Tubuloglomerular Feedback Control Research Articles

Protein- and diabetes-induced glomerular hyperfiltration: role of glucagon, vasopressin, and urea.

A single protein-rich meal (or an infusion of amino acids) is known to increase the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for a few hours, a phenomenon known as "hyperfiltration." It is important to understand the factors that initiate this upregulation because it becomes maladaptive in the long term. Several mediators and paracrine factors have been shown to participate in this upregulation, but they are not directly triggered by protein intake. Here, we explain how a rise in glucagon and in vasopressin secretion, directly induced by protein ingestion, might be the initial factors triggering the hepatic and renal events leading to an increase in the GFR. Their effects include metabolic actions in the liver and stimulation of sodium chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb. Glucagon is not only a glucoregulatory hormone. It is also important for the excretion of nitrogen end products by stimulating both urea synthesis in the liver (along with gluconeogenesis from amino acids) and urea excretion by the kidney. Vasopressin allows the concentration of nitrogenous end products (urea, ammonia, etc.) and other protein-associated wastes in a hyperosmotic urine, thus allowing a very significant water economy characteristic of all terrestrial mammals. No hyperfiltration occurs in the absence of one or the other hormone. Experimental results suggest that the combined actions of these two hormones, along with the complex intrarenal handling of urea, lead to alter the composition of the tubular fluid at the macula densa and to reduce the intensity of the signal activating the tubuloglomerular feedback control of GFR, thus allowing GFR to raise. Altogether, glucagon, vasopressin, and urea contribute to set up the best compromise between efficient urea excretion and water economy.

Tubuloglomerular feedback control of glomerular filtration rate is preserved in connexin 40‐deficient mice

The gap junctional protein connexin 40 (Cx40) is highly expressed in the extraglomerular mesangium connecting the tubular epithelium at the macula densa and the afferent arteriole. Participation of Cx40 in juxtaglomerular communication is suggested by the finding that the expression of renin and the localization of renin‐expressing cells are greatly abnormal in Cx40‐deficient mice. In the present experiments we have therefore used wild type and Cx40−/− mice to determine the role of connexin 40 in tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Stop flow pressure (Psf) assessed by micropuncture fell from 40.0±1.7 to 34.5±1.7 mmHg in C57Bl/6 wild type mice, and from 31.3±1.0 to 26.9±0.9 mmHg in Cx40−/− mice. Psf changes of 5.5±0.5 mmHg in wild type and of 4.4±0.5 in Cx40−/− mice were not significantly different (p=0.125). Psf values were significantly lower in Cx40−/− than wild type mice at all flow rates. Arterial blood pressure was not different between wild type and Cx40−/− mice. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of conscious mice was lower in Cx40−/− than wild types and this difference increased with aging. We conclude that TGF responsiveness is well maintained in the absence of connexin 40 suggesting that coupling through this dominant mesangial protein is not required for tubulo‐vascular communication. Renal vascular resistance appears to be elevated in Cx40−/− mice, perhaps a consequence of the elevated plasma renin levels.

Modulation of adenosine receptor expression in the proximal tubule: a novel adaptive mechanism to regulate renal salt and water metabolism

about 180 liters of filtrate are produced by the human kidneys every day, with more than 99% of the filtered salt and water being subsequently reabsorbed along the nephron. In view of this high level of renal filtration, even slight alterations in the balance between filtration and reabsorption will

Putting the Brakes on Renin Release

Modulation of renin release from juxtaglomerular cells is critical for appropriate adjustments of the cardiovascular and renal systems to internal and external stresses, and dysregulation of renin release participates in the pathophysiology of hypertension, vascular disease, heart failure, and chronic renal disease. This justifies investments in research to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms regulating renin release. These investments have yielded, and continue to yield, high returns, as exemplified by Schweda et al1 in this issue of Hypertension , showing that A1 receptors mediate high perfusion pressure–induced inhibition of renin release, whereas prostaglandins (PGs) participate in low perfusion pressure–mediated stimulation of renin release. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss how Schweda et al’s findings confirm and challenge present-day models of renin release. As comprehensively reviewed by Davis and Freeman2 and Keeton and Campbell,3 investigators recognized early on that three systems, namely the sympathetic nervous system, the macula densa apparatus, and the intrarenal baroreceptor, are the primary physiological mechanisms regulating renin release from juxtaglomerular cells. A key development was the recognition that the two most important biochemical accelerators of renin release are catecholamines (mediating sympathetically induced renin release) and PGI2 (mediating macula densa–induced and intrarenal baroreceptor–stimulated renin release).4 Subsequently, a third autocoid, adenosine (acting via A1 receptors), was proposed to serve as a molecular brake on renin release and thereby to moderate the effects of catecholamines and PGI2 on renin secretion.5 Because cAMP is a critical second messenger mediating the exocytosis of renin from juxtaglomerular cells, adenylyl cyclase unifies these concepts because β-adrenoceptors and PGI2 receptors accelerate, whereas A1 receptors brake the rate of cAMP production. The results reported by Schweda et al corroborate the accelerator/brake model of renin release because they report that PGs mediate stimulation of renin release …

Vasopressin increases glomerular filtration rate in conscious rats through its antidiuretic action.

To evaluate the possible influence of chronic alterations in urine concentrating activity (CA) on renal hemodynamics, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted for 7 days to one of three different levels of CA. CA was either reduced by increasing water intake (mixing the food with a gel bringing 1.6 mL water per g food) (Low-CA), or increased by chronic intraperitoneal infusion of 1-desamino 8-D-arginine vasopressin (200 ng/day) (High-CA). Low-CA, High-CA, and control rats were housed in metabolic cages, ate the same quantity of dry food (the amount provided being slightly lower than the spontaneous intake), and had free access to drinking water. The only difference between groups thus concerned the water intake-vasopressin axis. Radiolabeled (14C)inulin was infused chronically by osmotic minipumps. Urine was collected during Days 5, 6, and 7, and blood samples were taken for determination of plasma composition (P), absolute and fractional (FE) urinary excretion, and clearance (C) of inulin, creatinine, urea, and main electrolytes. This protocol produced mean 24-h urine osmolality (Uosm) ranging from 500 to 3500 mosmol/kg H2O without inducing any disturbance in body fluids or plasma osmolality (Posm). Results show that GFR (Cinulin) was markedly and positively correlated with Uosm (r = 0.798, P < 0.001) and free water reabsorption (r = 0.819, P < 0.001). For Uosm = 2500 mosm/kg H2O, GFR was 47% higher than for Uosm = 500 mosm/kg H2O. Ccreat underestimated GFR in High-CA and overestimated it in Low-CA. FEurea was inversely related to Uosm, as expected from the increased reabsorption known to occur at low urine flows. It is tentatively proposed that the intrarenal recycling of urea, triggered by vasopressin and essential to the urinary concentrating mechanism, might influence GFR indirectly by modifying the composition of the tubular fluid at the macula densa and thus the intensity of the tubuloglomerular feedback control of GFR. Even if this mechanism remains to be confirmed, this study unequivocally demonstrates, in normal conscious rats, that the level of urinary concentrating activity has a major influence on basal GFR.

Renal interstitial pressure and tubuloglomerular feedback control in rats during infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), injected at physiological concentrations, is known to induce both natriuresis and diuresis. It has been suggested by some investigators that these changes result from an increasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but others have been unable to demonstrate an increased GFR. The tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism is an important regulator of GFR, and the sensitivity of TGF is decreased during ANP administration. Furthermore, resetting of TGF is, in most instances, related to changes in renal interstitial hydrostatic and oncotic pressures. It is also known that ANP may increase capillary permeability which may change renal interstitial pressure. The present study was performed to examine renal interstitial pressures and the TGF mechanism during ANP infusion. In accordance with previous studies, TGF sensitivity was found to be decreased. The tubular flow rate which elicited half the maximal drop in stop-flow pressure (Psf) was increased from 18.5 to 25.7 nl min-1. In contrast, ANP infusion resulted in a decreased interstitial hydrostatic pressure and an increased interstitial oncotic pressure. From previous experiments, such changes in interstitial pressures would be expected to increase TGF sensitivity. The changes in interstitial pressure cannot, therefore, directly explain the resetting of the feedback mechanism. In conclusion, the present paper shows a decreased renal net interstitial pressure after intravenous administration of ANP.

Effect of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition on the tubuloglomerular feedback control in the rat kidney.

It is known that intact prostaglandin synthesis is of some importance for tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). In this study the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition by oral fenflumizole, an imidazole derivative, on TGF in rats after acute elevation of ureteral pressure were investigated by comparison with the TGF mechanism in untreated rats. The effects of fenflumizole on the TGF mechanism were also compared with those of indomethacin injection. To characterize the TGF mechanism proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (Psf) was measured during perfusion of the loop of Henle with an artificial perfusion solution with a composition resembling that of the proximal fluid. The perfusion rate was varied from 0 to 40 nl.min-1, in steps of 2.5-5 nl.min-1, permitting measurement of the maximal pressure response delta Psf, to increased tubular perfusion, and the perfusion rate which elicited a half-maximal drop in Psf, designated the turning point (TP). Both cyclooxygenase inhibitors caused a significant increase in TP from a control value of 21 to approximately 27 nl.min-1. TP remained at this level in fenflumizole-treated rats, even after elevation of ureteral pressure, a situation in which TGF is normally not detectable. From these and earlier investigations we conclude that the prostaglandin system is of importance for a normally operating TGF control mechanism, both under normal conditions and, especially, in conditions in which resetting of TGF is observed.

Intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration in the macula densa and in ascending limb cells at different luminal concentrations of sodium chloride and with added furosemide

The juxtaglomerular apparatus fulfils several important regulatory functions in the kidney, such as tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) control and control of renin release. The macula densa (MD) cells sense the fluid load by perceiving the distal NaCl concentration via a Na-K-2Cl cotransport system in the luminal cell membrane. It has been proposed that macula densa cell activation may involve changes in intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), as one link in the chain of events activating TGF or releasing renin. We therefore investigated the changes in the intracellular calcium concentrations with fura-2, using a video system, in macula densa cells, and compared them with the changes in the corresponding concentrations in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle (c-TAL). The results show that our technique for analysing intracellular cytosolic free calcium in isolated perfused tubules is valid for this purpose, and the Kd value obtained was similar to that found by Grynkiewicz et al. (1985). The intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration was about 90 nM both in the macula densa and c-TAL cells, and the macula densa cell intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration increased by about 20 nM when the tubular lumen was perfused with Na and Cl at low concentrations. No significant changes were noted when furosemide was added to the perfusion solutions. We consider it hardly likely that this small change in intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration can be entirely responsible for full activation of renin release or full inactivation of the TGF control mechanism. It would seem that the signal transmission from the macula densa cells could occur by other routes than through activation of intracellular cytosolic free calcium concentration.

Resetting of the pressure range for blood flow autoregulation in the rat kidney

Both a myogenic response and the tubuloglomerular feedback control mechanism seem to be involved in autoregulation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF). Earlier experiments have shown that clamping of renal arterial perfusion pressure, below the autoregulatory range, reduces single-nephron GFR, and that this low value is maintained during the first 10-15 min after release of the clamp. It was also found that the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism in the early declamp phase was strongly activated to reduce GFR. These findings can not be easily understood with the current knowledge of autoregulation, but would suggest a resetting of RBF and GFR autoregulation to a new level. To test this, left renal arterial perfusion pressure was reduced from 100 to 60 mmHg during 20 min with and without angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (0.5 mg i.v. enalapril). Renal blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry. When arterial perfusion pressure was reduced from 100 to 60 mmHg for 20 min, RBF was reduced to 77% of control and remained at this low level during the first minutes of declamp. In this situation there was an autoregulation to a new level. Renal blood flow was then slowly normalized (16.1 min). In the enalapril-treated animals RBF was only reduced to 85% during the 20 min of clamping and returned immediately to the control level at declamp. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that if renal blood flow is decreased by reducing the perfusion pressure below the normal autoregulatory range the pressure range for blood flow autoregulation resets to a lower level and that this change is mediated via the renin-angiotensin system.

Renal Abnormalities in Experimental Models of Hypertension

Renal regulation of extracellular fluid volumes via the tubuloglomerular feedback control (TGF) has been studied in rat experiments. Important modulation of the TGF mechanism was achieved from arterial blood pressure level and extracellular fluid volume via renal interstitial pressure changes. This volume-regulating mechanism has been studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats of the Milan strain (MHS) and compared with Milan normotensive rats (MNS). During development of hypertension, the TGF mechanism was highly sensitive and activated to reduce glomerular filtration rate and retain electrolytes and water. When blood pressure was increased in the adult MHS animals the TGF mechanism was normalized. It could be speculated that the cause of the increased TGF mechanism was dependent on an increased Na-K-2 Cl cotransport into the macula densa cells. In SHR rats compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats, the TGF sensitivity was also increased but, in contrast, the TGF mechanism was not activated in these animals to retain fluid. Some other mechanism for the development of hypertension in these rats has to be proposed.

Renal Abnormalities in Experimental Models of Hypertension

Summary: Renal regulation of extracellular fluid volumes via the tubuloglomerular feedback control (TGIF) has been studied in rat experiments. Important modulation of the mechanism was achieved from arterial blood pressure level and extracellular fluid volume via renal interstitial pressure changes. This volume-regulating mechanism has been studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats of the Milan strain (MHS) and compared with Milan normotensive rats (MNS). During development of hypertension, the TMG mechanism was highly sensitive and activated to reduce glomerular filtration rate and retain electrolytes and water. When blood pressure was increased in the adult MHS animals the TGF mechanism was normalized. It could he speculated that the cause of the increased TGF mechanism was dependent on an increased Na-K-2 CI cotransport into the macula densa cells. In SHR rats compared to Wistar-Kyoto at, the TGF sensitivity was also increased but, in contrast. the TGF mechanism was not activated in these animals to retain fluid. Some other mechanism for the development of hypertension in these rats has to be proposed.

Modification of tubuloglomerular feedback signal by dietary protein.

Compared with the effects of a 6% protein diet, feeding rats a 40% protein diet for 10 days increases glomerular filtration rate and decreases the activity of the tubuloglomerular (TG) feedback control system. The decrease in TG feedback activity results from an increase in the threshold at which the loop of Henle flow rate initiates feedback responses. To determine whether this protein-dependent shift in the TG feedback response curve is caused by changes in either the signal or the sensing mechanism in the feedback pathway, we used micropuncture and microperfusion techniques to study the TG feedback system of rats fed high- or low-protein (40 or 6% casein) diets for approximately 7-10 days. Compared with the rats fed the low-protein diet, in the high-protein group distally measured single nephron glomerular filtration rate was 17% higher, and Na and Cl concentrations in early distal tubule fluid were 30-50% lower. Early distal osmolality was not different in the two groups. TG feedback responses assessed by changes in stop-flow pressure during perfusion of the distal nephron with NaCl solutions did not differ between diet groups. We conclude that the sensing mechanism in the TG feedback system is not altered by this manipulation of dietary protein, whereas the signal eliciting the TG feedback response is affected. Because rats fed a high-protein diet have higher rates of Na and Cl absorption between the late proximal and early distal tubules than do rats fed a low-protein diet, early distal Na and Cl concentrations are reduced, and the signal for TG feedback is diminished in rats fed the high-protein diet.

Tubuloglomerular feedback control of distal fluid delivery: effect of extracellular volume.

A closed-feedback loop micropuncture method was used to examine tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) and the regulation of distal fluid delivery in hydropenic rats (CON), moderately hemorrhaged rats (HEM), and rats given desoxycorticosterone (DOC) and 0.6% saline to drink. Distal delivery and TGF response curves were measured with four samples per nephron: a spontaneous early distal collection, two distal collections during moderate (7.5 nl/min) and saturating (30 nl/min) perturbations in nephron fluid load, and a proximal collection to measure single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) during TGF inhibition. Arterial pressure, predistal volume reabsorption, SNGFR, and early distal flow were significantly higher in DOC than in HEM; the CON group exhibited intermediate values. Except for a greater maximum TGF response in HEM, the normalized TGF responses were similar in all three groups, as was the regulation of distal fluid delivery. However, the TGF onset threshold and the TGF operating point, defined by the spontaneous rates of early distal flow and SNGFR, were reset such that distal fluid delivery and SNGFR were higher in DOC than in HEM, as was renal sodium excretion. The results show that the level around which TGF stabilizes distal fluid delivery is reset when extracellular fluid volume is altered.

Tubuloglomerular feedback during elevated renal venous pressure.

Interstitial hydrostatic and oncotic pressures are believed to influence the sensitivity of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) control. To further investigate this hypothesis, three groups of experiments with elevated renal venous pressure (Prv) were conducted. We investigated 1) the stop-flow pressure (Psf) feedback response; 2) urine flow rate, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), subcapsular interstitial hydrostatic pressure (Psc), and interstitial oncotic pressure (pi int); and 3) the proximal-distal single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR). The results showed that the Psf feedback response was unaffected by Prv elevation. Psc increased from 0.5 to 3.5 mmHg and pi int increased from 2.1 to 5.8 mmHg; thus, no change in net interstitial pressure (Psc - pi int) was found during elevated Prv. There was a significant proximal-distal SNGFR difference during both control and elevated Prv (8.0 and 6.3 nl/min, respectively). A 20% reduction in total GFR and SNGFR was observed at increased Prv. In separate experiments using the same protocol, a 5% body wt/h volume expansion with saline was induced before Prv was elevated. During volume expansion, TGF sensitivity declined and net interstitial pressure increased, both of which were normalized by increasing Prv. The results show that the TGF sensitivity is normal during elevated Prv to 20 mmHg and that the increase in Psc during this condition is counter-balanced by an increase in pi int. In addition, the decrease in GFR and SNGFR during increased Prv cannot be explained by a change in TGF activity. However, these findings indicate that both interstitial hydrostatic and oncotic pressures may influence the resetting of the TGF sensitivity.

Tubuloglomerular feedback in hypertensive rats of the Milan strain.

In rats of the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS) the disease can be transplanted with the kidney to rats of the Milan normotensive strain (MNS). It has been found that GFR, salt and volume regulation differ between MHS and MNS rats. Tubuloglomerular feedback control mechanism (TGF) is important for body volume regulation and we therefore wanted to study the TGF control in MHS and MNS rats. Whole kidney and micropuncture experiments were done before and during saline volume expansion (5% of body weight). In an initial series of experiments measurements were made of total kidney GFR, urine excretion rate of sodium and potassium and subcapsular interstitial hydrostatic pressure (psc); interstitial oncotic pressure (pi int) was estimated from hilar lymph protein concentration. In a second series, proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (psf) was determined upstream from a wax block while the distal nephron was being perfused with Ringer solution at a flow rate varying from 0 to 40 nl X min-1. In this way the maximal drop in stop-flow pressure (delta psf) and also the turning point (TP), the tubular flow rate at which 50% of this response was achieved, could be determined after saline volume expansion and after 2 h of complete ureteral occlusion. The results showed that GFR was similar in MHS and MNS rats in the control situation, but that during volume expansion it was significantly lower in the MHS group. Interstitial psc and pi int and net interstitial pressure (psc - pi int) were similar in MHS and MNS rats both under control conditions and during volume expansion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tubuloglomerular feedback response in the contralateral kidney after 24-hour unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Reduction of the functioning renal mass by unilateral nephrectomy or unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) leads to increased function of the remaining nephrons, an important factor being the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR can be modified via the tubuloglomerular feedback control (TGF), which senses the distal delivery of fluid and alters the tonus of the glomerular arterioles. The aim of the present study was to investigate the TGF sensitivity in the intact left kidney of rats after 24 hours of right ureteral occlusion. Using a micropuncture technique, proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (Psf), as a relative index of glomerular capillary pressure, was measured upstream to the block, while late proximal segments were perfused with Ringer solution (rates 0-40 nl/min). The maximal drop in Psf and the tubular flow rate at which 50% of this response was achieved, the turning point (TP), were determined. Considerable decrease in the sensitivity of the TGF system in the contralateral kidney during UUO was indicated by a significantly higher TP as compared with control rats (sham operation), viz. 29 v. 19 nl/min. Maximal Psf drop after UUO was significantly less than in the controls (6 v. 12 mm Hg). Reduced TGF sensitivity in the contralateral kidney after protracted UUO is a prerequisite for that kidney's increased excretion of salt and water to compensate for the loss of functioning renal mass.

Arterial hypertension--a disease of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

From a special strain of genetically hypertensive rats, the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS), arterial hypertension can be transplanted with the kidney to the Milan normotensive strain (MNS). During development of hypertension in MHS rats there was an activation of the tubuloglomerular feedback control that reduced glomerular filtration rate, leading to retention of electrolytes and fluid. This increased extracellular fluid volume reduces feedback sensitivity, but in a fashion that gives rise to chronic extracellular fluid expansion and can thereby raise the blood pressure. In a limited sense, arterial hypertension in these animals exists to prevent the kidney from retaining more extracellular fluid volume. The altered function in the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the MHS rats thus may explain the rise in arterial blood pressure.

Evidence of defective tubuloglomerular feedback control in rats of the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS).

Evidence of defective tubuloglomerular feedback control in rats of the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS).

Morphometric studies of the extraglomerular mesangial cell field in volume expanded and volume depleted rats.

The extraglomerular mesangial cell field was studied by morphometric techniques in volume expanded and volume depleted rats. The volume density of the extraglomerular mesangial interstitium was found to be significantly different between the two conditions, 16.9 +/- 3.7% in volume depletion and 29.0 +/- 4.1% in volume expansion. No difference in the volume density of the peritubular interstitium could be detected under the same conditions. These findings are interpreted as indicating a specific sensitivity of the extraglomerular mesangial interstitium to changes in body fluid content, a phenomenon which may play a role in the mechanism of resetting the tubulo-glomerular feedback control.

The effect of 2 hours of complete unilateral ureteral obstruction on tubuloglomerular feedback control.

The mechanisms affecting renal blood flow and filtration during and after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) are incompletely understood. Since ureteral obstruction leads to changes in interstitial pressure and volume, and since we have previously shown that interstitial pressure conditions can modulate the sensitivity of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) control system, we sought in the present study to define the contribution of the TGF system to changes in GFR during and after UUO, and to observe associated changes in pressures in vessels, tubules and the interstitial space. Interstitial pressures and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured in one group of Sprague Dawley rats. Interstitial hydraulic pressure was determined with a thin catheter placed in the subcapsular space. Interstitial oncotic pressure was estimated from the protein concentration in collected hilar lymph. In a second group of rats proximal tubule pressure (PT) and stop-flow pressure (PSF) were measured during the first three hours of UUO and after 24 h UUO. In a third group of rats PSF was measured while the loop of Henle was perfused at different rates. The sensitivity of the TGF system was determined from the maximal drop in stop-flow pressure (delta PSF) and the turning point (TP)--the tubule perfusion rate at which 50% of this maximal stop-flow pressure response was obtained. In a fourth group of rats proximal tubule flow-rate was measured after release of 2 hrs UUO. The results show that PT and PSF are both increased during the first three hours of obstruction and that they return to normal or sub-normal levels after 24 h of UUO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)