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Biomedical subjects

János Peti-Peterdi

Publications and source records attributed to János Peti-Peterdi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Imaging the renin-angiotensin system: an important target of anti-hypertensive therapy.

Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy allows visualization, manipulation, and quantification of the structure-function relationships between pharmacological interventions and their physiological effects. The application of these methods to live animals permits direct observation of acute physical responses that lack chemically detectable signals in the blood or urine and would otherwise remain unknown. With the use of special fluorescent dyes, chemical/hormonal responses may also be detected. The delivery and site-specific effects of drugs can be monitored in real-time. The capacity to simultaneously visualize both proximal and distal segments of the nephron permits observation of the dynamic processes within the living kidney and a quantitative assessment of the various operations. Consequently, a clinically valuable and pending application for multi-photon microscopy will be to provide real-time, quantitative imaging of basic organ functions and their responses to therapeutic intervention. Imaging of the intra-renal renin content and enzymatic activity of renin in situ and in real-time is a new, more informative measure of RAS activity. Direct visualization of the molecular and cellular components of renin release signals and the interactions between the vascular endothelium, tubular epithelium, local mediators, and the renin producing cells provides great insight for drug development. Examples of how the effects of various RAS inhibitors can be visualized in the intact kidney are provided: including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (captopril), angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade (olmesartan), and renin inhibition (aliskiren). The site-specific actions of diuretics, like furosemide, have also been visualized. Quantitative imaging of basic renal functions in health and disease can provide key information to assess the delivery and effects of pharmaceutical interventions.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Fluid flow in the juxtaglomerular interstitium visualized in vivo.

Earlier electron microscopy studies demonstrated morphological signs of fluid flow in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), including fenestrations of the afferent arteriole (AA) endothelium facing renin granular cells. We aimed to directly visualize fluid flow in the JGA, the putative function of the fenestrated endothelium, using intravital multiphoton microscopy of Munich-Wistar rats and C57BL6 mice. Renin content of the AA correlated strongly with the length of the fenestrated, filtering AA segment. Fluorescence of the extracellular fluid marker lucifer yellow (LY) injected into the cannulated femoral vein in bolus was followed in the renal cortex by real-time imaging. LY was detected in the interstitium around the JG AA before the plasma LY filtered into Bowman's capsule and early proximal tubule. The fluorescence intensity of LY in the JGA interstitium was 17.9 +/- 3.5% of that in the AA plasma (n = 6). The JGA fluid flow was oscillatory, consisting of two components: a fast (one every 5-10 s) and a slow (one every 45-50 s) oscillation, most likely due to the rapid transmission of both the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF)-mediated hemodynamic changes. LY was also detected in the distal tubular lumen about 2-5 s later than in the AA, indicating the flow of JGA interstitial fluid through the macula densa. In the isolated microperfused JGA, blocking the early proximal tubule with a micropipette caused significant increases in MD cell volume by 62 +/- 4% (n = 4) and induced dilation of the intercellular lateral spaces. In summary, significant and dynamic fluid flow exists in the JGA which may help filter the released renin into the renal interstitium (endocrine function). It may also modulate TGF and renin signals in the JGA (hemodynamic function).

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Imaging renin content and release in the living kidney.

Renin release is the first, and at least initially, the rate-limiting step in the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, which helps to maintain body salt and water balance. Recent advances in our understanding of pathophysiology have generated a renewed interest in the multiple roles of renin and prorenin as a hormone, enzyme, and signaling molecule. The assays available to measure renin content, release and tissue activity are complex, indirect and work with significant internal errors. We developed an imaging approach to directly visualize renin content and study the dynamics of both the release and tissue activity of renin. Our experimental model uses multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, which is ideal for deep optical sectioning of the living renal tissue. Here we review the application of this renin imaging approach to the dissected, in vitro microperfused glomerulus as well as in the intact kidney in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Calcium wave of tubuloglomerular feedback.

ATP release from macula densa (MD) cells into the interstitium of the juxtaglomerular (JG) apparatus (JGA) is an integral component of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism that controls the glomerular filtration rate. Because the cells of the JGA express a number of calcium-coupled purinergic receptors, these studies tested the hypothesis that TGF activation triggers a calcium wave that spreads from the MD toward distant cells of the JGA and glomerulus. Ratiometric calcium imaging of in vitro microperfused isolated JGA-glomerulus complex dissected from rabbits was performed with fluo-4/fura red and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Activation of TGF by increasing tubular flow rate at the MD rapidly produced a significant elevation in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in extraglomerular mesangial cells (by 187.6 +/- 45.1 nM) and JG renin granular cells (by 281.4 +/- 66.6 nM). Subsequently, cell-to-cell propagation of the calcium signal at a rate of 12.6 +/- 1.1 microm/s was observed upstream toward proximal segments of the afferent arteriole and adjacent glomeruli, as well as toward intraglomerular elements including the most distant podocytes (5.9 +/- 0.4 microm/s). The same calcium wave was observed in nonperfusing glomeruli, causing vasoconstriction and contractions of the glomerular tuft. Gap junction uncoupling, an ATP scavenger enzyme cocktail, and pharmacological inhibition of P(2) purinergic receptors, but not adenosine A(1) receptor blockade, abolished the changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and propagation of the calcium wave. These studies provided evidence that both gap junctional communication and extracellular ATP are integral components of the TGF calcium wave.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2005

Localization of connexin 30 in the luminal membrane of cells in the distal nephron.

Several isoforms of the gap junction protein connexin (Cx) have been identified in a variety of tissues that communicate intercellular signals between adjacent cells. In the kidney, Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 are localized in the vasculature, glomerulus, and tubular segments in a punctuate pattern, typical of classic gap junction channels. We performed immunohistochemistry in the mouse, rat, and rabbit kidney to study the localization of Cx30 protein, a new member of the Cx family. The vasculature, glomerulus, and proximal nephron segments were devoid of staining in all three species. Unexpectedly, Cx30 was found throughout the luminal membrane of select cells in the distal nephron. Expression of Cx30 was highest in the rat, which also showed some diffuse cytosolic labeling, continuous from the medullary thick ascending limb to the collecting duct system, and with the highest level in the distal convoluted tubule. Labeling in the mouse and rabbit was much less, limited to intercalated cells in the connecting segment and cortical collecting duct, where the apical signal was particularly strong. A high-salt-containing diet and culture medium upregulated Cx30 expression in the rat inner medulla and in M1 cells, respectively. The distinct, continuous labeling of the luminal plasma membrane and upregulation by high salt suggest that Cx30 may function as a hemichannel involved in the regulation of salt reabsorption in the distal nephron.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Confocal imaging and function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Monitoring interactions between dissimilar cells is a key to understanding the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. This review will summarize new findings on tubuloglomerular feedback-mediated reductions in the glomerular filtration rate and renin release signals to elucidate how current research can benefit from visual approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: Macula densa cells are capable of producing significant changes in cell volume depending on the rate of entry of salt through their apical membrane. Tubuloglomerular feedback activation by increased tubular salt content is associated with macula densa cell swelling and the simultaneous contraction of the terminal, intraglomerular, renin-positive segment of the afferent arteriole and the intraglomerular mesangium. Macula densa cells release adenosine triphosphate, which causes tubuloglomerular feedback-mediated vasoconstriction either directly through purinergic signaling or indirectly through its hydrolysis to adenosine. During conditions of low extracellular fluid volume, reduced tubular salt delivery causes macula densa cells to synthesize and release prostaglandin E2, which in turn stimulates the proliferation of juxtaglomerular cells, the synthesis and release of renin, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Renin release from juxtaglomerular cells represents a unique form of exocytosis: even large granules can release their content very rapidly without any significant movement relative to the juxtaglomerular cell membrane. SUMMARY: A trend in biomedical research is to re-visit earlier studies using state-of-the-art experimental techniques. Imaging methods including the newest innovations in confocal fluorescence microscopy provide direct, visual information on juxtaglomerular apparatus function, with exceptional time and spatial resolution at the level of individual cells and organelles.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Multiphoton imaging of renal tissues in vitro.

The highly inhomogeneous and light-scattering structure of living renal tissue makes the application of conventional imaging techniques more difficult compared with other parenchymal organs. On the other hand, key physiological processes of the kidney, such as regulation of glomerular filtration, hemodynamics, concentration, and dilution, involve complex interactions between multiple cell types and otherwise inaccessible structures that necessitate visual approaches. An ideal solution is multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy, a state-of-the-art imaging technique superior for deep optical sectioning of living tissue samples. Here, we review the basics and advantages of multiphoton microscopy and provide examples for its application in renal physiology using dissected cortical and medullary tissues in vitro. In combination with microperfusion techniques, the major functions of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, tubuloglomerular feedback and renin release, can be studied with high spatial and temporal resolution. Salt-dependent changes in macula densa cell volume, vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole, and activity of an intraglomerular precapillary sphincter composed of renin granular cells are visualized in real time. Release and tissue activity of renin can be studied on the individual granule level. Imaging of the living inner medulla shows how interstitial cells interconnect cells of the vasa recta, loop of Henle, and collecting duct. In summary, multiphoton microscopy is an exciting new optical sectioning technique that has great potential for numerous future developments and is ideal for applications that require deep optical sectioning of living tissue samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Real-time imaging of renin release in vitro.

Renin release from juxtaglomerular granular cells is considered the rate-limiting step in activation of the renin-angiotensin system that helps to maintain body salt and water balance. Available assays to measure renin release are complex, indirect, and work with significant internal errors. To directly visualize and study the dynamics of both the release and tissue activity of renin, we isolated and perfused afferent arterioles with attached glomeruli dissected from rabbit kidneys and used multiphoton fluorescence imaging. Acidotropic fluorophores, such as quinacrine and LysoTrackers, clearly and selectively labeled renin granules. Immunohistochemistry of mouse kidney with a specific renin antibody and quinacrine staining colocalized renin granules and quinacrine fluorescence. A low-salt diet for 1 wk caused an approximately fivefold increase in the number of both individual granules and renin-positive granular cells. Time-lapse imaging showed no signs of granule trafficking or any movement, only the dimming and disappearance of fluorescence from individual renin granules within 1 s in response to 100 microM isoproterenol. There appeared to be a quantal release of the granular contents; i.e., an all-or-none phenomenon. Using As4.1 cells, a granular cell line, we observed further classic signs of granule exocytosis, the emptying of granule content associated with a flash of quinacrine fluorescence. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based, 5-(2-aminoethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS)-conjugated renin substrate in the bath, an increase in EDANS fluorescence (renin activity) was observed around granular cells in response to isoproterenol. Fluorescence microscopy is an excellent tool for the further study of the mechanism, regulation, and dynamics of renin release.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II stimulates cortical collecting duct sodium transport.

Angiotensin (Ang) II directly stimulates epithelial sodium channel activity in the rabbit cortical collecting duct. Because Ang I and converting enzyme analogues might be present in the distal nephron, this raises the possibility of intraluminal generation of Ang II. Conversion of Ang I to Ang II was monitored by Ang II-dependent changes in intracellular sodium concentration as a reflection of sodium transport across the apical membrane. This involved imaging-based fluorescence microscopy with sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate in isolated, perfused, cortical collecting-duct segments from rabbit kidney. Principal and intercalated cells were differentiated by rhodamine-conjugated peanut lectin. Control principal cell intracellular sodium concentration, during perfusion with 25 mmol/L NaCl and zero sodium in the bath plus monensin (10(-5) mol/L) averaged 5.8+/-0.14 mmol/L (n=156). The increase in intracellular sodium concentration, when luminal NaCl was increased from 25 to 150 mmol/L, was elevated by 3.5-fold in the presence of intraluminal Ang I (10(-6) mol/L). Also, the effects of Ang I on sodium transport were not significantly different from the effects of Ang II (10(-9) mol/L). Ang I was used in micromolar concentrations to ensure that there was sufficient substrate available for conversion to Ang II. Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme with captopril reduced the stimulatory effect of Ang I. These results suggest that intraluminal conversion of Ang I to Ang II can occur in the cortical collecting duct, resulting in enhanced apical sodium entry.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed2003

Immunolocalization of a microsomal prostaglandin E synthase in rabbit kidney.

PGE2, the major cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolite of arachidonic acid, is an important paracrine regulator of numerous tubular and vascular functions in the kidney. To date, COX activity has been considered the key step in prostaglandin synthesis and is well characterized. However, much less is known about the recently cloned microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES), the terminal enzyme of PGE2 synthesis, which converts COX-derived PGH2 to the biologically important PGE2. Present studies provide the detailed localization of mPGES protein in the rabbit kidney using immunohistochemistry. In the cortex, strong mPGES labeling was found in the macula densa (MD) and principal cells of the connecting segment and cortical collecting tubule but not in intercalated cells. The medulla was abundant in mPGES-positive structures, with heavy labeling in the collecting duct system. In descending thin limbs and renal medullary interstitial cells, mPGES expression was less intense, and it was below the limits of detection in the vasa recta. Expression of MD mPGES, similarly to COX-2, was greatly increased in response to low-salt diet and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibition by captopril. These findings suggest autocrine regulation of renal salt and water transport by PGE2 in descending thin limb and collecting tubule and a paracrine effect of PGE2 on the glomerular and medullary vasculature. Similar to other organs, mPGES in the kidney is an inducible enzyme and may be similarly regulated and acts in concert with COX-2.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Sustained calcium entry through P2X nucleotide receptor channels in human airway epithelial cells.

Purinergic receptor stimulation has potential therapeutic effects for cystic fibrosis (CF). Thus, we explored roles for P2Y and P2X receptors in stably increasing [Ca(2+)](i) in human CF (IB3-1) and non-CF (16HBE14o(-)) airway epithelial cells. Cytosolic Ca(2+) was measured by fluorospectrometry using the fluorescent dye Fura-2/AM. Expression of P2X receptor (P2XR) subtypes was assessed by immunoblotting and biotinylation. In IB3-1 cells, ATP and other P2Y agonists caused only a transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i) derived from intracellular stores in a Na(+)-rich environment. In contrast, ATP induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) that had transient and sustained components in a Na(+)-free medium; the sustained plateau was potentiated by zinc or increasing extracellular pH. Benzoyl-benzoyl-ATP, a P2XR-selective agonist, increased [Ca(2+)](i) only in Na(+)-free medium, suggesting competition between Na(+) and Ca(2+) through P2XRs. Biochemical evidence showed that the P2X(4) receptor is the major subtype shared by these airway epithelial cells. A role for store-operated Ca(2+) channels, voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, or Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in the ATP-induced sustained Ca(2+) signal was ruled out. In conclusion, these data show that epithelial P2X(4) receptors serve as ATP-gated calcium entry channels that induce a sustained increase in [Ca(2+)](i). In airway epithelia, a P2XR-mediated Ca(2+) signal may have therapeutic benefit for CF.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed2003

Macula densa cell signaling.

Macula densa cells are renal sensor elements that detect changes in distal tubular fluid composition and transmit signals to the glomerular vascular elements. This tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism plays an important role in regulating glomerular filtration rate and blood flow. Macula densa cells detect changes in luminal sodium chloride concentration through a complex series of ion transport-related intracellular events. NaCl entry via a Na:K:2Cl cotransporter and Cl exit through a basolateral channel lead to cell depolarization and increases in cytosolic calcium. Na/H exchange (NHE2) results in cell alkalization, whereas intracellular [Na] is regulated by an apically located H(Na)-K ATPase and not by the traditional basolateral Na:K ATPase. Communication from macula densa cells to the glomerular vascular elements involves ATP release across the macula densa basolateral membrane through a maxi-anion channel. The adaptation of multi-photon microscopy is providing new insights into macula densa-glomerular signaling.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase: its role and regulation in macula densa cells.

Macula densa (MD) cells detect changes in distal tubular sodium chloride concentration ([NaCl](L)), at least in part, through an apical Na:2Cl:K co-transporter. This co-transporter may be a site for regulation of tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), and recently angiotensin II (Ang II) was shown to regulate the MD Na:2Cl:K co-transporter. In addition, nitric oxide (NO) produced via neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in MD cells attenuates MD-TGF signaling. This study investigated [NaCl](L)-dependent MD-NO production, the regulation of co-transporter activity by NO, and the possible interaction of NO with Ang II. MD cell Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) and NO production were measured using sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate and 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorescein diacetate, respectively, using fluorescence microscopy. Na:2Cl:K co-transport activity was assessed as the initial rate of increase in [Na(+)](i) when [NaCl](L) was elevated from 25 to 150 mM. 10(-4) M 7-nitroindazole, a specific nNOS blocker, significantly increased by twofold the initial rate of rise in [Na(+)](i) when [NaCl](L) was increased from 25 to 150 mM, indicating co-transporter stimulation. There was no evidence for an interaction between the stimulatory effect of Ang II and the inhibitory effect of NO on co-transport activity, and, furthermore, Ang II failed to alter MD-NO production. NO production was sensitive to [NaCl](L) but increased only when [NaCl](L) was elevated from 60 to 150 mM. These studies indicate that MD-NO directly inhibits Na:2Cl:K co-transport and that NO and Ang II independently alter co-transporter activity. In addition, generation of MD-NO seems to occur only at markedly elevated [NaCl](L), suggesting that NO may serve as a buffer against high rates of MD cell transport and excessive TGF-mediated vasoconstriction.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2002

Angiotensin II directly stimulates ENaC activity in the cortical collecting duct via AT(1) receptors.

Angiotensin II (AngII) helps to regulate overall renal tubular reabsorption of salt and water, yet its effects in the distal nephron have not been well studied. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether AngII stimulates luminal Na(+) transport in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). Intracellular Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)), as a reflection of Na(+) transport across the apical membrane, was measured with fluorescence microscopy using sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI) in isolated, perfused CCD segments dissected from rabbit kidneys. Control [Na(+)](i), during perfusion with 25 mM NaCl and a Na(+)-free solution in the bath containing the Na(+)-ionophore monensin (10 microM, to eliminate basolateral membrane Na(+) transport) averaged 19.3 +/- 5.2 mM (n = 16). Increasing luminal [NaCl] to 150 mM elevated [Na(+)](i) by 9.87 +/- 1.5 mM (n = 7; P < 0.05). AngII (10(-9) M) added to the lumen significantly elevated baseline [Na(+)](i) by 6.3 +/- 1.0 mM and increased the magnitude (Delta = 25.2 +/- 3.7 mM) and initial rate ( approximately 5 fold) of change in [Na(+)](i) to increased luminal [NaCl]. AngII when added to the bath had similar stimulatory effects; however, AngII was much more effective from the lumen. Thus, AngII significantly increased the apical entry of Na(+) in the CCD. To determine if this apical entry step occurred via the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), studies were performed using the specific ENaC blocker, benzamil hydrochloride (10(-6) M). When added to the perfusate, benzamil almost completely inhibited the elevations in [Na(+)](i) to increased luminal [NaCl] in both the presence and absence of AngII. These results suggest that AngII directly stimulates Na(+) channel activity in the CCD. AT(1) receptor blockade with candesartan or losartan (10(-6) M) prevented the stimulatory effects of AngII. Regulation of ENaC activity by AngII may play an important role in distal Na(+) reabsorption in health and disease.

Amiloride↗
PubMed2002

Angiotensin II directly stimulates macula densa Na-2Cl-K cotransport via apical AT(1) receptors.

ANG II is a modulator of tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF); however, the site of its action remains unknown. Macula densa (MD) cells sense changes in luminal NaCl concentration ([NaCl](L)) via a Na-2Cl-K cotransporter, and these cells do possess ANG II receptors. We tested whether ANG II regulates Na-2Cl-K cotransport in MD cells. MD cell Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) was measured using sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate with fluorescence microscopy. Resting [Na(+)](i) in MD cells was 27.7 +/- 1.05 mM (n = 138) and increased (Delta[Na(+)](i)) by 18.5 +/- 1.14 mM (n = 17) at an initial rate (Delta[Na(+)](i)/Deltat) of 5.54 +/- 0.53 x 10(-4) U/s with an increase in [NaCl](L) from 25 to 150 mM. Both Delta[Na(+)](i) and Delta[Na(+)](i)/Deltat were inhibited by 80% with 100 microM luminal furosemide. ANG II (10(-9) or 10(-12) M) added to the lumen increased MD resting [Na(+)](i) and [NaCl](L)-dependent Delta[Na(+)](i) and caused a twofold increase in Delta[Na(+)](i)/Deltat. Bath (10(-9) M) ANG II also stimulated cotransport activity, and there was no additive effect of simultaneous addition of ANG II to bath and lumen. The effects of luminal ANG II were furosemide sensitive and abolished by the AT(1) receptor blocker candesartan. ANG II at 10(-6) M failed to stimulate the cotransporter, whereas increased cotransport activity could be restored by blocking AT(2) receptors with PD-123, 319. Thus ANG II may modulate TGF responses via alterations in MD Na-2Cl-K cotransport activity.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2002

Novel regulation of cell [Na(+)] in macula densa cells: apical Na(+) recycling by H-K-ATPase.

Na-K-ATPase is the nearly ubiquitous enzyme that maintains low-Na(+), high-K(+) concentrations in cells by actively extruding Na(+) in exchange for K(+). The prevailing paradigm in polarized absorbing epithelial cells, including renal nephron segments and intestine, has been that Na-K-ATPase is restricted to the basolateral membrane domain, where it plays a prominent role in Na(+) absorption. We have found, however, that macula densa (MD) cells lack functionally and immunologically detectable amounts of Na-K-ATPase protein. In fact, these cells appear to regulate their cytosolic [Na(+)] via another member of the P-type ATPase family, the colonic form of H-K-ATPase, which is located at the apical membrane in these cells. We now report that this constitutively expressed apical MD colonic H-K-ATPase can function as a Na(H)-K-ATPase and regulate cytosolic [Na(+)] in a novel manner. This apical Na(+)-recycling mechanism may be important as part of the sensor function of MD cells and represents a new paradigm in cell [Na(+)] regulation.

Animals↗