Novel actions of angiotensin II via its renal type-2 (AT(2)) receptor

The vast majority of the biologic effects of angiotensin II have been considered to be mediated by the subtype-1 (AT(1)) receptor. The AT(2) receptor is expressed to a low degree in most adult cells and tissues, and its function has not been understood. Recent studies, however, have identified novel actions of angiotensin II mediated by the AT(2) receptor in the kidney. These AT(2) receptor actions have importance in the control of blood pressure and hypertension. The AT(2) receptor mediates a renal vasodilator cascade, including generation of bradykinin, nitric oxide, and cyclic GMP. This action of angiotensin II occurs when the renin-angiotensin system is activated, as in sodium depletion. The AT(2) receptor also appears to mediate prostaglandin (PG) F(2)(a) formation, probably by stimulating conversion of PGE2 to PGF(2)(a). The AT(2) receptor plays a counter-regulatory vasodilator role opposing the vasoconstrictor actions of angiotensin II. The AT(1) and AT(2) receptors engage in inter-receptor "cross-talk." In the absence of the AT(2) receptor, sustained angiotensin II pressor and antinatriuretic hypersensitivity occurs, mediated by a deficiency of bradykinin, nitric oxide, and cyclic GMP. The AT(2) receptor may play an important role in stimulating pressure natriuresis, but definitive studies are required to resolve this issue. The AT(2) receptor mediates several renal actions of angiotensin II, appears to be important in the physiologic regulation of blood pressure, and may be involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension.

Compartmentalization of extracellular cGMP determines absorptive or secretory responses in the rat jejunum

We examined potential mechanisms by which angiotensin subtype-2 (AT2) receptor stimulation induces net fluid absorption and serosal guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) formation in the rat jejunum. L-arginine (L-ARG) given intravenously or interstitially enhanced net fluid absorption and cGMP formation, which were completely blocked by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME), but not by the specific AT2 receptor antagonist, PD-123319 (PD). Dietary sodium restriction also increased jejunal interstitial fluid cGMP and fluid absorption. Both could be blocked by PD or L-NAME, suggesting that the effects of sodium restriction occur via ANG II at the AT2 receptor. L-ARG-stimulated fluid absorption was blocked by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1-H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4, 2-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase in the interstitial space decreased extracellular cGMP content and prevented the absorptive effects of L-ARG. Angiotensin II (ANG II) caused an increase in net Na+ and Cl- ion absorption and 22Na+ unidirectional efflux (absorption) from the jejunal loop. In contrast, intraluminal heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (STa) increased loop cGMP and fluid secretion that were not blocked by either L-NAME or ODQ. These findings suggest that ANG II acts at the serosal side via AT2 receptors to stimulate cGMP production via soluble guanylyl cyclase activation and absorption through the generation of NO, but that mucosal STa activation of particulate guanylyl cyclase causes secretion independently of NO, thus demonstrating the opposite effects of cGMP in the mucosal and serosal compartments of the jejunum.

Differential regulation of renal angiotensin subtype AT1A and AT2 receptor protein in rats with angiotensin-dependent hypertension

-This study was designed to investigate distribution and regulation of the renal AT1A and AT2 subtype receptors in rats with either systemic angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension or acute phase renal hypertension (2-kidney, 1-clip [2K1C] or 2-kidney, 1-figure-of-8-wrap [2K1W]). In normal rat kidneys, positive immunostaining for the AT1A receptor was observed in the intrarenal vasculature, glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules, and collecting ducts. The AT2 receptor was localized mainly to the glomeruli. The AT1A but not AT2 receptor protein expression was significantly reduced in rats with 10-day systemic Ang II-induced hypertension. In both 7-day 2K1C and 3-day 2K1W rats, the AT1A receptor was significantly reduced in ischemic and contralateral kidneys compared with sham-operated control rats. Reduction in AT2 receptor expression was observed only in the ischemic kidneys in 2K1C and 2K1W renal hypertensive rats. These results demonstrate that the AT1A receptor is widely distributed in the glomerulus and all other nephron segments of the rat kidney. Renal AT1A but not AT2 receptor protein is downregulated in rats with Ang II-induced hypertension. In renal hypertensive rats, the AT1A receptor is bilaterally downregulated and the AT2 receptor is downregulated only in the ischemic kidney.

Regulation of jejunal sodium and water absorption by angiotensin subtype receptors

The purpose of this study was to determine the precise role of angiotensin subtype-1 (AT1) and -2 (AT2) receptors and the mechanisms by which they act to alter fluid transport in the rat jejunum. In rats on normal sodium intake, ANG II at low dose stimulated net jejunal fluid absorption, whereas at a high dose the peptide inhibited absorption. Low-dose ANG II-stimulated fluid absorption was blocked completely by the specific AT2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 (PD) but was unchanged by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (Los). The AT2 receptor agonist CGP-42112A, caused an inversely dose-dependent increase in fluid absorption, which also was totally prevented by PD but was unaltered by Los. Conversely, high-dose ANG II inhibition of absorption was blocked by Los but not by PD. In animals receiving normal sodium intake, neither Los nor PD alone altered fluid absorption. In sodium-restricted animals, however, Los alone increased absorption and PD alone inhibited absorption. In rats on normal sodium intake, low-dose ANG II increased jejunal interstitial and luminal (loop) fluid concentrations of cGMP. These increases in cGMP were blocked with PD but not with Los. 8-Bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate administered via the mesenteric artery or the submucosal interstitial space markedly increased absorption, but it inhibited absorption when administered into the loop. High-dose ANG II decreased jejunal interstitial and loop fluid cAMP and increased PGE2. The increase in PGE2 was blocked by Los but not by PD. The data demonstrate that ANG II mediates jejunal sodium and water absorption by an action at the AT2 receptor involving cGMP formation. The data also show that ANG II inhibits absorption via the AT1 receptor by a mechanism that is both negatively coupled to cAMP and increases jejunal PGE2 production.

Immunolocalization of subtype 2 angiotensin II (AT2) receptor protein in rat heart

Angiotensin II exerts its effects on cardiovascular function and water and sodium homeostasis by interacting with plasma membrane receptors on target organs. The existence of subtype 2 angiotensin II (AT2) receptors in the rat heart has been demonstrated by ligand binding and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In the present study, the expression and localization of AT2 receptor protein in the rat heart was investigated using an antipeptide polyclonal antibody against the native rat AT2 receptor by light microscopic immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. In frozen tissue sections, positive immunostaining was observed in the myocardium and coronary vessels throughout the ventricle and atrium of neonatal and young rat hearts. Coronary vessels of the neonatal heart were more intensely stained compared with the surrounding myocardium. Positive immunoreactivity in the coronary vessels of young rats was localized to vascular endothelium but not in the smooth muscle cells. Preadsorption controls were all negative. Western blot analysis showed that the AT2 receptor protein (approximately 44 kDa) was detectable from the AT2 receptor-transfected COS-7 cells and neonatal rat cardiac myocytes but not from fibroblasts or young rat aortic smooth muscle cells. The neonatal rat heart expressed significantly more AT2 receptors than young rat heart. These data provide the first direct evidence for the expression and localization of AT2 receptor protein in the rat heart.

Expression of the subtype 2 angiotensin (AT2) receptor protein in rat kidney

In situ hybridization studies have suggested that the subtype 2 angiotensin (AT2) receptor gene is expressed in fetal and newborn rat kidney but is undetectable in the adult animals. In the present study, we investigated the expression of AT2 receptor protein in the fetal (days 14 and 19 of fetal life), newborn (day 1 postpartum), and adult (4-week-old and 3-month-old) rat kidney. Polyclonal anti-peptide antiserum was raised against the amino terminus of the native AT2 receptor. The selectivity of the antiserum was validated by recognition of the AT2 receptor in a stably transfected COS-7 cell line by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis. As a positive control, the AT2 receptor signal was detected strongly in the adrenal gland. Positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in the mesenchymal cells and ureteric buds of the 14-day fetal kidney and in the glomeruli, tubules, and vessels in the 19-day fetal and newborn kidney. Glomeruli expressing the AT2 receptor were localized mainly in the outer layer of the renal cortex. In the young (4-week-old) and mature (3-month-old) adult rat on normal sodium intake, renal AT2 receptor immunoreactivity was present in glomeruli but substantially diminished compared with that of newborn rats. In both young and mature adult rats, dietary sodium depletion increased the renal AT2 receptor signal, mainly in the glomeruli and interstitial cells. Preimmune and preadsorption controls were negative. Western blot analysis detected a single 44-kD band in the fetal and newborn rat kidney and in the young and mature adult rat kidney. Dietary sodium depletion increased the density of the AT2 receptor band in mature adult rat kidneys. These data provide evidence that the AT2 receptor protein is expressed in the fetal and newborn rat kidney, diminishes in adult life, and is reexpressed in the adult in response to sodium depletion.

The subtype 2 angiotensin receptor regulates renal prostaglandin F2 alpha formation in conscious rats

The angiotensin AT1 receptor mediates renal prostaglandin (PG) E2 production through stimulation of phospholipase A2. Blockade of the AT2 receptor potentiates the angiotensin II-induced increase in PGE2 levels. In the kidney, PGE2 is converted to PGF2 alpha mainly by the enzyme PGE 9-ketoreductase. We hypothesized that the conversion of PGE2 to PGF2 alpha is inhibited by AT2 receptor blockade, resulting in the observed increase in PGE2 levels. Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored changes in renal interstitial fluid PGE2 and PGF2 alpha in response to 5 days of sodium depletion alone or a combination of sodium depletion and intravenous infusion of the AT1 receptor blocker losartan or the AT2 receptor blocker PD-123319 in conscious rats. We utilized the PGF2 alpha-to-PGE2 ratio as an indirect measure of the rate of renal PGF2 alpha formation. Sodium depletion increased PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and the PGF2 alpha-to-PGE2 ratio. During sodium depletion, losartan decreased PGE2 and PGF2 alpha and did not change the PGF2 alpha-to-PGE2 ratio. In contrast, PD-123319 increased PGE2, decreased PGF2 alpha, and decreased the PGF2 alpha-to-PGE2 ratio. These data demonstrate that activation of the renin-angiotensin system during sodium depletion physiologically increases renal conversion of PGE2 to PGF2 alpha. The increase in renal production of PGF2 alpha is mediated through stimulation of the angiotensin AT2 receptor.

The subtype 2 (AT2) angiotensin receptor mediates renal production of nitric oxide in conscious rats

The angiotensin AT2 receptor modulates renal production of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP; J. Clin. Invest. 1996. 97:1978-1982). In the present study, we hypothesized that angiotensin II (Ang II) acts at the AT2 receptor to stimulate renal production of nitric oxide leading to the previously observed increase in cGMP. Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored changes in renal interstitial fluid (RIF) cGMP in response to intravenous infusion of the AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 (PD), the AT1 receptor antagonist Losartan, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor nitro--arginine-methyl-ester (-NAME), the specific neural NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), or Ang II individually or combined in conscious rats during low or normal sodium balance. Sodium depletion significantly increased RIF cGMP. During sodium depletion, both PD and -NAME caused a similar decrease in RIF cGMP. Combined administration of PD and -NAME decreased RIF cGMP to levels observed with PD or -NAME alone or during normal sodium intake. During normal sodium intake, Ang II caused a twofold increase in RIF cGMP. Neither PD nor -NAME, individually or combined, changed RIF cGMP. Combined administration of Ang II and either PD or -NAME produced a significant decrease in RIF cGMP compared with that induced by Ang II alone. Combined administration of Ang II, PD, and -NAME blocked the increase in RIF cGMP produced by Ang II alone. During sodium depletion, 7-NI decreased RIF cGMP, but the reduction of cGMP in response to PD alone or PD combined with 7-NI was greater than with 7-NI alone. During normal sodium intake, 7-NI blocked the Ang II-induced increase in RIF cGMP. PD alone or combined with 7-NI produced a greater inhibition of cGMP than did 7-NI alone. During sodium depletion, 7-NI (partially) and -NAME (completely) inhibited RIF cGMP responses to -arginine. These data demonstrate that activation of the renin- angiotensin system during sodium depletion increases renal nitric oxide production through stimulation by Ang II at the angiotensin AT2 receptor. This response is partially mediated by neural NOS, but other NOS isoforms also contribute to nitric oxide production by this pathway.

Bradykinin B2 receptor modulates renal prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide

Bradykinin and lys-bradykinin generated intrarenally appear to be important renal paracrine hormones. However, the renal effects of endogenously generated bradykinin are still not clearly defined. In this study, we measured acute changes in renal excretory and hemodynamic functions and renal cortical interstitial fluid levels of bradykinin, prostaglandin E2, and cGMP in response to an acute intrarenal arterial infusion of the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist Hoe 140 (icatibant), cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) given individually or combined in uninephrectomized, conscious dogs (n=10) in low sodium balance. Icatibant caused a significant decrease in urine flow, urinary sodium excretion, and renal plasma flow rate (each P<.001). Glomerular filtration rate did not change during icatibant administration. Icatibant produced an unexpected large increase in renal interstitial fluid bradykinin (P<.0001) while decreasing renal interstitial fluid prostaglandin E2 and cGMP (each P<.001). Both indomethacin and L-NMMA when given individually caused significant antidiuresis and antinatriuresis and decreased renal blood flow (each P<.001). Glomerular filtration rate decreased during L-NMMA administration (P<.001) and did not change during indomethacin administration. Combined administration of icatibant and indomethacin or L-NMMA caused significant decreases in renal excretory and hemodynamic functions, which were not different from changes observed with icatibant alone. The failure of icatibant to change renal function after inhibition of cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase activity suggests that the effects of kinin B2 receptor are mediated by intrarenal prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide generation. The increase in renal interstitial fluid bradykinin during icatibant requires further study of possible alterations in kinin synthesis, degradation, or clearance as a result of B2 receptor blockade.

Preferential release of renal dopamine into the tubule lumen: effect of chronic sodium loading

Dopamine (DA), produced by the renal proximal tubule, has been demonstrated as an intrarenal paracrine hormone mediating diuresis and natriuresis. The precise mechanism by which DA exerts its cell-to-cell action is not fully understood. In the present study, renal interstitial (RIF) DA (by in vivo microdialysis) and urinary DA excretion (UDAV) were compared in anesthetized rats on either normal (0.28% NaCl, NS) or high (4.0% NaCl, HS) sodium balance (n = 9 in each group). Urine flow (UV) and sodium excretion (UNaV) in HS were greater than in NS rats (UV 7.2 +/- 0.6 vs 3.8 +/- 0.3 microliters/min, P < 0.01; UNaV 497 +/- 66 vs 265 +/- 27 nmol/min, P < 0.01). In rats on both NS and HS balance, UDAV was significantly higher than RIF DA (420 +/- 37 vs 3.68 +/- 0.49 pg/min in the NS rat; 601 +/- 68 vs 1.25 +/- 0.36 pg/min in the HS rat, both P < 0.01). UDAV was increased in HS compared with NS rats (601 +/- 68 vs 420 +/- 37 pg/min, P < 0.05). In contrast, RIF DA was significantly lower in HS than NS rats (1.25 +/- 0.36 vs 3.68 +/- 0.49 pg/min, P < 0.01). In conclusion, chronic sodium loading increased renal DA production and release predominantly into the tubular lumen rather than the peritubular interstitial space of the kidney. These results indicate that DA originating from proximal tubule cells has a direct tubule action in the control of sodium excretion.

Intrarenal dopamine production and distribution in the rat. Physiological control of sodium excretion

Dopamine (DA), produced by the renal proximal tubule, has been demonstrated as an intrarenal paracrine hormone mediating diuresis and natriuresis. The precise mechanism by which DA exerts its cell-to-cell action is not fully understood. In the present study, renal interstitial fluid (RIF) DA (by in vivo microdialysis) and urinary DA excretion (UDAV) were compared in anesthetized rats on either normal (0.28% NaCI, NS) or high (4.0% NaCI, HS) sodium balance and in response to acute gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa (gludopa) administration. Urine flow (UV) and sodium excretion (UNaV) in HS were greater than in NS rats. UDAV was increased in HS compared with NS rats. RIF DA was significantly lower in HS than NS rats. Gludopa at 3, 5, and 7.5 nmol/kg (IV bolus) produced a larger increase in UDAV than RIF DA. Only the highest dose of gludopa (7.5 nmol/kg), which resulted in a 7.3-fold increase in UDAV and 1.7-fold increase in RIF DA, was associated with significant diuresis and natriuresis. Cortical and medullary blood flow remained unchanged after gludopa (7.5 nmol/kg) administration, while angiotensin II (100 ng.kg-1.min-1) induced significant reduction in cortical and medullary blood flow. Prior bilateral renal denervation did not have a significant effect on basal DA levels (RIF DA and UDAV) or gludopa-induced DA production or natriuresis and diuresis. These data demonstrated that both chronic sodium loading and acute gludopa administration stimulated renal DA production and release predominantly into the tubule lumen, where DA had a direct tubule action in the control of UNaV. Renal DA production and its renal effects were not significantly regulated by renal sympathetic nerve activity.

Renin-angiotensin system modulates renal bradykinin production

Previous studies have shown that sodium depletion is associated with an increase in renal kallikrein-kinin system activity. This system may play an important role in counterbalancing the renal effects of the renin-angiotensin system. In this study, we examined whether the renal renin-angiotensin system participates in the regulation of renal bradykinin (BK) levels during sodium depletion. We measured changes in renal excretory and hemodynamic function, renal interstitial fluid (RIF) BK, and RIF and urinary guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in conscious uninephrectomized dogs (n = 5) in sodium metabolic balance (10 meq/day) in response to intrarenal arterial administration of the renin inhibitor ACRIP (0.2 microgram.kg-1.min-1) or angiotensin II AT1-receptor blocker losartan (100 ng.kg-1.min-1). ACRIP and losartan increased urine flow rate from 0.75 +/- 0.06 to 1.6 +/- 0.03 and 1.5 +/- 0.05 ml/min, respectively (each P < 0.001), and urine sodium excretion from 5.4 +/- 0.7 to 18.3 +/- 1.3 and 15.9 +/- 1.2 meq/min, respectively (each P < 0.001). Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow increased only during losartan administration (P < 0.05). ACRIP decreased RIF BK by 48%, from 33.1 +/- 3.8 to 17.4 +/- 4.1 pg/min (P < 0.01). ACRIP decreased RIF cGMP by 38%, from 0.69 +/- 0.08 to 0.43 +/- 0.1 pmol/min (P < 0.01); urinary cGMP by 16%, from 0.63 +/- 0.05 to 0.53 +/- 0.02 pmol/min (P < 0.05); and RIF PGE2 by 46%, from 10.5 +/- 1.1 to 5.7 +/- 1.1 pg/min (P < 0.01). Urinary PGE2 was unchanged by ACRIP. Losartan decreased RIF PGE2 by 71%, from 10.8 +/- 0.6 to 3.1 +/- 0.6 pg/min (P < 0.01) but failed to change RIF BK, RIF cGMP, urinary cGMP, or urinary PGE2. These data suggest that the renin-angiotensin system tonically stimulates renal BK production and cGMP formation via a non-AT1 angiotensin receptor and renal PGE2 production via the AT1 receptor.

The subtype-2 (AT2) angiotensin receptor regulates renal cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate and AT1 receptor-mediated prostaglandin E2 production in conscious rats

The renal effects of angiotensin II(AII) are attributed to AT1 receptors. In contrast, the function of renal AT2 receptors in unknown. Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored changes in renal interstitial fluid (RIF) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) in response to dietary sodium (Na) depletion alone, or Na depletion or normal Na diet combined with the AT1 receptor blocker, Losartan, the AT2 receptor blocker, PD 123319 (PD), or angiotensin II, individually or combined in conscious rats. Na depletion significantly increased PGE2 and cGMP. During Na depletion, Losartan decreased PGE2 and did not change cGMP. In contrast, PD significantly increased PGE2 and decreased cGMP. Combined administration of Losartan and PD decreased PGE2 and cGMP. During normal Na diet, RIF PGE2 and cGMP increased in response to angiotensin II. Neither Losartan nor PD, individually or combined, changed RIF PGE2 or cGMP. Combined administration of angiotensin II and Losartan or PD produced a significant decrease in response of PGE2 and cGMP to angiotensin II, respectively. These data demonstrate that activation of the reninangiotensin system during Na depletion increases renal interstitial PGE2 and cGMP. The AT1 receptor mediates renal production of PGE2. The AT2 receptor mediates cGMP. AT2 blockade potentiates angiotensin-induced PGE2 production at the AT1 receptor.

Sodium intake markedly alters renal interstitial fluid adenosine

Adenosine is produced locally in the kidney. Accumulating data suggest that adenosine plays a role in regulating renal functions. Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored adenosine levels in cortical and medullary renal interstitial fluid and urine after 5 days of diets containing low (0.15%), normal (0.28%), and high (4.0%) sodium. Samples were collected from anesthetized rats (n=5 for each diet). Microdialysis fluid was infused at a rate of 1 microL/min. Adenosine, measured by radioimmunoassay, was stable in the dialysate. During normal sodium intake, renal interstitial fluid adenosine estimated from the concentration in dialysate leaving the cortex was 63 +/- 6 nmol/L, which was significantly lower than in dialysate leaving the medulla (157 +/- 6 nmol/L, P<.01). The concentration of interstitial medullary adenosine was estimated to be 190 nmol/L. In rats consuming a low sodium diet, renal cortical and medullary dialysate adenosine concentrations were significantly decreased (P<.01) by 62.6% and 64.9%, respectively. Rats consuming a high sodium diet had renal cortical and medullary dialysate adenosine concentrations that were increased 18.2- and 18.9-fold, respectively (P<.01), compared with levels in rats on a low sodium diet. Similar to changes in dialysate adenosine, urinary adenosine concentration decreased during low sodium intake (P<.01) and increased during high sodium intake (P<.01). The higher adenosine levels in renal medullary than in cortical interstitial fluid may reflect its major renal site of generation. The changes in renal adenosine generation with sodium intake may reflect renal energy expenditure.

Renal interstitial fluid angiotensin. Modulation by anesthesia, epinephrine, sodium depletion, and renin inhibition

Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored changes in right and left renal interstitial fluid angiotensins in anesthetized and conscious dogs (both n = 5) in response to right renal interstitial epinephrine (0.2 mg/kg per minute) administration. Renal interstitial and plasma angiotensin levels also were monitored in conscious dogs (n = 4) in response to dietary sodium deprivation (10 mmol/d) for 5 consecutive days. Changes in renal interstitial and plasma angiotensins in response to interstitial administration of a specific renin inhibitor, ACRIP (0.5 micrograms/kg per minute for 20 minutes), were monitored on day 5 of sodium depletion. At basal levels, there were no significant differences between the right and left renal interstitial immunoreactive angiotensin levels in anesthetized dogs. Renal interstitial epinephrine administration caused a significant increase in renal interstitial immunoreactive angiotensin concentrations in both anesthetized and conscious dogs (P < .01). However, anesthetized dogs had significantly higher renal interstitial immunoreactive angiotensin levels basally and in response to epinephrine than conscious dogs (P < .05). Renal interstitial immunoreactive angiotensin concentrations increased significantly and progressively during exposure to a low sodium diet from 3.9 +/- 1 nmol on day 1 to 740 +/- 332 nmol on day 5 (P < .01). Renal interstitial immunoreactive angiotensin decreased significantly to 124 +/- 37 nmol (P < .01) in response to intrarenal renin inhibition at the end of day 5 of sodium depletion. Plasma immunoreactive angiotensin increased significantly (P < .01) in response to sodium depletion, and no change occurred during intrarenal renin inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increased disorderliness and amplified basal and pulsatile aldosterone secretion in patients with primary aldosteronism

To investigate the pathophysiology of altered aldosterone secretion in patients with primary aldosteronism, the pulsatile mode of in vivo aldosterone and cortisol release was examined by quantitative deconvolution analysis in 5 normal subjects (controls) and 10 patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) under conditions of sodium (150 meq/day) balance. Episodic release of aldosterone and cortisol was assessed by sampling blood at 10-min intervals for 24 h. A waveform-independent deconvolution algorithm was used to calculate endogenous aldosterone and cortisol secretion rates on a sample by sample basis in each subject. There were no differences in the number of aldosterone or cortisol secretory bursts per day or their mean interpulse intervals between normal subjects and patients with primary aldosteronism. A 24-h rhythmicity in serum aldosterone concentrations was maintained in APA patients. Patients with primary aldosteronism had significantly higher (P < 0.01) aldosterone mean secretory rates, mean mass of aldosterone secreted per burst, maximal aldosterone secretion rates attained within each burst, and mean basal (nadir) aldosterone secretion rates. A recently introduced regularity statistic, approximate entropy (ApEn), was used to test for orderliness (small ApEn) vs. randomness (large ApEn) in the aldosterone time series. ApEn was significantly larger for the APA patients (1.433 +/- 0.148) than for normal subjects (0.306 +/- 0.098; P < 0.001), with complete group segmentation yielding 100% sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, a scale-invariant form of this measure, normalized ApEn, showed no significant distinction between tumoral and normal aldosterone release patterns. These ApEn findings taken together are consistent with the deconvolution results from an entirely distinct perspective, reinforcing an amplitude difference, but no frequency difference, between normal subjects and APA patients. Unexpectedly, patients with APA had significantly lower mean cortisol secretory rates, reduced cortisol secretory burst mass, and attenuated maximal cortisol secretory rates than normal subjects (P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol and aldosterone concentrations in patients remained positively correlated over short time lags. In summary, the present findings demonstrate that in normal subjects and patients with APA, both aldosterone and cortisol are secreted in a burst-like mode. The presence of substantial basal aldosterone release and increased irregularity of serial aldosterone concentrations distinguishes APA from normal subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Rat renal interstitial bradykinin, prostaglandin E2, and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate. Effects of altered sodium intake

Kinins generated intrarenally probably affect renal function by altering levels of various mediators and messengers, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). Using a microdialysis technique, we monitored levels of cortical and medullary renal interstitial fluid kinins, PGE2, and cGMP after 5 days of 0.15% (low), 0.28% (normal), or 4.0% (high) sodium intake. Samples were collected from anesthetized rats (n = 5 for each diet). During normal sodium intake, renal interstitial fluid kinin, PGE2, and cGMP levels in dialysate leaving the cortex were 113 +/- 8 pg/min, 1.23 +/- 0.11 pg/min, and 0.05 +/- 0.004 pmol/min, respectively. In the fluid leaving the medulla, the levels were 93.0 +/- 17 pg/min, 2.28 +/- 0.14 pg/min, and 0.08 +/- 0.005 pmol/min, respectively. In rats consuming a low sodium diet, renal cortical interstitial fluid kinin and cortical and medullary PGE2 and cGMP appearance rates were significantly increased (P < .01). Rats consuming a high sodium diet showed renal cortical and medullary kinin levels that were decreased 100-fold (P < .01), whereas PGE2 and cGMP were increased (P < .01) compared with levels in rats with normal sodium intake. Renal interstitial fluid kinin is extremely sensitive to dietary sodium, but changes in interstitial fluid PGE2 and cGMP are not always directionally similar, suggesting different regulations of these substances in response to sodium intake.

Stimulation of renal interstitial bradykinin by sodium depletion

The ability to measure and detect change in renal bradykinin in situ would allow study of relations between local kinin production and renal function in hypertensive or diabetic disorders. A new renal interstitial microdialysis technique allowed collections of renal subcapsular interstitial fluid 2 weeks after microdialysis probe placement in conscious dogs (n = 5) on a normal sodium diet (50 mEq/day) and for 5 subsequent days on low sodium intake (10 mEq/day). Although interstitial bradykinin measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) was undetectable (< 0.08 pg/min) during normal sodium intake, it was detectable (0.34 +/- 0.02 pg/min) after 1 day of low sodium. The kinin level at the end of the 5 subsequent days on low sodium was 1.94 +/- 0.09 pg/min (P < .01). The data show that renal interstitial kinin can be measured in situ. Further, a low sodium diet can rapidly increase interstitial kinin in the conscious dog.

Evidence that intrarenal bradykinin plays a role in regulation of renal function

Bradykinin (BK) is produced by the kidney, but the role of the renal kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in the control of renal function is not understood. We studied the effects of intrarenal infusion of the BK antagonist, D-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-D-Phe-Thi-Arg-trifluoroacetic acid (BKA, n = 5) and BK (n = 4) alone or combined with antagonist (BKA 0.025 ng.kg-1 x min-1 + BK 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1, n = 4) in uninephrectomized conscious dogs in sodium balance at 10 and 80 meq/day. During low sodium intake, administration of BKA (infusions from 0.025 to 2.5 ng.kg-1 x min-1) caused a significant antidiuresis (P < 0.0001) and antinatriuresis (P < 0.0001) and a decrease in fractional sodium excretion (P < 0.0001). There were no changes in estimated renal plasma flow (RPF) or glomerular filtration rate during intrarenal administration of BKA at 0.025 and 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1. A dose of 2.5 ng.kg-1 x min-1 BKA caused a significant decrease in RPF. There were no changes in plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, or systemic arterial pressure during intrarenal BKA administration. At 80 meq/day sodium balance (n = 5), intrarenal administration of BKA did not cause any systemic or renal effects. Intrarenal administration of BK at 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1 during low sodium balance caused an increase in urine flow rate and urinary sodium excretion. Coinfusion of BK with BKA completely abrogated the renal excretory changes induced by BKA. These data suggest that intrarenal KKS plays a role in control of renal function largely by a tubular mechanism during low sodium intake.

Design of potent substrate-analogue inhibitors of canine renin

Through a systematic study of structure-activity relationships, we designed potent renin inhibitors for use in dog models. In assays against dog plasma renin at neutral pH, we found that, as in previous studies of rat renin inhibitors, the structure at the P2 position appears to be important for potency. The substitution of Val for His at this position increases potency by one order of magnitude. At the P3 position, potency appears to depend on a hydrophobic side chain that does not necessarily have to be aromatic. Our results also support the approach of optimizing potency in a renin inhibitor by introducing a moiety that promotes aqueous solubility (an amino group) at the C-terminus of the substrate analogue. In the design of potent dog plasma renin inhibitors, the influence of the transition-state residue 4(S)-amino-3(S)-hydroxy-5-cyclohexylpentanoic acid (ACHPA)-commonly used as a substitute for the scissile-bond dipeptide to boost potency-is not obvious, and appears to be sequence dependent. The canine renin inhibitor Ac-paF-Pro-Phe-Val-statine-Leu-Phe-paF-NH2 (compound 15; IC50 of 1.7 nM against dog plasma renin at pH 7.4; statine, 4(S)-amino-3(S)-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid; paF, para-aminophenylalanine) had a potent hypotensive effect when infused intravenously into conscious, sodium-depleted, normotensive dogs. Also, compound 15 concurrently inhibited plasma renin activity and had a profound diuretic effect.

Intrarenal DA2 dopamine receptor stimulation in the conscious dog

DA2 dopamine receptors are present in renal blood vessels and glomeruli. Stimulation of DA1 dopamine receptors leads to renal vasodilation, diuresis, and natriuresis, but a functional role for renal DA2 receptors is largely unknown. We investigated the possible role of DA2 receptors in the control of renal function by intrarenal infusion of a highly specific DA2 agonist, LY 171555 (LY), in conscious uninephrectomized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at sodium intake of 40 meq/day. The infusion of LY at 0.5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 did not change the urinary sodium excretion or renal hemodynamic function. A significant dose-dependent antidiuresis (F = 8.1, P less than 0.0001) and antinatriuresis (F = 93.3, P less than 0.0001) and a decrease in filtration fraction (F = 2.3, P less than 0.02) occurred as the LY dose was increased from 1.0 to 10.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1. There were no changes in systemic plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration, or mean arterial pressure during intrarenal LY administration. These data suggest that intrarenal DA2 receptor stimulation with LY decreases renal sodium excretion in part by hemodynamic mechanisms. Renal dopamine may act at vascular and/or glomerular DA2 receptors to modulate renal function.

Nitric oxide alters renal function and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activates soluble guanylate cyclase, resulting in an increase in vascular smooth muscle guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels, which correlates with its relaxing effect. Using a microdialysis technique, we investigated changes in right and left renal interstitial fluid cGMP levels in response to right intrarenal administration of an EDRF inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Studies were conducted in anesthetized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at a sodium intake of 40 meq/day. Urine was collected directly from the right and left ureters individually. Changes in the right and left urinary cGMP excretion and renal function in response to cumulative doses of L-NMMA were studied. In the right kidney, 20-100 micrograms/kg/min L-NMMA caused 1) a dose-dependent decrease in renal interstitial fluid and urinary cGMP levels (p less than 0.0001 and p less than 0.001, respectively), 2) antinatriuresis (p less than 0.01), 3) antidiuresis (p less than 0.01), 4) a decrease in renal blood flow (p less than 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (p less than 0.01), and 5) a decrease in fractional sodium excretion (p less than 0.01). No changes in left renal interstitial fluid and urinary cGMP levels or excretory and hemodynamic function were observed during right intrarenal administration of L-NMMA at 20 and 60 micrograms/kg/min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor modulates renal interstitial cyclic GMP

The arterial vasodilator activity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is mediated by activation of the soluble form of guanylate cyclase, causing increased levels of guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). Because of its extreme lability, the actions of EDRF are local. The ability to monitor changes in renal interstitial fluid cGMP would be of great advantage in clarification of local mechanisms controlling renal function. Utilizing a renal interstitial microdialysis technique, we investigated changes in renal interstitial and urinary cGMP in response to right intrarenal arterial administration of the EDRF inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), in anesthetized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at a sodium intake of 40 mEq/day. Urine was collected directly from the right and left ureter. L-NMMA at 20-60 micrograms/kg/min significantly decreased right renal interstitial and right urinary cGMP levels (p < 0.01) without changing left renal interstitial and urinary cGMP levels (p < 0.01). L-NMMA at 100 micrograms/kg/min decreased both right and left renal interstitial and urinary cGMP levels (p < 0.01). These data demonstrate the ability to monitor renal interstitial cGMP in vivo. There was a dose-dependent decrease in renal interstitial and urinary cGMP in response to intrarenal EDRF inhibition. Additionally, they suggest that EDRF acts as a renal paracrine substance through the modulation of renal interstitial cGMP.

Physiological modulation of renal function by the renal dopaminergic system

1. The renal dopaminergic system is a potentially important regulator of sodium homeostasis and kidney function. 2. We have presented evidence that dopamine acts as a paracrine substance at DA-1 and DA-2 receptors in the physiological control of renal function. 3. Much more information is required regarding basic cellular mechanisms and the functional regulation of the system so that the role of renal dopamine can be placed clearly in context with other established hormonal regulatory systems.