Biomedical subjects

Mark A Knepper

Publications and source records attributed to Mark A Knepper.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Proteomic analysis of long-term vasopressin action in the inner medullary collecting duct of the Brattleboro rat.

Vasopressin regulates water and solute transport in the renal collecting duct. In addition to short-term regulation of aquaporin-2 trafficking, vasopressin also has long-term effects to regulate the abundances of aquaporins-2 and -3 and beta- and gamma-subunits of the epithelial sodium channel in collecting duct principal cells. To investigate further the direct and indirect long-term regulatory actions of vasopressin in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), we used a proteomic approach [difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) coupled with MALDI-TOF identification of differentially expressed protein spots]. DDAVP or vehicle was infused subcutaneously in Brattleboro rats for 3 days, and IMCD cells were purified from the inner medullas for proteomic analysis. Forty-three proteins were found to be regulated in response to vasopressin infusion, including 18 that were increased in abundance, 22 that were decreased, and 3 that were shifted in the gel, presumably because of posttranslational modification. Immunocytochemistry confirmed collecting duct expression of several of the proteins that were identified. Immunoblot analysis of nine of the proteins confirmed the changes seen by the DIGE method. Of these nine proteins, six were increased in response to DDAVP infusion: nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2), GRP78, heat shock protein-70, annexin II, glutaminase, and cathepsin D. The remaining three were decreased in response to DDAVP: aldehyde reductase I, adenylyl cyclase VI, and carbonic anhydrase II. The findings point to a role for vasopressin in the coordinate regulation of several determinants of nitric oxide levels (NOS2, arginase II, NADPH oxidase) and of proteins potentially involved in vasopressin escape (adenylyl cyclase VI and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4).

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Application of difference gel electrophoresis to the identification of inner medullary collecting duct proteins.

In this study, we present a standardized approach to purification of native inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells from rat kidney for proteomic analysis and apply the approach to identification of abundant proteins utilizing two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Fractionation of inner medullary cell suspensions by low-speed centrifugation gave a highly purified IMCD cell fraction in which aquaporin-2 was enriched 10-fold. When DIGE was initially applied to rat inner medullas fractionated into IMCD cells (labeled with Cy3) and non-IMCD cells (labeled with Cy5), we identified 50 highly abundant proteins expressed in the IMCD cells. These proteins, identifiable without subcellular fractionation, included chiefly enzymes, structural proteins, and signaling intermediates. An additional 35 proteins were found predominantly in the non-IMCD cell types. Proteins that were highly enriched in the IMCD fraction included cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 18, transglutaminase II, aminopeptidase B, T-plastin, heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP70, and lactate dehydrogenase A. Semiquantitative immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry confirmed relative expression levels and distribution of selected proteins. An additional 40 IMCD proteins were identified in separate experiments aimed at further enrichment of proteins through optimization of sample loading. These studies document the applicability of a standardized approach to purification of IMCD cells for proteomic analysis of IMCD proteins and demonstrate the feasibility of large scale identification of proteins in the native IMCD cell.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Expression of urea transporters in potassium-depleted mouse kidney.

Urea transport in the kidney is mediated by a family of transporter proteins that include the renal urea transporter (UT-A) and the erythrocyte urea transporter (UT-B). The purpose of this study was to determine the location of the urea transporter isoforms in the mouse kidney and to examine the effects of prolonged potassium depletion on the expression and distribution of these transporters by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry. C57BL6 mice were fed a low-potassium diet for 2 wk, and control animals received normal chow. After 2 wk on a low-potassium diet, urinary volume increased and urinary osmolality decreased (833 +/- 30 vs. 1,919 +/- 174 mosmol/kgH2O), as previously demonstrated. Kidneys were processed for immunocytochemistry with antibodies against UT-A1 (L446), UT-A1 and UT-A2 (L194), UT-A3 (Q2), and UT-B. In normal mice, UT-A1 and UT-A3 were expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). UT-A2 immunoreactivity was observed mainly on the basolateral membrane of the type 1 epithelium of the descending thin limb (DTL) of short-looped nephrons. The intensity of UT-A1 and UT-A3 immunoreactivity in the IMCD was markedly reduced in potassium-depleted mice. In contrast, there was a significant increase in UT-A2 immunoreactivity in the DTL. The intensity of UT-B immunoreactivity in the descending vasa recta (DVR) was reduced in potassium-depleted animals compared with controls. In control animals, UT-B immunoreactivity was predominantly observed in the plasma membrane, whereas in potassium-depleted mice, it was mainly observed in cytoplasmic granules in endothelial cells of the DVR. In summary, potassium depletion is associated with reduced expression of UT-A1, UT-A3, and UT-B but increased expression of UT-A2. We conclude that reduced expression of urea transporters may play a role in the impaired urine-concentrating ability associated with potassium deprivation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Segment-specific ENaC downregulation in kidney of rats with lithium-induced NDI.

Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is associated with increased renal sodium excretion in addition to severe urinary concentrating defects. However, the molecular basis for this altered renal sodium excretion remains undefined. The amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (ENaC) is expressed in the renal connecting tubule and collecting duct and is essential in renal regulation of body sodium balance and blood pressure. We hypothesized that dysregulation of ENaC subunits may be responsible for the increased sodium excretion associated with lithium treatment. Lithium treatment for 28 days resulted in severe polyuria, increased fractional excretion of sodium, and increased plasma aldosterone concentration. Immunoblotting revealed that lithium treatment induced a marked decrease in the protein abundance of beta-ENaC and gamma-ENaC in the cortex and outer medulla. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy demonstrated an almost complete absence of beta-ENaC and gamma-ENaC labeling in cortical and outer medullary collecting duct, which was not affected by dietary sodium intake. In contrast, immunohistochemistry showed increased apical labeling of all ENaC subunits in the connecting tubule and inner medullary collecting duct in rats on a fixed sodium intake but not in rats with free access to sodium. Except for a modest downregulation of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter, the key renal sodium transporters upstream from the connecting tubule (including the alpha1-subunit of Na-K-ATPase, type 3 Na/H exchanger, and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter) were unchanged. These results identify a marked and highly segment-specific downregulation of beta-ENaC and gamma-ENaC in the cortical and outer medullary collecting duct, chief sites for collecting duct sodium reabsorption, in rats with a lithium-induced increase in fractional excretion of sodium.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Increased renal ENaC subunit and sodium transporter abundances in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with copious water and sodium losses. We hypothesized that the kidney compensates for these losses by increasing the abundances of key sodium and water transporters and channels. Using targeted proteomic analysis via immunoblotting of kidney homogenates, we examined comprehensive regulation of transport proteins. In three studies, streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally to male Sprague-Dawley rats. In study 2, to control for potential renal toxicity of STZ, one group of STZ-treated rats was intensively treated with insulin to control diabetes. In another group, the reversibility of DM and related changes was assessed by treating animals with insulin for the final 4 days. In study 3, we correlated blood glucose to transporter changes by treating animals with different doses of insulin. In study 1, STZ treatment resulted in significantly increased band densities for the type 3 sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE3), the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC), and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits alpha, beta, and gamma (85- and 70-kDa bands) to 204, 125, 176, 132, 147, and 241% of vehicle mean, respectively. In study 2, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and AQP3 were increased with DM, but not AQP1 or AQP4. Neither these changes, nor blood glucose itself, could be returned to normal by short-term intensive insulin treatment. Whole kidney abundance of AQP3, the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2), and gamma-ENaC (85-kDa band) correlated most strongly with blood glucose in study 3. These comprehensive changes would be expected to decrease volume contraction accompanying large-solute and water losses associated with DM.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed2003

Effect of primary polydipsia on aquaporin and sodium transporter abundance.

Chronic primary polydipsia (POLY) in humans is associated with impaired urinary concentrating ability. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this finding have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of chronic primary POLY on water metabolism and renal aquaporin (AQP) water channels and sodium and urea transporter abundance in rats. Primary POLY was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by daily administration of 15 g powdered rat chow mixed in 100 ml water for 10 days. Control rats (CTL) received 15 g powdered rat chow per day and ad libitum drinking water. Rats were studied following this period before further intervention and with a 36-h period of water deprivation to examine maximal urinary concentrating ability. At baseline, POLY rats demonstrated significantly greater water intake (100 +/- 1 vs. 22 +/- 2 ml/day, P < 0.0001) and urinary output (80 +/- 1 vs. 11 +/- 1 ml/day, P < 0.0001) and decreased urinary osmolality (159 +/- 13 vs. 1,365 +/- 188 mosmol/kgH2O, P < 0.001) compared with CTL rats. These findings were accompanied by decreased inner medulla AQP-2 protein abundance in POLY rats compared with CTL rats before water deprivation (76 +/- 2 vs. 100 +/- 7% CTL mean, P < 0.007). With water deprivation, maximal urinary osmolality was impaired in POLY vs. CTL rats (2,404 +/- 148 vs. 3,286 +/- 175 mosmol/kgH2O, P < 0.0005). This defect occurred despite higher plasma vasopressin concentrations and similar medullary osmolalities in POLY rats. In response to 36-h water deprivation, inner medulla AQP-2 protein abundance was decreased in POLY rats compared with CTL rats (65 +/- 5 vs. 100 +/- 5% CTL mean, P < 0.0006). No significant differences were noted in renal protein abundance of either AQP-3 or AQP-4 or sodium and urea transporters. We conclude that the impaired urinary concentrating ability associated with primary POLY in rats is due to impaired osmotic equilibration in the collecting duct that is mediated primarily by decreased AQP-2 protein abundance.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Altered expression of major renal Na transporters in rats with bilateral ureteral obstruction and release of obstruction.

Urinary tract obstruction impairs urinary concentrating capacity and reabsorption of sodium. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of these defects, expression levels of renal sodium transporters were examined in rats with 24-h bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) or at day 3 or 14 after release of BUO (BUO-R). BUO resulted in downregulation of type 3 Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3) to 41 +/- 14%, type 2 Na-Pi cotransporter (NaPi-2) to 26 +/- 6%, Na-K-ATPase to 67 +/- 8%, type 1 bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (BSC-1) to 20 +/- 7%, and thiazide-sensitive cotransporter (TSC) to 37 +/- 9%. Immunocytochemistry confirmed downregulation of NHE3, NaPi-2, Na-K-ATPase, BSC-1, and TSC. Consistent with this downregulation, BUO-R was associated with polyuria, reduced urinary osmolality, and increased urinary sodium and phosphate excretion. BUO-R for 3 days caused a persistant downregulation of NHE3 to 53 +/- 10%, NaPi-2 to 57 +/- 9%, Na-K-ATPase to 62 +/- 8%, BSC-1 to 50 +/- 12%, and TSC to 56 +/- 16%, which was associated with a marked reduction in the net renal reabsorption of sodium (616 +/- 54 vs. 944 +/- 24 micromol x min-1 x kg-1; P < 0.05) and phosphate (6.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 13.1 +/- 0.4 micromol x min-1. kg-1; P < 0.05) demonstrating a defect in renal sodium and phosphate reabsorption capacity. Moreover, downregulation of Na-K-ATPase and TSC persisted in BUO-R for 14 days, whereas NHE3, NaPi-2, and BSC-1 were normalized to control levels. In conclusion, downregulation of renal Na transporters in rats with BUO and release of BUO are likely to contribute to the associated urinary concentrating defect, increased urinary sodium excretion, and postobstructive polyuria.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Regulation of NHE3, NKCC2, and NCC abundance in kidney during aldosterone escape phenomenon: role of NO.

Escape from aldosterone-induced renal NaCl retention is an important homeostatic mechanism in pathophysiological states in which plasma aldosterone levels are inappropriately elevated, e.g., in primary aldosteronism. Our previous studies demonstrated that the escape process occurs largely as a result of a marked suppression of the abundance of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) of the distal convoluted tubule but have also demonstrated a paradoxical increase in the protein abundance of the apical Na/H exchanger of the proximal tubule (NHE3). In the present study, we confirmed the increase in NHE3 and also showed that a similar increase in NHE3 protein abundance occurs in escape from ANG II-mediated NaCl retention. To investigate the potential role of nitric oxide (NO) in the observed upregulation of NHE3, we repeated the aldosterone escape experiment with a superimposed infusion of a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME). l-NAME infusion abolished the increase in NHE3 protein abundance. Furthermore, in a different experiment, NO synthase inhibition uncovered an associated decrease in the abundance of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) of the thick ascending limb, not seen with simple aldosterone escape. However, NO synthase inhibition did not block the decrease in NCC abundance normally seen with aldosterone escape. Furthermore, l-NAME infusion in aldosterone-treated rats markedly decreased both NHE3 and NKCC2 protein abundance, without changes in the corresponding mRNA levels. We conclude that NHE3 and NKCC2 protein abundances in kidney are positively regulated by NO and that the increase in NHE3 abundance seen in the aldosterone escape phenomenon is NO dependent.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed2003

Database for renal collecting duct regulatory and transporter proteins.

The mammalian kidney collecting duct plays an important role in the fine regulation of Na, K, water, and acid-base balance. Functional genomic and proteomic studies of the kidney offer new opportunities in the understanding of renal physiology and pathophysiology, and the collecting duct is an appropriate target tissue because of the relative simplicity of its cells and the ease of isolating or culturing large numbers of collecting duct cells. Study of the collecting duct includes assessment of gene expression and protein regulation and abundance. For example, DNA and protein microarrays can be used to quantitate gene expression and protein regulation and abundance under varying physiological conditions. An Internet-accessible database has been devised for major collecting duct proteins involved in transport and regulation of cellular processes. The individual proteins included in this database are those culled from literature searches and from previously published studies involving cDNA arrays and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). Design of microarray targets for the study of kidney collecting duct tissues is facilitated by the database, which includes links to curated base pair and amino acid sequence data, relevant literature, and related databases. Use of the database is illustrated by a search for water channel proteins, aquaporins, and by a subsequent search for vasopressin receptors. Links are shown to the literature and to sequence data for human, rat, and mouse, as well as to relevant web-based resources. Extension of the database is dynamic and is done through a maintenance interface. This permits creation of new categories, updating of existing entries, and addition of new ones.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Increased collecting duct urea transporter expression in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

Because abnormalities of inner medullary function have been proposed in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats vs. salt-resistant (DR) rats, we performed transporter profiling by semiquantitative immunoblotting to determine whether specific solute transporter abundances are altered in inner medullas of DS rats vs. DR rats. Although none of the expressed Na transporters were upregulated in the inner medullas of DS rats compared with DR rats, there were marked increases in the protein abundances of the collecting duct urea transporters UT-A1 (to 212% of DR) and UT-A3 (to 223% of DR). These differences were confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed higher mRNA abundance in DS rats for both UT-A1 (to 256% of DR) and UT-A3 (to 210% of DR). In isolated, perfused inner medullary collecting ducts, urea permeability was significantly greater in DS rats. Because both UT-A1 and UT-A3 are transcriptionally regulated by glucocorticoids, we measured both plasma corticosterone levels and inner medullary 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) abundances. Although the plasma corticosterone concentrations were not different between DS and DR rats, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry revealed a marked elevation of 11beta-HSD2 abundance in DS rats. Consistent with the view that an elevated 11beta-HSD2 level is responsible for increased urea transporter expression in the inner medullary collecting duct, administration of the 11beta-HSD2 inhibitor carbenoxolone to DS rats decreased the abundances of UT-A1 and UT-A3 to levels similar to those seen in DR rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Long-term regulation of ENaC expression in kidney by angiotensin II.

We carried out semiquantitative immunoblotting of kidney to identify apical sodium transporter proteins whose abundances are regulated by angiotensin II. In NaCl-restricted rats (0.5 mEq Na/200 g BW/d), the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1 receptor) antagonist, candesartan, (1 mg/kg of body weight per day SC for 2 days) markedly decreased the abundance of the alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). This subunit has been shown to be rate-limiting for assembly of mature ENaC complexes. In addition, systemic infusion of angiotensin II increased alphaENaC protein abundance in rat kidney cortex. The decrease in alphaENaC protein abundance in response to AT1 receptor blockade was associated with a fall in alphaENaC mRNA abundance (real-time RT-PCR), consistent with transcriptionally mediated regulation. The effect of AT1 receptor blockade on alphaENaC expression was not blocked by spironolactone, suggesting a direct role of the AT1 receptor in regulation of alphaENaC gene expression. Candesartan administration was also found to increase the abundances of the beta and gamma subunits. The increase in beta and gammaENaC protein abundance was not associated with a significant increase in the renal abundances of the corresponding mRNAs, suggesting a posttranscriptional mechanism. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the increase in beta and gammaENaC protein abundance and demonstrated candesartan-induced ENaC internalization in collecting duct cells. The results support the view that the angiotensin II receptor regulates ENaC abundance, consistent with a role for angiotensin II in regulation of collecting duct function.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2003

Regulation of sodium transporters in the thick ascending limb of rat kidney: response to angiotensin II.

The effect of ANG II treatment of rats for 7 days was examined with respect to the abundance and subcellular localization of key thick ascending limb (TAL) Na+ transporters. Rats were on a fixed intake of Na+ and water and treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 (ANG II-50), 100 (ANG II-100), and 200 (ANG II-200) ng x min(-1) x kg(-1) ANG II (sc). Semiquantitative immunoblotting revealed that Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) abundance in the inner stripe of the outer medulla (ISOM) of ANG II-treated rats was significantly increased: 179 +/- 28 (ANG II-50, n = 5), 166 +/- 23 (ANG II-100, n = 7), and 167 +/- 19% (ANG II-200, n = 4) of control levels (n = 6, P < 0.05), whereas lower doses of ANG II were ineffective. The abundance of the bumetanide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (BSC-1) in the ISOM was also increased to 187 +/- 28 (ANG II-50), 162 +/- 23 (ANG II-100), and 166 +/- 19% (ANG II-200) of control levels (P < 0.05), but there were no changes in the abundance of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and the electroneutral Na(+)-HCO3 cotransporter NBCn1. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the increase in NHE3 and BSC-1 labeling in medullary TAL (mTAL). In the cortex and the outer strip of the outer medulla, NHE3 abundance was unchanged, whereas immunocytochemistry revealed markedly increased NHE3 labeling of the proximal tubule brush border, suggesting subcellular redistribution of NHE3 or differential protein-protein interaction. Despite this, ANG II-treated rats (50 ng x min(-1) x kg(-1) for 5 days, n = 6) had a higher urinary pH compared with controls. NH4Cl loading completely blocked all effects of ANG II infusion on NHE3 and BSC-1, suggesting a potential role of pH as a mediator of these effects. In conclusion, increased abundance of NHE3 and BSC-1 in mTAL cells as well as increased NHE3 in the proximal tubule brush border may contribute to enhanced renal Na+ and HCO3 reabsorption in response to ANG II.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2003

Downregulation of renal aquaporins in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction.

The expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is decreased in rats with bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Therefore, the expression of additional renal aquaporins (AQP1-4) and phosphorylated AQP2 (p-AQP2), known to play a role in urinary concentration, was examined in a Wistar rat model with 24 h of UUO. In obstructed kidneys, immunoblotting revealed a significant decrease in the expression of inner medullary AQP2 to 42 +/- 4, p-AQP2 to 23 +/- 5, AQP3 to 19 +/- 6, AQP4 to 11 +/- 5, and AQP1 to 64 +/- 8% of sham levels. AQP1 expression located in the proximal tubule decreased to 74 +/- 4% of sham levels (P < 0.05). Immunocytochemistry confirmed the downregulation of AQP3, AQP4, and p-AQP2. In contralateral nonobstructed kidneys, immunoblotting also revealed significant reductions of AQP1 in the inner medulla, outer medulla, and cortex, whereas expression of AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, and p-AQP2 was unchanged. Furthermore, we collected the urine from both obstructed and nonobstructed kidneys for 2 h, respectively, after 24 h of UUO. Urine collection from obstructed kidneys during 2 h after release of UUO revealed a significant reduction in urine osmolality and solute-free water reabsorption (T(c)H(2)O). Moreover, an increase in urine production and T(c)H(2)O was observed in contralateral kidneys. To examine whether vasopressin-independent mechanisms are involved in AQP2 regulation, vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro (BB) rats with 24 h of UUO were examined. Immunoblotting revealed downregulation of AQP2, p-AQP2, AQP3, and AQP1 in obstructed kidneys and downregulation of p-AQP2 and AQP1 in nonobstructed kidneys. In conclusion, 1) UUO is associated with severe downregulation of AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, and AQP1; thus all of these AQPs may play important roles in the impaired urinary concentrating capacity in the obstructed kidney; 2) the reduced levels of AQP1 in the nonobstructed kidney may contribute to the compensatory increase in urine production; and 3) downregulation of AQPs in BB rats supports the view that vasopressin-independent pathways may be involved in AQP2 and AQP3 regulation in the obstructed kidney.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Renal tubule sodium transporter abundance profiling in rat kidney: response to aldosterone and variations in NaCl intake.

Based on extensive physiological study of sodium transport mechanisms along the renal tubule, complementary DNAs for all of the major transporters and channels responsible for renal tubular sodium reabsorption have been cloned over the past decade. There is now a comprehensive set of cDNA and antibody probes that can be used to investigate physiological mechanisms on a molecular level. Using rabbit polyclonal antibodies to all of the major renal Na transport proteins, we have developed profiling methods allowing comprehensive, integrated analysis of sodium transporter protein abundance changes along the renal tubule in response to physiological and pathophysiological perturbations. Here, we review some of our recent findings with this approach, focusing on renal responses to aldosterone and to variations in NaCl intake.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed2003

Concentration of solutes in the renal inner medulla: interstitial hyaluronan as a mechano-osmotic transducer.

Although the concentrating process in the renal outer medulla is well understood, the concentrating mechanism in the renal inner medulla remains an enigma. The purposes of this review are fourfold. 1) We summarize a theoretical basis for classifying all possible steady-state inner medullary countercurrent concentrating mechanisms based on mass balance principles. 2) We review the major hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the axial osmolality gradient in the interstitium of the renal inner medulla. 3) We summarize and expand on the Schmidt-Nielsen hypothesis that the contractions of the renal pelvocalyceal wall may provide an important energy source for concentration in the inner medulla. 4) We discuss the special properties of hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan that is the chief component of a gel-like renal inner medullary interstitial matrix, which may allow it to function as a mechano-osmotic transducer, converting energy from the contractions of the pelvic wall to an axial osmolality gradient in the medulla. These considerations set the stage for renewed experimental investigation of the urinary concentrating process and a new generation of mathematical models of the renal concentrating mechanism, which treat the inner medullary interstitium as a viscoelastic system rather than a purely hydraulic system.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Oxytocin induces apical and basolateral redistribution of aquaporin-2 in rat kidney.

The aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel is mainly located in the apical plasma membrane of collecting duct epithelial cells, but there has been some evidence of a moderate amount of basolateral localization of AQP2 at least in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Previous in vitro microperfusion studies showed that oxytocin has an antidiuretic action, most likely mediated by the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) in rat IMCD. By using immunohistochemistry in kidneys from male Sprague-Dawley rats, we observed acute effects of oxytocin on AQP2 localization which were prevented by a V2R antagonist. After intraperitoneal administration of oxytocin (10 U), immunohistochemistry of IMCD revealed that AQP2 was shifted from diffuse cytoplasmic localization in controls to the apical and basolateral membrane domains in oxytocin-treated rats. This pattern of AQP2 redistribution was noted in connecting tubule, cortical collecting duct and outer medullary collecting duct as well as in IMCD, although the tendency to basolateral localization was somewhat less. The pretreatment using a V2R antagonist blocked redistribution of AQP2 in response to oxytocin. We conclude that oxytocin induces a V2R-mediated redistribution of AQP2-containing cytoplasmic vesicles to both apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains in rat kidney. Oxytocin may be one of the factors that accounts for vasopressin-independent AQP2 targeting in the kidney.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Upregulation of Na+ transporter abundances in response to chronic thiazide or loop diuretic treatment in rats.

Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) exert their diuretic actions by binding to apical Na(+) transporters, viz., the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter in the thick ascending limb and the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, respectively. We carried out semiquantitative immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry of rat kidneys to investigate whether chronic administration of furosemide or HCTZ is associated with compensatory changes in the abundance of Na(+) transporters downstream from the primary site of action. Osmotic minipumps were implanted into Sprague-Dawley rats to deliver furosemide (12 mg/day) or HCTZ (3.75 mg/day) for 7 days. To prevent volume depletion, all animals were offered tap water and a solution containing 0.8% NaCl and 0.1% KCl as drinking fluid. The diuretic/natriuretic response was quantified in response to both agents by using quantitative urine collections. Semiquantitative immunoblotting revealed that the abundances of thick ascending limb Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter and all three subunits of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) were increased by furosemide infusion. HCTZ infusion increased the abundances of thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter and beta-ENaC in the cortex and beta- and gamma-ENaC in the outer medulla. Consistent with these results, beta-ENaC immunohistochemistry showed a remarkable increase in immunoreactivity in the principal cells of collecting ducts with either diuretic treatment. These increases in the abundance of Na(+) transporters in response to chronic diuretic treatment may account for the generation of diuretic tolerance associated with long-term diuretic use.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

cDNA array identification of genes regulated in rat renal medulla in response to vasopressin infusion.

With the aim of identifying possible gene targets for direct or indirect regulation by vasopressin in the renal medulla, we have carried out cDNA array experiments in inner medullas of Brattleboro rats infused with the V(2) receptor-selective vasopressin analog desamino-Cys1,d-Arg8 vasopressin (dDAVP) for 72 h. Of the 1,176 genes on the array, 137 transcripts were increased by 2-fold or more, and 10 transcripts were decreased to 0.5-fold or less. Quantitative, real-time RT-PCR measurements confirmed increases seen for six selected transcripts (Wilms' tumor protein, beta-arrestin 2, neurofibromin, casein kinase IIbeta, aquaporin-3, and aquaporin-4). To correlate changes in mRNA expression with changes in protein expression, we carried out quantitative immunoblotting for 28 of the proteins whose cDNAs were on the array. For several targets including aquaporin-2, transcript abundance and protein abundance changes did not correlate. However, for most genes examined, changes in mRNA abundances were associated with concomitant protein abundance changes. Targets with demonstrated increases in both protein and mRNA abundances included neurofibromin, casein kinase IIbeta, the beta-subunit of the epithelial Na channel (beta-ENaC), 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, and c-Fos. Additional cDNA arrays revealed that several transcripts that were increased in abundance after 72 h of dDAVP were also increased after 4 h, including casein kinase IIbeta, beta-ENaC, aquaporin-3, UT-A, and syntaxin 2. These studies have identified several transcripts whose abundances are regulated in the inner medulla in response to infusion of dDAVP and that could play roles in the regulation of salt and water excretion.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗