Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Kidneys Research Articles

Increased oxidative stress in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well-established experimental model of renal injury leading to interstitial fibrosis. The molecular and cellular mechanism(s) of interstitial fibrosis in UUO kidney is beginning to be elucidated. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various forms of renal injury; however, little is known about its involvement in the setting of ureteral obstruction. To investigate the possible involvement of oxidative stress in the obstructive nephropathy, we studied the occurrence and distribution of Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) in the kidneys after ureteral obstruction. CML is an integrative biomarker of the cumulative protein damage induced by glycoxidation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein expression, which is a sensitive and reliable indicator of oxidative stress, were also examined. CML immunoreactivity was found in the interstitium of UUO kidneys 10 days after the onset ureteral obstruction. HO-1 mRNA was up-regulated as early as 12 hours after ureteral obstruction. HO-1 immunoreactivity was observed in the periglomerular and peritubular interstitium two days after ureteral obstruction. These results strongly suggested the presence of increased oxidative stress in the interstitium of UUO kidneys. The oxidative stress and the formation of various kind of biological active oxidative products in the interstitium are supposed to play significant roles in UUO kidney.

Abnormal Growth and Clonal Proliferation of Fibroblasts in an Animal Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

The time course for the development of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in rats between days 5 and 25 after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was studied. In kidneys with UUO under histological examination, an interstitial fibrosis was observed after more than 10 days with progression up to day 25. On day 5, collagen peptidase activity in homogenates of UUO kidneys was about 50% higher than in controls but gradually declined afterwards until reaching the level obtained from contralateral kidneys (CL) on day 25. 10 days after UUO, renal hydroxyproline content was elevated about twofold as compared to CL and sham-operated rats, and increased considerably by day 25 of UUO. In primary cultures of cells obtained from UUO kidneys, fibroblast proliferation increased regardless of the extent of fibrosis. This could be a result of an early inflammatory process. Renal fibroblasts from rats are heterogenous when studied in vitro. When fibroblasts of passage 1 obtained from kidneys 25 days after UUO were plated at low density, the number of mitotic type I clones was elevated 5.5-fold as compared with cultures from CL kidneys. The majority of type I clones in UUO cultures from fibrotic kidneys developed in an unusual fashion with formation of three-dimensional structures. The changes detectable under the unfavorable conditions of clonal culture suggest phenotypical differentiation of a small fraction of fibroblasts from kidneys with RIF. These cells are able to overgrow cell monolayers forming circular growing colonies. Obviously, one needs to distinguish between intensitive proliferation as a consequence of acute inflammation, and the changes in phenotype of a small fraction of renal fibroblasts which are resistant to normal physiologic regulative mechanisms in cell culture. The latter may contribute to matrix disorders and RIF.

Unilateral ureteral obstruction impairs renal antioxidant enzyme activation during sodium depletion

Obstructive nephropathy leads to progressive renal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis and is associated with sodium wasting and sodium depletion. Renal damage resulting from unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) may be aggravated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced by a variety of processes. Ideally, deleterious effects of ROS are attenuated by antioxidant enzymes, including the superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidases, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferases. The general paradigm is that tissue damage occurs when ROS production is greater than the protective capacity of the antioxidant enzymes. This study was designed to investigate the response of renal antioxidant enzymes to UUO and sodium depletion. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats received normal-sodium or sodium-depleted siets and were subjected to UUO or sham operation. Obstructed (UUO), intact opposite, or sham-operated kidneys were harvested after 14 days, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured in kidney homogenates. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured in these homogenates at 3 and 14 days after UUO or sham operation as an index of ROS production. Renal interstitial area, a measure of fibrosis, was increased by UUO and was doubled in sodium-depleted animals. Sodium depletion increased manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidases, and glutathione-S-transferase activities in sham-operated kidneys but not in UUO kidneys. Relative to intact opposite kidneys, UUO kidneys had reduced activities of catalase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase in normal-sodium animals and all antioxidant enzymes tested in sodium-depleted animals. Renal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased by three days of UUO and were increased further by 14 days of sodium depletion. In summary, sodium depletion increased several renal antioxidant enzymes, consistent with a stress response to increased ROS production. Further, UUO not only reduced antioxidant enzyme activities but also inhibited increases seen with sodium depletion. We conclude that suppression of renal antioxidant enzyme activities by UUO contributes to the progression of renal injury in obstructive nephropathy, a process exacerbated by sodium depletion.

Up-regulation of HSP47 in the mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well established experimental model of renal injury leading to interstitial fibrosis. The molecular and cellular mechanism(s) of interstitial fibrosis in UUO are beginning to be elucidated. In the progression of interstitial fibrosis in UUO, up-regulation of collagen synthesis is commonly observed. HSP47 is a collagen-binding stress protein and is thought to be a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, which plays a pivotal role during the biosynthesis and secretion of collagen molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum. The synthesis of HSP47 has been demonstrated to always parallel that of collagen in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. It is well recognized that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is enhanced in the setting of UUO and that enhanced RAS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys. To investigate the role of HSP47 in the progression of interstitial fibrosis in mouse UUO, the expression of HSP47 was examined by Northern blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the obstructed kidneys. To test the possible involvement of enhanced RAS on the HSP47 expression, we examined the effects of lisinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, on interstitial fibrosis. HSP47 and type I collagen mRNA expression. By Northern blot analysis, HSP47 mRNA was significantly up-regulated at 12 hours (about twice that of sham operated kidneys) after the onset of ureteral obstruction, further increased and stayed at the increased level until seven days (about 8 times that of sham operated kidneys). HSP47 mRNA and protein expression were observed in the periglomerular and peritubular interstitial regions of the obstructed kidneys. Distribution of smooth muscle alpha actin and type I collagen immunoreactivity were similar to the HSP47 distribution pattern, suggesting that HSP47 was up-regulated in the myofibroblasts. Lisinopril ameliorated the expansion of cortical interstitium in the obstructed kidneys at four and seven days after ureteral obstruction. HSP47 mRNA expression was suppressed at four and seven days, whereas type I collagen mRNA was suppressed only at seven days after the onset of ureteral obstruction. These results demonstrate the early and persistent up-regulation of HSP47 during the progression of interstitial fibrosis in mouse UUO kidneys, and further suggest the potential role of HSP47 in the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys. Partial suppression of HSP47 mRNA expression by lisinopril at day 4 and day 7 after ureteral obstruction suggests that there are other immediate trigger(s) that induce the HSP47 mRNA expression. Identification of the molecular mechanism of HSP47 induction during UUO may give an insight into the novel aspects of the molecular pathophysiology of interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy.

The intrarenal distribution of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane A2 in the rat with unilateral ureteral obstruction or unilateral nephrectomy

We evaluated the intrarenal distribution of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) on the rats that underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) or sham operation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; left ureteral obstruction (UUO), left nephrectomy (UNX) and sham-operation (Control). They were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours and Day 2, Day 3, Day 5, Day 7 and Day 9 after surgery. Intrarenal distribution of eicosanoids were immunohistochemically detected on both kidneys of UUO rats, and on right kidneys of UNX and Control rats. PGE2: In the obstructed kidneys, immunostained PGE2 increased in medullary interstitium at one hour to 6 hours, and in glomeruli and cortical interstitium at 6 hours. An increase of immunostained PGE2 was observed again in cortical interstitium at Day 3 to 5, and in medullary interstitium at Day 2 to 5. In the intact opposite kidneys, expression of immunostained PGE2 increased in glomeruli at Day 5 to 7, and in medullary interstitium at Day 3 to 5. In UNX, immunostained PGE2 increased in the medullary interstitium of the remnant kidneys at 3 hours and Day 3 to 7. On the other hand, an increase of immunostained PGE2 observed in glomeruli and cortical interstitium of these kidneys at Day 5 to 7. TxB2: In the obstructed kidneys, immunostained TxB2 increased in glomeruli and cortical interstitium at 6 hours, and in medullary interstitium at 3 to 12 hours. Predominant expression of TxB2 was observed in medullary interstitium at 3 hours compared to PGE2. We also observed an increase of immunostained TxB2 in cortical interstitium at Day 3 to 5, and in medullary interstitium at Day 2 to 5. In the intact opposite kidneys, immunostained TxB2 increased in medullary interstitium at 3 hours and Day 3. In the remnant kidneys of UNX, an increase of immunostained TxB2 was demonstrated in glomeruli at 6 hours and Day 7, and in medullary interstitium at 3 to 6 hours and Day 3 to 7. In the obstructed kidneys, imbalance between PGE2 and TxA2 may contribute to the progression of renal injuries. The fact that expression patterns of these eicosanoids in the opposite kidneys of UUO different from that of the remnant kidneys of UNK, even though both were similarly associated with functional loss of contralateral kidneys, suggested that the opposite kidneys of UUO were affected by any additional factors different from that responsible for the remnant kidneys of UNK.

Antioxidant expression in experimental hydronephrosis: role of mechanical stretch and growth factors.

We assessed whether levels of renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes are perturbed in rats following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The mechanism of catalase perturbation was investigated using proximal tubule suspensions following stimulation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interleukin (IL)-1 and in a proximal tubular cell line (OKC) subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch, which mimics the early hydrodynamic derangement after UUO. Levels of catalase and copperzinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) mRNA from 96-h UUO rats showed a 5.5-fold (P < 0.001) and 5.0-fold (P < 0.001) decrease, respectively, compared with the contralateral unobstructed kidney (CUK). Levels of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide showed a significant 1.8-fold (P < 0.0001) and 14.0-fold (P < 0.0001) increase, respectively, in 96-h UUO kidney slice cultures. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase mRNA and protein transcription expressed in proximal tubules of UUO and CUK specimens. Catalase mRNA levels were markedly downregulated following a 1-h exposure of isolated proximal tubules to TGF-beta (0.1-10 ng) and IL-1 (1-5 ng), in comparison to control proximal tubular suspensions. OKC subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch for 1-24 h had marked decrements in catalase mRNA levels, compared with unstretched cells at the same time point. These results indicate that a primary downregulation of proximal tubular Cu,Zn-SOD and catalase expression develops in the proximal tubules of UUO with consequent increments in cortical oxidant levels. These findings suggest that either an early mechanical disturbance produced by UUO or local tubular generation of cytokines can reduce tubular catalase expression. The downregulation of catalase mRNA expression, together with increased oxidant stress in the rat renal cortex post-UUO, may amplify the proinflammatory state of experimental hydronephrosis culminating in tubulointerstitial injury and fibrosis.

SEQUELAE OF OBSTRUCTIVE NEPHROPATHY IN THE NEONATE ARE ATTENUATED BY EXOGENOUS EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF). • 1655

Obstructive nephropathy is a primary cause of renal failure in infancy. We have shown previously that chronic unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in the neonatal rat results in delayed renal maturation and reduced renal expression of EGF, as well as tubular cell apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis(J Urol 155:1139, & 156:1474, 1996). To determine whether these changes could be reversed by exogenous administration of EGF, 23 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UUO within the first 48 h of life, and received daily injections of either EGF (0.1 mg/kg/d) or saline for the following 7 days. Obstructed (UUO) and intact opposite (IO) kidneys were harvested, and the fraction of proliferating cells was determined by PCNA staining, the fraction of apoptotic cells was determined by the TUNEL technique, and tubular atrophy and renal interstitial volume were determined by morphometry. There was no effect of EGF treatment on body weight or kidney weight. Compared to saline, EGF treatment increased tubular cell proliferation by 66% in the UUO kidney, but decreased tubular cell proliferation by 16% in the IO kidney (p<0.05). EGF treatment reduced the fraction of apoptotic tubular epithelial cells by 83%, and reduced the fraction of apoptotic tubules by 78% in the UUO kidney (p<0.05). There was no effect of EGF on interstitial cell apoptosis in the UUO kidney, and no effect on apoptosis in the IO kidney. EGF treatment reduced the fraction of atrophic tubules by 33%, and reduced renal interstitial volume by 55% in the UUO kidney (p<0.05). There was no effect of EGF on tubular atrophy or interstitial volume in the IO kidney. We conclude that EGF stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits tubular cell apoptosis in the neonatal kidney subjected to chronic UUO. These effects may contribute to the reduction in tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Thus, by preserving renal growth and development, administration of EGF may attenuate renal injury resulting from chronic UUO in early development.

Regulation of the renal angiotensin II receptor gene in acute unilateral ureteral obstruction

We have shown that acute (24-hr) unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induces the genes encoding for renin, in juxtaglomerular apparatuses and in tubules, for angiotensin converting enzyme in vascular endothelial cells, and for angiotensinogen in perivascular fat. These molecular changes occur in temporal association to marked reductions in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), suggesting that angiotensin II (Ang II) is at least partly responsible for the renal vasoconstriction. We tested the hypothesis that down-regulation of the Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1-R) gene occurs in UUO in response to Ang II, by examining the effects of an ACE inhibitor [lisinopril (Li), 5 mg/kg/day] and of the specific nonpeptidic AT1-R blocker, losartan (Lo) (10 mg/kg/day). UUO or sham operated (which included manipulation but not obstruction of the ureter) rats (S) were studied. Northern blot analysis of the steady state concentration of AT1-R mRNA corrected for GAPDH mRNA showed a marked decrease in receptor expression (-77%, N = 4, P < 0.01) in the obstructed kidney (UUO) compared to S; sham diminished gene expression modestly compared to the contralateral kidneys (C) of UUO. In situ hybridization for AT1-R mRNA also showed diminished expression in UUO compared to C kidneys (N = 4). Treatment of UUO rats (N = 4) with Lo increased AT1-R mRNA five times above the levels in UUO rats receiving vehicle; the increase induced by Li was 50% that of Lo; S (N = 4) and C (N = 4) did not change. Losartan, but not vehicle treatment increased RBF (sixfold) and GFR (fivefold) in the UUO kidneys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy

Interstitial fibrosis and tubular basement membrane (TBM) thickening are evident within 16 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in the rabbit, and resemble the changes previously reported in hydronephrotic human kidneys. The cortical interstitial volume fraction in this rabbit model at 16 days is 43.3 +/- 6.1% (+/- 1 SD) in UUO kidneys, 4.9 +/- 3.1% in contralateral kidneys (CLK), and 2.8 +/- 0.8% in kidneys from sham-operated animals (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). Immunohistochemically, UUO is associated with increased interstitial collagens I and III, fibronectin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan and tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen. Aberrant collagen expression is also evident as interstitial collagen IV becomes prominent. Focal, peritubular accumulation of collagens I and II also appear to encircle the TBM. These changes are accompanied by an early, transient increase in renal cortical mRNA encoding the alpha 1 monomers of collagens I, III and IV, implicating increased matrix synthesis in the pathogenesis of obstructive nephropathy. In situ hybridization localized increased expression of alpha 1 (I) and alpha 1 (IV) mRNA to cells in the interstitial space, with clusters of alpha 1(I) positive cells associated with dilated tubules, muscular arteries and the periglomerular interstitium.

Renal effects of aprotinin after 24 hours of unilateral ureteral obstruction

We have previously demonstrated that, after the release of 24-h unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal blood flow (RBF) are reduced because of increased production of the potent vasoconstrictors thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and angiotensin II (ANG II). Captopril, which blocks ANG II production, increases GFR and RBF. Sequential administration of aprotinin, a kallikrein inhibitor, has an additive effect to further decrease renal vasoconstriction, even though kinins are generally thought to be vasodilators. Therefore, we assessed mechanisms by which aprotinin might improve renal function of previously obstructed anesthetized rats. When given alone to UUO rats, aprotinin improved renal hemodynamics. Since kinins stimulate TxA2 production by UUO kidneys perfused in vitro, our data suggest that aprotinin improved postobstructive function by decreasing kinin-stimulated TxA2 production, although this may not be its only effect. Aprotinin also improved postobstructive function, even if TxA2 formation was blocked with indomethacin. But when both ANG II and TxA2 formation were blocked by the simultaneous administration of captopril and indomethacin, aprotinin had no effect. This suggests that aprotinin may also affect ANG II formation. These pharmacological effects of aprotinin suggest that the kallikrein-kinin system may also contribute to postobstructive renal vasoconstriction by stimulating the production of both vasoconstrictor eicosanoids and ANG II.

Thromboxane synthetase inhibition improves function of hydronephrotic rat kidneys.

Twenty-four hours of complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) produces intense renal vasconstriction in the rat even after release of obstruction. In the ex vivo perfused hydronephrotic rabbit kidney, bradykinin stimulates increased production of the vasoconstrictor autocoid thromboxane. In the present study, we measured basal and bradykinin-stimulated thromboxane and prostaglandin E2 production by UUO and contralateral rat kidneys perfused ex vivo. Furthermore, we evaluated thromboxane synthetase inhibition by imidazole and by two of its substituted derivatives, UK 37248 and UK 38485, in vitro. We compared these in vitro findings with in vivo measurements of renal hemodynamics and excretory function before and after the intrarenal artery administration of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors. Both basal and bradykinin-stimulated thromboxane and prostaglandin E2 production were significantly increased in hydronephrotic kidneys. Imidazole and its substituted congeners were effective inhibitors of bradykinin-stimulated thromboxane B2 production in vitro. However, the substituted imidazoles were more potent, more efficacious, and more selective for thromboxane synthetase inhibition than the parent compound. In vivo, administration of imidazole into the renal artery of the UUO kidney improved function slightly, whereas administration of UK 37248 or UK 38485 doubled renal blood flow and excretory function but did not restore them to normal. We conclude that the hydronephrotic rat kidney produces increased amounts of the vasoconstrictor eicosanoid thromboxane and that thromboxane is an important mediator of vasoconstriction in this model of disease.

Impaired parathyroid hormone receptor-adenylate cyclase system in the postobstructed canine kidney.

The present studies examine the initial events in the action of PTH, namely receptor binding and adenylate cyclase activation in the postobstructed canine kidney. Both kidneys were removed from five mongrel dogs 2 h after relief of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) of 42 h duration. Basolateral membranes (BLM) were prepared from both the UUO and contralateral (control) kidneys. Maximal activation of adenylate cyclase by PTH was 35% lower (P less than 0.01) in BLM from UUO than control kidneys (3869 +/- 200 vs. 5978 +/- 425 pmol cAMP/mg protein X 30 min). The concentration of PTH required for half-maximal activation of the enzyme was unchanged. Addition of 1 mM GTP failed to correct the decreased enzyme activity in response to PTH of BLM from kidneys with UUO. NaF activation, a measure of interaction of the nucleotide regulatory component (G/F) with the catalytic unit of the adenylate cyclase was similar in BLM from UUO and control kidneys. Similarly, activation of the catalytic unit of the enzyme by Mn2+ was not different. Specific binding of [125I]Nle8, Nle8, Tyr34-bovine PTH NH2 was markedly reduced (P less than 0.01) in BLM from UUO vs. control (6.37 +/- 1.20 vs. 2.43 +/- 0.09 fmole bound/microgram protein). There was no change in hormone affinity for the binding site. These data indicate that there is decreased activation of adenylate cyclase by PTH as a consequence of apparent loss of receptors for the hormone in the BLMs of renal tubular cells of postobstructed kidneys. These abnormalities may play a role in the abnormal regulation of phosphorus excretion after ureteral obstruction.

Hydraulic water permeability and transepithelial voltage in the isolated perfused rabbit cortical collecting tubule following acute unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral obstruction affects the kidney's ability to conserve water and sodium. Using the isolated perfused tubule technique, we studied cortical collecting tubules (CCT) taken from rabbits subjected to a sham operation or to 4 h of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Tubules were perfused in the presence of an osmotic gradient directed to promote water movement from lumen to bath, and volume flux (Jv), hydraulic water permeability (Lp), and transepithelial voltage (V1) were determined. In tubules from sham-operated and UUO animals, basal (before exposure to vasopressin) J, and Lp were not different from zero. After addition of 200 microU . ml-1 of arginine vasopressin (aVP) to the bath, Jv and Lp increased to 1.64 +/- 0.23 nl . mm-1 . min-1 and 127.9 +/- 19.8 cm . s-1 . atm-1 x 10(7), respectively, in tubules from sham-operated animals, but not only 0.27 +/- 0.09 nl . mm-1 . min-1 an 18.8 +/- 6.2 cm . s-1 . atm-1 . 10(7) in tubules from UUO animals. Pretreatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) or indomethacin in vivo did not prevent the blunted vasopressin response seen in tubules taken from UUO animals. The Jv and Lp responses to the cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, were also diminished in tubules taken from UUO animals compared with shams. V1, measured during the basal period, was diminished in tubules from UUO kidneys (-5.0 +/- 2.1 mV) compared with shams (-21.9 +/- 4.1 mV), and pretreatment with DOCA did no prevent the effects of UUO on V1. In contrast, tubules taken from animals that received indomethacin prior to UUO developed voltages not different from voltages in tubules taken from sham-operated animals (-17.3 +/- 1.7 mV). We conclude that, although CCT from UUO animals can maintain osmotic gradients, their ability to respond to vasopressin by increasing Lp is impaired by an intrinsic defect located at a step beyond the generation of cAMP, and that prostaglandin inhibition or DOCA pretreatment do not reverse the decreased responsiveness of Lp to aVP. UUO also diminished V1, and this abnormality was prevented by previous treatment with indomethacin, suggesting that prostaglandins may mediate the effect of UUO on V1.

Tubuloglomerular feedback and interstitial pressure in obstructive nephropathy

The possible role of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism in the altered glomerular hemodynamics and tubular reabsorption which occur with prolonged (24-hr) ureteral obstruction and the changes in renal interstitial hydrostatic and oncotic pressure which may modulate TGF sensitivity were examined. The proximal tubule stop-flow pressure (PSF) response to increased distal tubular flow rates (TGF activity) was determined in rats with sham operation, 24-hr unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), or 24-hr bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO), both before and for 2 hr after relief of obstruction. Subcapsular hydrostatic pressure, lymph flow and oncotic pressure, clearance and excretory data were measured in the second series of animals. During and after release of UUO, TGF sensitivity was increased, as indicated by the marked decrease in the loop perfusion rate at which 50% of the maximum decrease in PSF occurred (the turning point of TGF activation). Interstitial oncotic pressure but not hydrostatic pressure was significantly increased in UUO kidneys. In BUO rats, the turning point for TGF activation was slightly higher than the controls and the change in PSF with maximum loop perfusion rates was reduced, indicating a blunting of the TGF response before and particularly during postobstructive diuresis after release of BUO. Interstitial hydrostatic and oncotic pressures were both slightly increased resulting in no changes in net interstitial Starling forces. We conclude that enhanced TGF sensitivity after release of prolonged UUO, associated with increased interstitial oncotic pressure, may play a role in preventing postobstructive diuresis, while the blunting of TGF sensitivity after BUO may contribute to this phenomenon.

Effect of unilateral ureteral obstruction on metabolism of renal lipids in the rat.

The metabolism of lipids in the cortex and inner medulla of control and experimental kidneys of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was studied in vitro. A marked increase in the tissue triglyceride content was noted after 24 h of obstruction in the experimental kidney compared with the contralateral kidney of rats with UUO and normal kidneys from sham-operated rats. A decrease in total phospholipid content was seen in the experimental kidney after 24 h of obstruction. The incorporation of [1-14C]oleic acid or [14C]arachidonic acid into tissue triglycerides was significantly increased in the cortex and medulla of the experimental kidney of rats with UUO compared with either the contralateral kidney of the same animals or kidneys from sham-operated rats. The oxidation of [1-14C]oleic acid to 14CO2 and the incorporation of [14C]arachidonic acid into tissue phospholipids or free fatty acids were significantly lower in the experimental kidney of rats with UUO. The results strongly suggest an increase in the net synthetic rate of triglycerides in the experimental kidney of UUO rats. This increase may be related to both a decrease in fatty acid oxidation and an increased release of fatty acids from phospholipids presumably due to increased phospholipase activity.