopamine on Na+ -K+ -ATPase activity (an initial stimulation and a subsequent inhibition) are transduced by activating both PKA and PKC through a D1-like receptor.

Mechanism of FK 506/520 action on rat renal proximal tubular Na+,K+-ATPase activity

The neurotransmitter in renal sympathetic nerves, norepinephrine (NE), regulates the activity of proximal tubule (PT) Na+,K+-ATPase in a bidirectional manner via stimulation of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors. The stimulatory alpha-adrenergic pathway is mediated by calcineurin, the target molecule for FK 506 and related compounds. We examined whether the FK 506 analogue FK 520, by interrupting the calcineurin-mediated alpha-adrenergic signaling pathway, enhance the inhibitory beta-adrenergic effect of NE on PT Na+,K+-ATPase activity. The effects of three days of treatment with FK 520 were examined on rat renal PT Na+,K+-ATPase activity, measured as ouabain-sensitive ATP hydrolysis in single, microdissected PT segments. Renal function studies, including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary excretion of N-acetyl-3-D-glucoseaminidase (NAG), were examined using conventional clearance techniques after three days of treatment with FK 506. FK 520 treatment induced a pronounced and dose-dependent decrease in PT Na+,K+-ATPase activity. This effect was completely reversed by the competitive FK 520 antagonist, L 685 818, indicating that the effect was dependent on inhibition of calcineurin. To test whether the FK 520-induced decrease in Na+, K+-ATPase activity was mediated by enhanced beta-adrenoceptor signaling, the FK 520 effect was examined in rats pretreated with a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (propranolol) or rats subjected to renal denervation. Both of these procedures prevented the FK 520-induced decrease in Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Thus, during FK 520 treatment, renal sympathetic nerves mediate an inhibitory effect on PT Na+,K+-ATPase activity via beta-adrenoceptors. Propranolol pretreatment also prevented FK 506-induced decreases in GFR and urinary excretion of NAG, an index of PT dysfunction. The results support the hypothesis that the net effect of the neurotransmitter NE on Na+,K+-ATPase activity is dependent on the balance between the alpha- and beta-adrenergic signaling pathways and suggest that agents that interfere with these pathways may, by altering the activity of tubular Na+,K+-ATPase, also alter the function of the renal tubular epithelial cell.