Mineralocorticoid receptor knockout mice: lessons on Na+ metabolism

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) binds aldosterone and glucocorticoids with equal affinity. In aldosterone target tissues, like the epithelial cells of the distal colon and the principal cells of the collecting ducts in the kidney, the MR is protected from glucocorticoids by the action of the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaOHSD2), allowing aldosterone to specifically activate the receptor. However, in MR-expressing cells, which lack 11betaOHSD2, like the neurons of the limbic system in the brain, MR is mainly activated by glucocorticoids. MR knockout mice die in the second week after birth, showing at day 8 symptoms of pseudohypoaldosteronism with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, high renal salt wasting, and a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The activity of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is strongly reduced in colon and kidney, but there is no down-regulation of the mRNA abundance of the three ENaC subunits. Daily subcutaneous injections of isotonic NaCl solution until weaning and continued oral NaCl supply lead to survival of the MR knockout mice. The NaCl-rescued MR knockout mice display a strongly enhanced fractional renal excretion of Na+, hyperkalemia, and a persistently strongly activated RAAS. There is almost no renal ENaC activity. The renal mRNA abundance of alphaENaC is reduced by 30%, whereas betaENaC and gammaENaC are not altered.

Defective cholinergic Cl(-) secretion and detection of K(+) secretion in rectal biopsies from cystic fibrosis patients

Rectal biopsies from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients show defective cAMP-activated Cl(-) secretion and an inverse response of the short-circuit current (I(sc)) toward stimulation with carbachol (CCh). Alternative Cl(-) channels are found in airway epithelia and have been attributed to residual Cl(-) secretion in CF colon. The aim of the present study was to investigate ion conductances causing reversed I(sc) upon cholinergic stimulation. Furthermore, the putative role of an alternative Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) conductance in human distal colon was examined. Cholinergic ion secretion was assessed in the absence and presence of cAMP-dependent stimulation. Transepithelial voltage and I(sc) were measured in rectal biopsies from non-CF and CF individuals by means of a perfused micro-Ussing chamber. Under baseline conditions, CCh induced a positive I(sc) in CF rectal biopsies but caused a negative I(sc) in non-CF subjects. The CCh-induced negative I(sc) in non-CF biopsies was gradually reversed to a positive response by incubating the biopsies in indomethacin. The positive I(sc) was significantly enhanced in CF and was caused by activation of a luminal K(+) conductance, as shown by the use of the K(+) channel blockers Ba(2+) and tetraethylammonium. Moreover, a cAMP-dependent luminal K(+) conductance was detected in CF individuals. We conclude that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is the predominant Cl(-) channel in human distal colon. Unlike human airways, no evidence was found for an alternative Cl(-) conductance in native tissues from CF patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that both Ca(2+)- and cAMP-dependent K(+) secretion are present in human distal colon, which are unmasked in rectal biopsies from CF patients.

Deoxycholic acid (DOC) affects the transport properties of distal colon

Secondary bile acids can induce diarrhea. In the present study we examined the effects of deoxycholic acid (DOC) on equivalent short-circuit current (Isc) in rabbit colon and the cellular mechanisms involved in DOC action (rabbit and rat). Luminal DOC inhibited amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption. In the presence of amiloride luminal DOC had a concentration dependent effect on Isc. Low concentrations (1-10 micromol/l) induced a lumen-positive current (51+/-3 microA/cm2, 10 micromol/l, n=7) which was inhibited by luminal Ba2+ suggesting the activation of a luminal K+ conductance. Higher luminal concentrations induced a lumen-negative current (-76+/-9 microA/cm2, 100 micromol/l, n=11). Basolateral application of DOC, also in the presence of amiloride, only induced lumen-negative Isc, (-58+/-10 microA/cm2, 100 micromol/l, n=6, EC50= 3 micromol/l). This current could be abolished completely by the K+ channel blocker 293B, a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion. This action of DOC on Isc was additive to the effect of carbachol (CCH) but not additive to that of cAMP. In intact rat colon mucosa pre-treated with DOC a significant increase in cAMP production was observed. Fura-2 measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) in isolated colonic crypts (rabbit and rat) showed that 100 micromol/l DOC induced a weak [Ca2+]i increase. Whole-cell measurements of membrane voltage in isolated rat colonic crypts revealed a hyperpolarization by DOC (4.9+/-0.8 mV, 100 micromol/l, n=8) but a depolarization by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, via cAMP) (24+/-7 mV, n=8). The present data show that DOC acts at more than one target in the colon: in the intact mucosa it activates luminal K+ channels and Cl- secretion and this is paralleled by an increase in cAMP production. In isolated crypts DOC probably activates a Ca(2+)-regulated K+ conductance but has no effect on cAMP. Hence DOC probably activates ion channels or channel-regulating factors in colonocytes and acts on non-epithelial cells to activate Cl- secretion indirectly.

Effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on calbindin expression along the rat distal tubule

Calbindin D28k has been reported to be involved in the transcellular calcium transport along the rat distal tubule. It has also been shown that chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) induces significant hypercalciuria. The present study investigated whether CMA affects the mRNA and the protein expression of calbindin D28k along isolated distal tubule (DT) of rats. The animals were made acidotic by adding 0.28 mol/L NH4Cl to the drinking water for 7 d. This maneuver was associated with an increase in plasma ionized calcium. Inulin clearance experiments demonstrated that metabolic acidosis did not affect GFR, but it significantly increased both total and fractional urinary calcium excretion. To define the role of calbindin D28k, total RNA was extracted from DT, identified, and microdissected from collagenase-treated kidneys. cDNA was synthesized from RNA using reverse transcriptase and oligo(dT)(12-18) primers. Calbindin D28k mRNA abundance was semiquantified by a competitive reverse transcription-PCR, using an internal standard of cDNA that differed from the wild-type calbindin D28k by a deletion of 86 bp. The reverse transcription-PCR was performed starting from the same amount of total RNA. For each set of experiments, control and acidotic rats were studied in parallel. The identity of the DT was further verified by the presence of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (rTSC1) mRNA. Calbindin D28k mRNA abundance was 0.89 +/- 0.21 amol/ng total RNA in DT of CMA rats (n = 5) compared with 0.30 +/- 0.12 amol/ng total RNA of control rats (n = 5) (P < 0.05). Using specific rabbit polyclonal anti-calbindin D28k antibody, Western blotting was performed starting from thin slices of outer cortex. Densitometric analysis revealed that in acidotic rats (n = 7) there was a 17 +/- 5% (P < 0.05) increase in calbindin D28k protein abundance compared with controls (n = 7). These results indicate that in the rat, ammonium chloride loading induces an increase in filtered ionized calcium load that is associated with a significant upregulation of calbindin D28k both at the mRNA and protein level. These last effects will help to reduce the concomitant hypercalciuria, thus mitigating the consequence of CMA on calcium metabolism.

A constitutively open potassium channel formed by KCNQ1 and KCNE3

Mutations in all four known KCNQ potassium channel alpha-subunit genes lead to human diseases. KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) interacts with the beta-subunit KCNE1 (IsK, minK) to form the slow, depolarization-activated potassium current I(Ks) that is affected in some forms of cardiac arrhythmia. Here we show that the novel beta-subunit KCNE3 markedly changes KCNQ1 properties to yield currents that are nearly instantaneous and depend linearly on voltage. It also suppresses the currents of KCNQ4 and HERG potassium channels. In the intestine, KCNQ1 and KCNE3 messenger RNAs colocalized in crypt cells. This localization and the pharmacology, voltage-dependence and stimulation by cyclic AMP of KCNQ1/KCNE3 currents indicate that these proteins may assemble to form the potassium channel that is important for cyclic AMP-stimulated intestinal chloride secretion and that is involved in secretory diarrhoea and cystic fibrosis.

Regulation of the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransporter in isolated rat colon crypts

The Na(+2)Cl(-)K+ cotransporter accepts NH4+ at its K+-binding site. Therefore, the rate of cytosolic acidification after NH4+ addition to the bath (20 mmol/l) measured by BCECF fluorescence can be used to quantify the rate of this cotransporter. In isolated colon crypts of rat distal colon (RCC) addition of NH4+ led to an initial alkalinization, corresponding to NH3 uptake. This was followed by an acidification, corresponding to NH4+ uptake. The rate of this uptake was quantified by exponential curve fitting and is given in arbitrary units (delta fluorescence ratio units/1000 s). In pilot experiments it was shown that the pH signal caused by the Na(+)2Cl(-)K+ co-transporter could be amplified if the experiments were carried out in the presence of bath Ba2+ to inhibit NH4+ uptake via K+ channels. Therefore all subsequent experiments were performed in the presence of 1 mmol/l Ba2+. In the absence of any secretagogue, preincubation of RCC in a low-Cl- solution (4 mmol/l) for 10 min enhanced the uptake rate significantly from 1.70+/-0.11 to 2.54+/-0.27 U/1000 s (n=20). The addition of 100 mmol/l mannitol (hypertonic solution) enhanced the rate significantly from 1.93+/-0.17 to 2.84+/-0.43 U/1000 s (n=5). Stimulation of NaCl secretion by a solution containing 100 micromol/l carbachol (CCH) led to a small but significant increase in NH4+ uptake rate from 2.06+/-0.34 to 2.40+/-0.30 U/1000 s (n= 11). The increase in uptake rate observed with stimulation of the cAMP pathway by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and forskolin (100 micromol/l and 5 micromol/l, respectively) was from 2.39+/-0.24 to 3.06+/-0.36 U/1000 s (n=24). Whatever the mechanism used to increase the NH4+ uptake rate, azosemide (500 micromol/l) always reduced this rate to control values. Hence three manoeuvres enhanced loop-diuretic-inhibitable uptake rates of the Na(+)2Cl(-)K+ cotransporter: (1) lowering of cytosolic Cl- concentration; (2) cell shrinkage; (3) activation of NaCl secretion by carbachol and (4) activation of NaCl secretion by cAMP. The common denominator of all four activation pathways may be a transient fall in cell volume.

Physiology of renal sodium transport

A wealth of studies performed with a spectrum of methods spanning simple clearance studies to the molecular identification of ion transporters has increased our understanding of how approximately 1.7 kg of NaCl and 180 L of H2O are absorbed by renal tubules in man and how the urinary excretion is fine-tuned to meet homeostatic requirements. This review will summarize our current understanding. In the proximal nephron, approximately 60 to 70% of the filtered Na+ and H2O is absorbed together with approximately 90% of the filtered HCO3-. The exact quantities are determined by many regulatory factors, such as glomerulotubular balance, angiotensin II, endothelin, sympathetic innervation, parathyroid hormone, dopamine, acid base status and others. The essential components of absorption are luminal membrane Na+/H+ exchange and the basolateral (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. In the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, 20 to 30% of the filtered NaCl is absorbed via Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport driven by the basolateral (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. No H2O is absorbed at this nephron site. The transport rate is determined by the Na+ load and by several hormones and neurotransmitters, including prostaglandins, parathyroid hormone, glucagon, calcitonin, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and adrenaline. In the distal tubule, some 5 to 10% of the filtered load is absorbed via Na+Cl- cotransport in the luminal membrane driven by the basolateral (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. The rate of transport is again determined by the delivered load and by several hormones and neurotransmitters. One of the tasks of the collecting duct is to control the absorption of approximately 10 to 15% of the filtered H2O, regulated by AVP, and just a few percent of the filtered Na+, controlled by aldosterone and natriuretic hormone. The water absorption proceeds through the luminal membrane via aquaporin 2 and through the basolateral membrane via aquaporin 3 channels and is driven by the osmotic gradient built up by the counter current concentrating system. The Na+ absorption occurs via Na+ channels present in the luminal membrane driven by the basolateral (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. With no pharmacological interference, urinary excretion of Na+ can vary between less than 0.1% and no more than 3% of the filtered load, and that of H2O can vary between 0.3 and 15%.

Angiotensin II increases the intracellular calcium activity in podocytes of the intact glomerulus

Angiotensin II increases the intracellular calcium activity in podocytes of the intact glomerulus.

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about biological functions of podocytes in the glomerulus is limited because of its unique anatomical location. Here we introduce a new method for measuring the intracellular calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) in the podocyte in the intact glomerulus.

METHODS

With the help of fluorescence high-resolution digital imaging and a recently developed ultraviolet laser-scanning microscope, [Ca2+]i was measured in fura-2-loaded glomeruli and single podocytes of intact microdissected rat glomeruli.

RESULTS

Angiotensin II (Ang II) increased [Ca2+]i reversibly in a biphasic and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast to Ang II, bradykinin, thrombin, arginine vasopressin, and serotonin did not change [Ca2+]i in the glomerulus. At reduced extracellular Ca2+ activity, Ang II released [Ca2+]i from intracellular stores, but the second phase, corresponding to a Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space, was absent. The L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nicardipine did not influence the Ang II-mediated [Ca2+]i increase, and an increase of the extracellular K+ concentration did not change [Ca2+]i in the glomerulus. The angrotensin II type I (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan inhibited the Ang II-mediated [Ca2+]i increase. Confocal [Ca2+]i measurements using fura-2 or fluo-3 or fluo-4 on the single cell level show that some of the Ang II-mediated [Ca2+]i response originated from podocytes. Costaining with calcein allowed the identification of podocytes because of the characteristic morphology and location in relationship to the capillary network.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that podocytes in the intact glomerulus respond to Ang II with an increase of [Ca2+]i via an AT1 receptor.

Evidence for Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias

Previously we have shown that stimulation of in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) of the dog-fish Squalus acanthias by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), (as a cocktail comprising 0.1 mmol/l dibutyryl-cAMP, 10 micromol/l forskolin and 0.1 mmol/l adenosine, hereafter termed STIM) leads to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and that this assists Cl- secretion by enhancing basolateral K+ conductance. In the present study we examined the mechanism of the cAMP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i was measured using the fura-2 technique in isolated in vitro perfused RGT. As before, STIM enhanced [Ca2+]i. This elevation of [Ca2+]i was prevented completely when STIM was added in the presence of the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport inhibitor furosemide (0.5 mmol/l). This suggests that the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by STIM is caused by a concomitant increase in cytosolic Na+ ([Na+]i) and not by the activation of second messenger cascades. Furosemide prevents this increase in [Na+]i and hence the elevation of [Ca2+]i. Moreover, the plateau phase of the [Ca2+]i transient produced by carbachol (CCH, 0.1 mmol/l) was augmented strongly when bath Na+ was reduced to 5 mmol/l. These data suggest that the level of [Ca2+]i is determined by Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ export, most likely via a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The increase in [Na+]i accompanying stimulation of Cl- secretion reduces the rate of Ca2+ export leading to an elevation of [Ca2+]i, as does a reduction in bath Na+ which augments the [Ca2+]i plateau produced by CCH.

Polycations induce calcium signaling in glomerular podocytes

BACKGROUND

The neutralization of the polyanionic surface of the podocyte by perfusion of kidneys with polycations, such as protamine sulfate, leads to a retraction of podocyte foot processes and proteinuria. This study investigates the effects of protamine sulfate or anionic, neutral, or cationic dextrans on the cytosolic calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) in podocytes.

METHODS

[Ca2+]i was measured in single cultured differentiated mouse podocytes with the fluorescence dye fura-2/AM.

RESULTS

Protamine sulfate caused a concentration-dependent and partially reversible increase of [Ca2+]i (EC50 approximately 1.5 micromol/liter). Pretreatment of the cells with heparin (100 U/liter) inhibited the protamine sulfate-mediated increase of [Ca2+]i. Like protamine sulfate, diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE-dextran) concentration dependently increased [Ca2+]i in podocytes (EC50 approximately 20 nmol/liter), whereas dextran sulfate or uncharged dextran (both 10 micromol/liter) did not influence [Ca2+]i. A reduction of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration (from 1 mmol/liter to 1 micomol/liter) partially inhibited the protamine sulfate and the DEAE-dextran-induced [Ca2+]i response. Flufenamate (100 micromol/liter) or Gd3+ (10 micromol/liter), which are known to inhibit nonselective ion channels, did not influence the [Ca2+]i increase induced by protamine sulfate. In the presence of thapsigargin (50 nmol/liter), an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, both protamine sulfate and DEAE-dextran increased [Ca2+]i.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that polycations increase podocyte [Ca2+]i. The increase of [Ca2+]i may be an early event in the pathogenesis of protamine sulfate-mediated retraction of podocyte foot processes.

Voltage-dependent, slowly activating K+ current (I(Ks)) and its augmentation by carbachol in rat pancreatic acini

Acetylcholine-stimulated exocrine secretion of Cl- and water requires the concomitant activation of K+ channels. However, there has not been much investigation of the carbachol- (CCH-) activated K+ channel of rodent pancreatic acini. Here, in a study of rat pancreatic acini, we characterize a voltage-dependent, slowly activating outward current (I(Ks)) that is augmented by CCH. Intact acini were obtained by enzymatic digestion and fast-whole-cell patch-clamp was applied. With symmetrical [Cl-] (32 mmol/l) in the pipette and bath solution, acinar cells had resting membrane voltages of -45+/-0.8 mV (n=97) under current-clamp conditions. CCH (10 micromol/l), which is known to activate Cl- channels via a Ca2+-mediated pathway, sharply depolarized the membrane to -4+/-0.5 mV, which was more negative than E(Cl) (0 mV), and reversed it to -41+/-0.9 mV (n=83) by washout. A clamp voltage of 0 mV activated I(Ks) under control conditions (91+/-8.6 pA, n=83). During CCH application an increase of outward current was observed at 0 mV, and at -50 mV a marked increase of inward Cl current occurred. In the presence of CCH the slow activation of I(Ks) was rarely distinguishable because of interference by the huge Cl- conductance. During CCH washout and decrease of inward current, a persistent augmentation of I(Ks) was revealed (486+/-36.3 pA, n=83). I(Ks) and its augmentation were abolished by substituting K+ in the pipette solution with Cs+. Augmentation of I(Ks) was mimicked by applying ionomycin (0.1 micromol/l), a Ca2+ ionophore. Pharmacological blockers were tested. The chromanol 293B and clotrimazole blocked I(Ks) at micromolar concentrations (IC50=3 micromol/l and 9 micromol/l, respectively) and Ba2+ was a poor blocker (IC50=3 mmol/l). In the presence of CCH (0.2 micromol/l), the membrane was depolarized to around -20 mV and the addition of 293B (10 micromol/l) further depolarized the membrane by 11+/-3 mV (n=5). These data suggest the presence of I(Ks) channels in rat pancreatic acini and their muscarinic activation.

Carbachol activates a K+ channel of very small conductance in the basolateral membrane of rat pancreatic acinar cells

Secretion of Cl- requires the presence of a K+ conductance to hyperpolarize the cell, and to provide the driving force for Cl- exit via luminal Cl- channels. In the exocrine pancreas Cl- secretion is mediated by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Two types of Ca2+-activated K+ channels could be shown in pancreatic acinar cells of different species. However, there are no data on Ca2+-activated K+ channels in rat pancreatic acini. Here we examine the basolateral K+ conductance of freshly isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells in cell-attached and cell-excised patch-clamp experiments. Addition of carbachol (CCH, 1 micromol/l) to the bath led to the activation of very small conductance K+ channels in cell-attached patches (n=27), producing a noisy macroscopic outward current. The respective outward conductance increased significantly by a factor of 2.1+/-0.1 (n=27). Noise analysis revealed a Lorentzian noise component with a corner frequency (f(c)) of 30.3+/-3.5 Hz (n=19), consistent with channel activity in these patches. The estimated single-channel conductance was 1.5+/-0.4 pS (n=19). In cell-excised patches (inside out) from cells previously stimulated with CCH, channel activity was only observed in the presence of K+ in the bath solution. Under these conditions f(c) was 47.6+/-11.9 Hz (estimated single-channel conductance 1.1+/-0.2 pS, n=20). The current/voltage relationship of the noise showed weak inward rectification and the reversal potential shifted towards E(K+) when Na+ in the bath was replaced by K+. Channel activity in cell-excised patches was slightly reduced by 10 mmol/l Ba2+ (23.6+/-2.1% of the total outward current) and was completely absent when K+ in the bath was replaced by Na+. Reduction of the [Ca2+]i from 1 mmol/l to 1 micromol/l in cell-excised experiments decreased the current by 52.3+/-12.3% (n=5). Expression of K(v)LQT1, one of the possible candidates for a small-conductance K+ channel in rat pancreatic acinar cells, was shown by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In fact, a K(V)LQT-blocker (chromanol 293B) reduced channel activity in seven excised patches. These data suggest that CCH activates very small conductance K+ channels in rat pancreatic acinar cells, most likely via an increase in [Ca2+]i.

CFTR-mediated inhibition of epithelial Na+ conductance in human colon is defective in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients show characteristic defects in epithelial ion transport, such as failure in cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion. Because the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) also functions as a downregulator of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC), enhanced Na+ conductance was found in the airways of CF patients. Here, we examined whether enhanced epithelial Na+ conductance is also present in the colonic epithelium of CF patients and examined the underlying mechanisms. Thus transepithelial voltages were measured, and equivalent short-circuit currents (I(sc-eq)) were determined by means of a novel type of Ussing chamber. Non-CF tissues demonstrated cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion that was absent in biopsies of CF patients. Correspondingly, Isc-eq was inhibited in non-CF but not in CF epithelia when synthesis of endogenous prostaglandins was blocked by indomethacin. In the presence of indomethacin, a larger portion of amiloride-sensitive Isc-eq was detected in CF tissues, suggesting enhanced ENaC conductance in colonic mucosa of CF patients. Increase of intracellular cAMP by forskolin and IBMX inhibited amiloride-sensitive ENaC currents in non-CF tissues but not in CF biopsies. Therefore, enhanced epithelial Na+ conductance is present in the CF colon and is probably due to missing downregulation by CFTR.

Molecular and functional characterization of the small Ca(2+)-regulated K+ channel (rSK4) of colonic crypts

Colonic crypt cells possess basolateral Ca(2+)-regulated K+ channels which support Cl- secretion by providing the necessary driving force. The pharmacological characteristics of these channels were examined in Ussing chamber experiments of rat and rabbit colon mucosa by the use of blockers. The chromanol 293B, a blocker of KVLQT1 channels, and clotrimazole (CTZ), a blocker of small Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, blocked stimulated Cl- secretion completely. Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (SK) in excised basolateral patches of rat colonic crypts were inhibited concentration dependently by the imidazoles CTZ, NS004 and NS1619 and activated by 1-EBIO. These properties are similar to those of the known human SK channel (hSK4). hSK4-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes showed ionomycin-activated and CTZ-inhibited K+ currents. When P2Y2 receptors were coexpressed these currents were also activated by ATP. The concentration/response curve was identical to that of rat SK channels. In human colonocytes (T84) exposed to hSK4 antisense probes, but not to sense probes, carbachol-induced K+ currents were attenuated. With RT-PCR an hSK4 could be demonstrated in human colon and in T84 colonocytes. By homology cloning the SK of the rat colon (rSK4) was identified. This protein has a high homology to hSK4 and mouse IK1. These data indicate that the Ca(2+)-activated and imidazole-inhibited basolateral K+ current in the colon is caused by SK4 channels.

Rescue of the mineralocorticoid receptor knock-out mouse

The mineralocorticoid receptor knock-out mouse (MR-/-), resembling inborn pseudohypoaldosteronism, dies 8-12 days after birth in circulatory failure with all the signs of terminal volume contraction. The present study aimed to examine the functional defects in the kidney and colon in detail and to attempt to rescue these mice. In neonatal (nn) MR-/- the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current in the colon was reduced to approximately one-third compared to controls (MR+/+ and MR+/-). In isolated in vitro perfused collecting ducts the amiloride-induced hyperpolarization of the basolateral membrane (Vbl) of nn MR-/- was similar to that of controls, but urinary Na+ excretion was markedly increased to 4.3 micromol/day.g (BW). Based on this measured urinary Na+ loss we tried to rescue nn MR-/- mice by injecting NaCl twice daily (3.85 micromol/g BW), corresponding to 22 microliter of isotonic saline/g BW subcutaneously. This regimen was continued until the animals had reached a body mass of 8.5 g. Thereafter, in addition to normal chow and tap water, NaCl drinking water (333 mmol/l) and pellets soaked in 333 mmol/l NaCl were offered. Unlike the untreated nn MR-/- most of these mice survived. The adult animals were examined between days 27 and 41, some were used for breeding. When compared to age-matched controls the growth of MR-/- was delayed until day 20. Then their growth curve increased in slope and reached that of controls. MR-/- retained their Na+-losing defect. Amiloride's effect on urinary Na+ excretion was not significant in MR-/- mice and the effect on Vbl in isolated cortical collecting ducts was attenuated. The renin-producing cells were hypertrophic and hyperplastic. Plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations were significantly elevated in MR-/- mice. These data indicate that MR-/- can be rescued by timely and matched NaCl substitutions. This enables the animals to develop through a critical phase of life, after which they adapt their oral salt and water intake to match the elevated excretion rate; however, the renal salt-losing defect persists.

The Na+2Cl-K+ cotransporter in the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias is activated by cell shrinkage

Effects of cAMP on Cl- secretion, intracellular Cl- activity and cell volume were studied in isolated perfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) of Squalus acanthias with electrophysiological and fluorescence methods. Recording of equivalent short-circuit current (Isc) showed that cAMP stimulates Na+Cl- secretion in a biphasic manner. The first and rapid phase corresponds to Cl- exit via the respective protein-kinase-A- (PKA-) phosphorylated Cl- conductance. The inhibitory effect of the loop diuretic furosemide (0.5 mmol/l, n=12) indicates that second phase reflects the delayed (1-2 min) activation of the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransporter. During the first phase cytosolic Cl- activity, as monitored by 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl) quinolinium (SPQ) fluorescence, fell to 78% (n=23) of the control value. Concomitantly, a transient fall in cell volume was recorded by calcein fluorescence to 92% (n=5) of the control value. Preincubation of the RGT with phalloidin (0.1 mmol/l, n=6) or cytochalasin D (0.1 mmol/l, n=4) almost completely prevented the development of the second phase of Isc activation. When cytosolic Cl- activity was increased by exposing the RGT to a high K+ concentration (25 mmol/l), in the presence of mannitol to prevent volume increases, stimulation was unaffected and biphasic. In contrast, when cell volume was clamped to an increased value (115%, n=8) by removing extracellular NaCl, the second phase was abolished completely (n=11). These data suggest that the primary and key process for triggering the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport is transient cell shrinkage.

Hydrogen peroxide activates ion currents in rat mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important mediator of glomerular injury, which induces proliferation and cell contraction in mesangial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and which ion currents are activated during the early cellular responses to H2O2, and to study possible mechanisms of their activation.

METHODS

The effect of H2O2 on membrane voltage of mesangial cells in short-term culture was investigated with the patch clamp technique in the fast whole cell configuration.

RESULTS

H2O2 contracted mesangial cells and induced a concentration-dependent biphasic membrane voltage response. One hundred micromol/liter H2O2 led to a hyperpolarization of mesangial cells from -45 +/- 1 to -55 +/- 1 mV, which was followed by a sustained depolarization to -20 +/- 3 mV. The hyperpolarization induced by H2O2 was completely blocked by the K+ channel blocker Ba2+. In the presence of a low extracellular Cl- concentration (32 mmol/liter), the depolarization induced by H2O2 was significantly increased. The H2O2-induced depolarization was inhibited by 100 micromol/liter of the disulfide-reducing agent dithiothreitol, whereas higher concentrations of dithiothreitol (1 mmol/liter) were required to partially inhibit the hyperpolarization. Protein kinase C inhibitors blocked the H2O2-induced depolarization, but not the hyperpolarization.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that H2O2 leads to a biphasic membrane voltage response in mesangial cells: an initial transient hyperpolarization, which is due to the activation of a K+ conductance, and a subsequent depolarization, which is, at least in part, due to the activation of a Cl- conductance. The oxidation of thiol groups by H2O2 is involved in the membrane voltage response, and the depolarization may be regulated by protein kinase C.

The cellular mechanisms of Cl- secretion induced by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Experiments on isolated in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules of Squalus acanthias

We have examined the mechanism whereby C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), an agonist acting through the second messenger cGMP, enhances NaCl secretion in the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias. Single rectal gland tubules (RGT) were dissected manually, perfused in vitro and equivalent short-circuit current [Isc=transepithelial voltage/transepithelial resistance (Rte)] as well as basolateral membrane voltage (Vbl) were measured. CNP was added to luminal and basolateral perfusates at concentrations between 1 and 1000 nmol/l and its effects on the above parameters were compared to those of a "stimulation cocktail" (Stim, containing dibutyryl cAMP, adenosine and forskolin) that maximally enhances cytosolic cAMP, and other agonists and hormones such as guanylin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and adenosine. CNP had no effect from the luminal side (n=6). Its effects from the basolateral side consisted of a substantial increase in Isc (-31.6+/-7.7 to -316+/-82.2 microA/cm2, n=15). CNP significantly depolarized the luminal membrane from -87. 4+/-1.0 to -82.3+/-2.6 mV (n=12). Vbl was not changed (n=12) but the fractional conductance for K+ was increased (n=3). These effects were qualitatively and even quantitatively comparable to those of other agonists acting via cytosolic cAMP, but were less marked than those caused by Stim (n=64). The effects of VIP and CNP on Isc were not additive (n=5). The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was monitored using the fura-2 fluorescence ratio (FFR 340/380 nm) and it was found that CNP, like agonists acting via cAMP, enhances FFR significantly from 1.02+/-0.05 to 1.32+/-0.05 (n=8) with a time constant in the 1-2 min in range. Our data suggest that CNP, acting via the second messenger cGMP, induces a marked increase in Isc in the rectal gland. The concomitant fall in Rte corresponds to increases in the luminal membrane Cl- conductance and in the basolateral membrane K+ conductance. The latter effect is probably due to an increase in [Ca2+]i.