Dopamine D1A receptor regulation of phospholipase C isoform

In LTK- cells stably transfected with rat D1A receptor cDNA, fenoldopam, a D1 agonist, increased phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in a time-dependent manner. In the cytosol, phospholipase C (PLC) activity increased (50 +/- 7%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 4 h, and decreased below basal values by 24 h; in the membrane, PLC activity also increased (36 +/- 13%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 10 min, and decreased below basal value at 4 and 24 h. Fenoldopam also increased PLC-gamma protein in a time-dependent manner. The latter was blocked by the D1 antagonist SKF83742 and by a D1A antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, indicating involvement of the D1A receptor. The fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma and activity was mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) since it was blocked by the PKA antagonist Rp-8-CTP-adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-CTP-cAMP-S) and mimicked by direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or by a PKA agonist, Sp-cAMP-S. Protein kinase C (PKC) was also involved, since the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-gamma protein was blocked by two different PKC inhibitors, calphostin C and chelerythrine; calphostin C also blocked the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC activity. In addition, forskolin and a PKA agonist, Sp-8-CTP-cAMP-S, increased PKC activity, and direct stimulation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased PLC-gamma protein and activity, effects that were blocked by calphostin C. We suggest that the D1A-mediated stimulation of PLC occurs as a result of PKA activation. PKA then stimulates PLC-gamma in cytosol and membrane via activation of PKC.

Up-regulation of D3 dopamine receptor mRNA by neuroleptics

The effects of 14 days neuroleptic treatment on the expression of the D3 dopamine receptor gene was investigated in rats using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay. In olfactory tubercle, D3 mRNA levels increased following haloperidol (40%), pimozide (56%), and sulpiride (63%) administration, and in nucleus accumbens, levels increased after haloperidol (50%) and sulpiride (50%). D3 expression in the motor striatum did not change with any antagonist tested. Clozapine did not affect D3 expression in any brain region. These data suggest that dopamine antagonists can regulate the expression of the D3 receptor in a brain region selective manner. The findings also suggest that the motor complications of chronic antipsychotic therapy are not due to D3 receptor up-regulation in the striatum.

Role of the D1A dopamine receptor in the pathogenesis of genetic hypertension

Since dopamine produced by the kidney is an intrarenal regulator of sodium transport, an abnormality of the dopaminergic system may be important in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), in spite of normal renal production of dopamine and receptor density, there is defective transduction of the D1 receptor signal in renal proximal tubules, resulting in decreased inhibition of sodium transport (Na+/H+ exchanger [NHE] and Na+/K+ATPase activity) by dopamine. To determine if impaired D1 receptor regulation of NHE in proximal tubules is related to hypertension, studies were performed in a F2 generation from female Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and male SHR crosses. A D1 agonist, SKF 81297, inhibited (37.6 +/- 4.7%) NHE activity in brush border membranes of normotensive F2s (systolic blood pressure < 140 mm Hg, n = 7) but not in hypertensive F2s (n = 21). Furthermore, a D1 agonist, SKF 38393, when infused into the renal artery, dose dependently increased sodium excretion in normotensive F2s (n = 3) without altering renal blood flow but was inactive in hypertensive F2s (n = 21). Since the major D1 receptor gene expressed in renal proximal tubules is the D1A subtype, we determined the importance of this gene in the control of blood pressure in mice lacking functional D1A receptors. Systolic blood pressure was greater in homozygous (n = 6) and heterozygous (n = 5) mice compared to normal sex matched litter mate controls (n = 12); moreover, the mice lacking one or both D1A alleles developed diastolic hypertension. The cosegregation with hypertension of an impaired D1 receptor regulation of renal sodium transport and the development of elevated systolic and diastolic pressure in mice lacking one or both D1A alleles suggest a causal relationship of the D1A receptor gene with hypertension.

Dopamine receptor signaling defects in spontaneous hypertension

Dopamine produced by renal proximal tubules acts as an intrarenal natriuretic factor by direct tubular action; this paracrine effect is influenced by the state of sodium balance. Up to 60% of sodium excretion with volume (2%-10%) expansion may be mediated by D1-like receptors. The renal paracrine effect of dopamine is impaired in genetic hypertension; this is due to defects in renal dopamine production or transduction of the dopamine signal. The Dahl salt sensitive rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), which have normal renal dopamine production and expression of dopamine receptors, have a defect in the coupling of a D1-like receptor to G-protein/effector enzyme complex. A consequence of the defective D1-like receptor/effector enzyme coupling in SHR is a decreased ability of D1 agonists to inhibit Na+/H+ exchange and Na+/K+-ATPase activity. The defect is 1) genetic, since it precedes the onset of and cosegregates with the hypertension; 2) receptor specific, since it is not shared by other humoral agents; and 3) confined to the renal proximal tubule. Two of the cloned dopamine receptors in mammals are D1-like (D1A and D1B). The D1A receptor gene is expressed to a greater extent in renal proximal tubules than the D1B receptor gene. The D1-like receptor is important in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Chronic blockade of dopamine receptors accelerates the development of hypertension in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Moreover, disruption of the D1A receptor gene in mice increases systolic blood pressure and results in diastolic hypertension. The abnormal D1-like receptor in SHR may be the D1A receptor; its uncoupling from the G-protein/effector enzyme complex in renal proximal tubules of SHR may be due to mistargeting. The mechanism for this "mistargeting" of the D1A receptor is not due to a mutation in the primary sequence and remains to be determined.

Dopamine D2L receptors stimulate Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in murine LTK- cells

Ion transport can be regulated by dopamine receptors. D1-like receptors inhibit both Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) and Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, whereas D2-like receptors stimulate NHE. However, the effect of D2-like receptors on Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity is controversial. In renal proximal tubular cells, where several D1-like and D2-like receptors are expressed, D2 agonists have been reported either to have no effect or to act in concert with D1 agonists to inhibit Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. We therefore studied the effect of D2 receptors on Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in LTK- cells transfected with a rat D2Long receptor cDNA (maximum receptor density = 0.91 +/- 0.26 pmol/mg protein, dissociation constant = 2.39 +/- 0.79 nM, seven experiments). The activation of D2 receptors in these transfected cells by the selective D2 agonist LY171555 led to the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. In the D2Long-transfected, but not in nontransfected cells, LY171555 caused a concentration-dependent stimulation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity (EC50 = 0.55 +/- 0.2 microM, Emax = 28 +/- 6%, six experiments), which was completely blocked by the D2-selective antagonist (-)-sulpiride. The D2-stimulated Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity was not secondary to D2 receptor activation of K+ channels or NHE activity since LY171555 stimulated Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in D2Long-transfected cells, even when K+ channels were blocked by CsCl and intracellular Na+ was clamped by monensin. The D2-stimulated Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity was blocked by pertussis toxin and mimicked by dideoxyadenosine. We conclude that agonist occupancy of D2Long dopamine receptors stimulates Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity; this effect is mediated by the inhibition of cAMP production and is independent of intracellular Na+ and K+ concentration.

Alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors in rat renal microvessels

Although several alpha-adrenergic receptor genes are expressed in the rat kidney, their expression in the renal vasculature has not been studied. Since pharmacological studies have suggested that an alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor may mediate renal vasoconstriction, we studied the expression of alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors in renal microvessels, from 10- to 14-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive control, the Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY). In these microvessels, isolated by perfusion with iron, alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor mRNA levels (by ribonuclease protection assay) were similar in SHR and WKY rats. Photo-affinity labeling with [125I]-arylazidoprazosin demonstrated the presence of alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor protein. Maximum receptor density (determined by 3H-prazosin binding: Bmax 59.8 +/- 4.1 and 58.7 +/- 4.3; Kd 0.48 +/- 0.05 nM and 0.31 +/- 0.06 nM in SHR and WKY, respectively) and chloroethylclonidine (CEC)-sensitive binding sites (determined by [125I]-(2-beta(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylaminomethyl)-tetralone binding) (125I-HEAT) were similar in SHR and WKY rats. There are two novel findings in these studies: (1) the alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor gene is expressed in renal microvessels of WKY and SHR; (2) alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor gene expression in renal microvessels is not altered in adult SHR. The failure to down-regulate expression of the alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor at the mRNA and protein level in the SHR could result in persistence of alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor effects and contribute to the increased vascular resistance in hypertension.

Developmental renal hemodynamics

Renal blood flow, which is lower in the immature than in the mature animal, achieves adult values in human subjects by 1-2 years of age. The age-related increase in renal blood flow cannot be completely explained by increases in kidney size, since nephrogenesis is complete by 36 weeks' gestation in humans. Thus, other factors, especially changes in renal hemodynamics, are likely to be responsible for the increase in renal blood flow. The increase in renal blood flow appears to be directly related to the decrease in renal vascular resistance during the postnatal period. Decreases in the effect of renal vasoconstrictors, increases in the effect of renal vasodilators, or a combination of the two, may be responsible. Many mediators of vasoconstriction have been studied, including adenosine, catecholamines, endothelin, endogenous digitalis-like peptide, and the renin-angiotensin system. Mediators of vasodilation include endothelium-derived relaxing factor (e.g., nitric oxide), prostaglandins, atrial natriuretic peptide, dopamine, and kinins. However, the decrease in renal vascular resistance with age is most likely related to decreases in activity of the renin-angiotensin system and responsiveness to catecholamines; these effects are modulated by nitric oxide. Other mediators may also be important in determining the age-related decrease in renal vascular resistance, but their exact roles remain to be defined.

Dopamine D1 receptor regulation of phospholipase C

Dopamine is an endogenous catecholamine which exerts its actions by occupancy of specific receptors. Dopamine receptors are classified into two main groups: the two cloned D1-like receptors (D1A and D1B in rats; D1B is also known as D5 in humans) are linked to stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, while the three cloned D2-like receptors (D2 or D2A, D3 or D2B, D4 or D2C) are linked to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. All these dopamine receptors originally cloned from the brain are expressed in tissues outside the central nervous system including the kidney. Dopamine regulates many cellular activities, including transmembrane ion transport. Activation of D1-like receptor decreases sodium transport by cAMP dependent and cAMP independent mechanisms. Dopamine, via D1-like receptors, may inhibit Na+/H+ exchange activity in renal brush border membranes by a cAMP independent/Gs alpha-linked mechanism. Another cAMP independent pathway of sodium transport inhibition is mediated by phospholipase C, which has several isoforms (PLC beta, PLC gamma, and PLC delta with several members in each). Catecholamines stimulate expression and activity of phospholipase C isoforms in a concentration, time, and receptor-dependent as well as regional and subcellular compartmental-specific manner. In renal cortical membranes, intrarenal administration of norepinephrine for 3-4 h increases PLC beta expression and activity but has no effect on PLC gamma activity. In contrast, intrarenal administration of a D1 agonist for 3-4 h increases PLC beta 1 but decreases PLC gamma expression and activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of glucocorticoids in the maturation of renal cortical Na+/H+ exchanger activity during fetal life in sheep

We have studied the role of glucocorticoids in inducing the maturation in activity of the proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger that follows birth. Renal cortical microvillus membrane vesicles were prepared from 132-day gestation sheep fetuses (n = 8) that had received intraperitoneal cortisol (13 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) for the previous 48 h. Membrane vesicles were also obtained from sham-operated twin controls (n = 8). Amiloride-sensitive uptake of 22Na+ by these vesicles was measured, and Woolf-Augustinsson-Hofstee plots were used to determine the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vmax). There was no significant difference in Km; however, the Vmax was 61% higher in cortisol-treated fetuses. Posttreatment circulating cortisol levels were significantly higher in the treated fetuses. Total RNA was collected from renal cortex of the eight pairs of twins when killed. Renal cortex Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) mRNA levels were approximately fourfold higher in cortisol-treated than in control fetuses. Although proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger activity and renal cortex NHE3 mRNA levels increased significantly in cortisol-treated fetuses, cortisol infusion did not stimulate renal sodium reabsorption in the fetus but rather produced a natriuresis. These results demonstrate that glucocorticoids can induce an increase in both Na+/H+ exchanger activity and NHE3 mRNA levels during the last trimester of gestation in sheep. However, these changes are not associated with an increased ability of the fetal kidney to reabsorb sodium.

Dopamine and protein phosphatase activity in renal proximal tubules

In the brain, dopamine, via protein kinase A (PKA) activation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32), inhibits protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity and keeps Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) in its phosphorylated inactive state. In the present study, we examined the relationship among dopamine, PP1, and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activities in renal proximal tubules. PP1 activity in proximal tubules was not decreased by dopamine (5 x 10(-9)-10(-4) M), fenoldopam (5 x 10(-6) M), or norepinephrine (5 x 10(-7) M). In contrast, in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle and in the brain striatum, PP1 activity was decreased by fenoldopam (5 x 10(-6) M). We also showed that the ability of dopamine (10(-6) M) to inhibit Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules (assessed by ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake) occurred in the absence or presence of a sodium clamp with 5 microM monensin. Thus the inhibitory effect of dopamine on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules is not regulated by PP1 activity. Tautomycin and okadaic acid by themselves, at concentrations that inhibited PP1 activity, had no effect on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules. The ability of a dopamine D1 agonist, fenoldopam, to inhibit PP1 activity in brain striatum and in medullary thick ascending limb, but not in proximal tubules, suggests differential organ and nephron segment regulation of PP activity.

Differential regulation of renal phospholipase C isoforms by catecholamines

Dopamine and D1 agonists and NE all increase phosphatidyl inositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) activity, but whereas dopamine produces a natriuresis, NE has an antinatriuretic effect. To determine if catecholamines differentially regulate the expression of PLC isoforms, we infused fenoldopam, a D1 agonist, or pramipexole, a D1/D2 agonist, intravenously or infused fenoldopam or NE into the renal artery of anesthetized rats. After 3-4 h of infusion, when the expected natriuresis (fenoldopam or pramipexole) or antinatriuresis (NE) occurred, the kidneys were removed for analysis of PLC isoform protein expression activity. Western blot analysis revealed that in renal cortical membranes, fenoldopam and pramipexole increased expression of PLC beta 1 and decreased expression of PLC gamma 1; PLC delta was unchanged. In the cytosol, pramipexole and fenoldopam increased expression of both PLC beta 1 and PLC gamma 1. No effects were noted in the medulla. A preferential D1 antagonist, SKF 83742, which by itself had no effect, blocked the effects of pramipexole, thus confirming the involvement of the D1 receptor. In contrast, NE also increased PLC beta 1 but did not affect PLC gamma 1 protein expression in membranes. The changes in PLC isoform expression were accompanied by similar changes in PLC isoform activity. These studies demonstrate for the first time differential regulation of PLC isoforms by catecholamines.

Role of renal dopamine D1 receptors in natriuresis induced by calcium channel blockers

The direct tubular natriuretic effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may be due to an interaction between CCBs and a renal tubular dopamine receptor. We therefore studied the effects of two chemically unrelated CCBs, diltiazem and isradipine, infused into the right renal artery of 5% saline-loaded anesthetized rats alone or in the presence of a D1 antagonist, SKF-83742. Isradipine (0.03 microgram.kg-1.min-1) or diltiazem (20 but not 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) alone produced an increase in urine flow and an approximate doubling of absolute and fractional sodium excretion, which was not seen in the left kidney or in the control animals (analysis of variance, Scheffé's test, P < 0.05). SKF-83742 alone given systemically or into the right renal artery did not affect these parameters but did block the actions of diltiazem or isradipine. There was no change in mean arterial pressure, renal blood flow, or glomerular filtration rate in any of the experiments. In additional studies, we found that a combined infusion of dopamine (0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1) and diltiazem (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) (doses that by themselves did not alter renal function) produced a twofold or greater increase in urine flow and absolute and fractional sodium excretion; glomerular filtration rate was not significantly changed. Intrarenal arterial CCBs, without a change in renal hemodynamics, produce a natriuresis that is blocked by a D1 antagonist. Concomitant administration of diltiazem and dopamine (each in subeffective doses when used alone) produces a synergistic effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ontogenic changes in renal response to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation in sheep

The present study was designed to examine the effect of direct intrarenal infusion of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, on urinary flow rate (UFR) and on renal Na and Cl excretion in conscious and chronically instrumented fetal (128-133 days gestation, term 145 days), newborn (6-12 days), and adult sheep. Five different renal concentrations of phenylephrine, varying from 5 +/- 1 to 72 +/- 2 ng/ml, were studied. Low renal phenylephrine concentration (< or = 12 +/- 1 ng/ml) induced a significant renal vasoconstrictor response in fetuses but not in newborn and adult sheep. The effects of intrarenal phenylephrine infusion on UFR and fractional excretion of Na (FENa) was greater (P < 0.05) in newborn lambs than in fetal and adult sheep. At a renal concentration of phenylephrine between 9 +/- 1 and 12 +/- 1 ng/ml, the percent decrease in UFR was greater (P < 0.05) in newborn lambs (-19.1 +/- 4.7%) than in fetal (9.8 +/- 8.9%) and adult sheep (-3.3 +/- 3.9). The percent decrease in FENa at renal concentration of phenylephrine between 18 +/- 1 and 24 +/- 1 ng/ml was also significantly (P < 0.05) larger in newborn lambs (-20.2 +/- 2.8%) than in fetal (-8.0 +/- 3.1%) and adult sheep (-11.2 +/- 2.6%). In summary, the present results indicate that the fetal kidney has a limited ability to increase sodium reabsorption in response to stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors and that the effect of renal alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation on urinary volume and urinary sodium excretion increases during the newborn period.

Neonatal ureteral obstruction stimulates recruitment of renin-secreting renal cortical cells

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in the neonate increases ipsilateral renal renin gene expression, an effect which is mediated by renal nerves. To determine whether neonatal UUO alters the number of renal cortical cells secreting renin and whether this change is modulated by renal nerve activity, newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to left UUO, right uninephrectomy, or sham operation and studied four weeks thereafter. To evaluate the importance of renal nerves in this response, an additional group of animals underwent chemical sympathectomy with guanethidine. Ureteral obstruction was associated with marked reduction in renal mass in the obstructed kidney and contralateral compensatory hypertrophy, changes which were not altered by sympathectomy. Renin messenger RNA and renal renin content were elevated in the obstructed kidney. The number of cells secreting renin, measured by the reverse hemolytic plaque assay, was markedly increased in the obstructed kidney (45 +/- 18 plaques/slide vs. 11 +/- 1 plaques/slide in sham animals), but not in the opposite kidney or following uninephrectomy. This effect was not significantly altered by sympathectomy. There was no change in the amount of renin secreted per cell or in the secretory response to Ca++. These results show that UUO results in recruitment of cells not previously secreting renin by a mechanism independent of renal nerve activity. This recruitment occurs without alteration of the quantity of renin secreted per cell or in the normal regulatory effect of Ca++ on renin secretion. An increase in the number of renin-secreting cells may contribute to the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and thus to the vasoconstriction observed following ureteral obstruction.

Expression of the D2 subfamily of dopamine receptor genes in kidney

The D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors cloned from brain correspond to the classically described "D2" receptors. Although radioligand binding and biochemical and functional studies have demonstrated the presence of D2-like receptors in the kidney, the expression of D2, D3, or D4 receptor genes has not been conclusively demonstrated in the kidney. Since Northern blot analysis may have precluded demonstration of dopamine receptor mRNAs because of their relative low abundance, the expression of the D2long and D3 receptor genes was studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We were able to amplify PCR products of the predicted size using mRNA from glomeruli, proximal tubules, outer medulla, inner medulla, and renal microvessels from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Specificities of the amplified products were confirmed by restriction analysis and by sequencing the D2long product and Southern blotting the D3 product. Because some studies have suggested that D2-like receptor actions may be different between WKY and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), similar studies were performed in this rat strain. In the SHR, as in WKY, PCR products of the predicted size were amplified, and restriction enzyme digestion patterns were as predicted from the cDNA sequence. The PCR-generated cDNA from the glomeruli of SHR was subcloned and sequenced and was revealed to be identical to the D2long receptor cDNA from WKY. We conclude that the D2long and D3 receptor genes are expressed in specific regions of the kidney including the glomeruli. No differences in the sequence of the D2long receptor cDNA in part of the 3rd cytoplasmic loop were noted between WKY and SHR. These studies do not rule out the possibility that mutations in other segments of the receptor exist in the SHR.

Neonatal renal function and physiology

Birth rapidly changes the demands placed on the kidneys with respect to infant homeostasis. Conceptional age (gestational plus postnatal), general health, and medical management may independently, or, in concert, give rise to important metabolic abnormalities marked by apparent renal functional inadequacies. The chronology of the renal functional changes occurring with maturation in infants born before or at term is now well described. The confounding effects of treatment on the development of renal function in very low birth weight infants are also becoming more apparent. However, the mechanisms responsible for these changes are just becoming to be understood with the use of molecular biologic techniques.

Dopaminergic defect in hypertension

Reverse genetics and the candidate gene approach have been utilized to identify the genetic defect(s) in hypertension. We have proposed the dopamine receptor gene as one candidate in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Because some forms of hypertension are sodium dependent or aggravated by sodium loading and because dopamine is important in aiding the organism to eliminate "excess" sodium, an abnormality in the renal dopaminergic system may be responsible for the sodium retention in hypertension. Both human and animal models of hypertension are associated with renal dopamine production and/or post first messenger defects. The Dahl salt-sensitive rat, which has a decreased ability to generate renal dopamine, and the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), which has no such limitation, have a defective coupling of a D1 receptor to a G protein/adenylyl cyclase complex. This coupling defect is: (1) genetic, since it precedes the onset of hypertension and co-segregates with the hypertensive phenotype, (2) receptor specific, since it is not shared by other humoral agents, and (3) organ and nephron segment selective, since it occurs in proximal tubules but not in cortical collecting ducts or the brain striatum. A consequence of the defective dopamine receptor/adenylyl cyclase coupling in the SHR is a decreased ability of D1 agonists to inhibit Na+/H+ exchange activity. A resistance to the natriuretic effect of dopamine and D1 agonists in the SHR is due mainly to decreased cyclic AMP production, although with maturation a post cyclic AMP defect is acquired. Radioligand binding studies suggest a "loss" of the high-affinity D1 binding site in the SHR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of renal nerves on renal function during development

The present review summarizes recent studies describing the role of renal sympathetic innervation in the regulation of renal function during development. The afferent renal innervation appears early during fetal life and probably precedes the development of efferent renal nerves. There is suggestive evidence that renal nerves are required for the proper development of the kidney and that neurotrophic growth factors play an important role in renal embryogenesis and in renal tubular differentiation. Renal sympathetic innervation modulates renal hemodynamics early during development. Renal nerve stimulation during alpha-adrenoceptor blockade produces renal vasodilation in fetal and newborn animals but not in adults. Unlike the effect of renal nerves on fetal renal hemodynamics which is observed in the young fetus, the role of renal sympathetic nerves in modulating fluid and electrolyte homeostasis seems to develop during late gestation. Recent studies have also shown that renal nerves play an important role in regulating renin secretion during the transition from fetal to newborn life. For example, renal denervation during fetal life suppressed the physiological rise in plasma renin activity associated with delivery and decreased renal renin mRNA levels after birth. Taken together, these studies suggest that renal nerves influence fetal renal development and that the influence of renal sympathetic innervation on renal hemodynamics and function changes with maturation.

Molecular cloning and expression of a 5-hydroxytryptamine7 serotonin receptor subtype

We have utilized the polymerase chain reaction technique to selectively amplify a G protein-coupled receptor cDNA from rat kidney proximal convoluted tubule mRNA, which exhibits high homology with previously cloned serotonin receptors. Sequencing of a full-length clone isolated from a rat hippocampal cDNA library revealed an open reading frame of 1,212 base pairs encoding a 404-residue protein with seven hydrophobic regions predicted to represent transmembrane-spanning domains. Within the transmembrane regions, this receptor was found to be 44-50% identical with various members of the 5-HT1, 5-HT5, and 5-HT6 subfamilies with lower (37-40%) homology to the 5-HT2-like receptors. Northern blots revealed a approximately 3.6-kilobase transcript localized in various brain regions with the following rank order of abundance: hypothalamus > hippocampus = mesencephalon > cerebral cortex = olfactory bulb > olfactory tubercle. Expression of this clone in COS-7 cells resulted in the appearance of high affinity, saturable binding of [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide ([3H]LSD; KD = 5 nM) and [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT; KD = 1 nM). Among endogenous biogenic amines, only 5-HT completely inhibited radioligand binding. The inhibition of radioligand binding by other serotonergic agents revealed a pharmacological profile that does not correlate with any previously described serotonin receptor subtype. In addition, this receptor exhibits high affinity for a number of tricyclic antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs including clozapine, loxapine, and amitriptyline. In HEK-293 cells stably transfected with this receptor, serotonin elicits a potent stimulation of adenylylcyclase activity. The distinct structural and pharmacological properties of this receptor suggests that it represents a completely novel serotonin receptor subtype, which we propose to designate 5-HT7. Based on its pharmacology and its localization to limbic and cortical regions of the brain, it is likely that this receptor may play a role in several neuropsychiatric disorders that involve serotonergic systems.

Developmental regulation of the alpha 1B-adrenoceptor in the sheep kidney

The expression of renal alpha 1B-adrenoceptor (alpha 1B-AR) mRNA was studied and contrasted with the expression of renal renin mRNA in fetal and newborn sheep. Fetal sheep between 90 and 91, 116 and 118, and 139 and 141 d gestation (term is 145 d gestation) as well as newborn lambs between 1 and 2 d old and 8 and 10 d old were studied (n = 3 for each age range). The role of the renal nerves in regulating changes in alpha 1B-AR gene expression was also investigated by measuring renal cortical alpha 1B-AR mRNA levels and receptor kd and maximum number of binding sites in 24-h-old lambs that were either denervated (n = 6) or sham-operated (n = 5) 3 d before birth. During development, renal alpha 1B-AR mRNA levels show a marked increase in term fetuses; this increase persists into the first 2 d of life and is distinct from the developmental pattern seen for renal renin mRNA levels. Denervation of term fetuses does not alter the expression of renal alpha 1B-AR mRNA in newborn lambs when compared with sham-operated controls but decreases significantly the expression of the renin gene (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the alpha 1B-AR gene is developmentally regulated in the kidney in a pattern distinct from that seen for renin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

cAMP-independent, G protein-linked inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange in renal brush border by D1 dopamine agonists

When D1 dopamine agonists are incubated with renal cortical tissue, Na+/H+ exchange activity is inhibited, presumably due to D1 receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and subsequent increase in protein kinase A activity. Although the role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange activity is well established, receptors functionally coupled to adenylyl cyclase can regulate Na+/H+ exchange activity independently of changes of cAMP accumulation. The current studies were designed to determine whether D1 agonists can inhibit Na+/H+ exchange activity independently of changes of cAMP accumulation and also to determine the role of G proteins in this process. The D1 agonist, fenoldopam, inhibited Na+/H+ exchange activity in a time-related and concentration-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration was 5-34 microM. Occupation of the renal D1 receptor mediates this action, since the D1 antagonist, SKF 83742, partially blocks the effect. This action, however, was independent of adenylyl cyclase, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C activity. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase with dideoxyadenosine or inhibition of protein kinase A and C with the isoquinolines N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride (H-4) and 1-(5-isoquinolinesfulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) did not block the effect of fenoldopam on the exchanger. The action of fenoldopam is not due to an amiloride-like action on the exchanger, because kinetic analysis of the inhibitory action was noncompetitive and the effect of fenoldopam was time dependent. The process involved G proteins, since guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) prevented while guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) increased the inhibitory effect of fenoldopam.

Identification of dopamine1A receptors in the rat small intestine

Dopamine receptors have been localized to several tissues outside the central nervous system including the kidney and mesenteric vessels. To determine if there are dopamine1 receptors within the small intestine, homogenates of the antimesenteric halves of the entire jejunum and ileum of adult rats were prepared and competitive inhibition studies and Scatchard analysis were performed at room temperature using 125I-SCH 23982 and SCH 23390. The specific binding of 125I-SCH 23982 to the intestinal tissue homogenates was rapid, saturable with ligand concentration, and reversible. Analysis of the Scatchard plots revealed a single class of receptors with an apparent dissociation constant of 10.77 +/- 2.32 nM and maximum receptor density of 1.37 +/- 0.34 fmole/mg protein. Emulsion autoradiography performed using 125I-SCH 23982 on antimesenteric sections of the rat small intestine revealed that the dopamine1 receptors are located on cells at the base of the intestinal crypts. Two dopamine1 subtypes (D1A and D1B) have been identified by molecular biological techniques. Using a ribonuclease protection assay we found expression of the D1A receptor gene in the small intestinal tissue. These studies are the first to identify, characterize, and localize receptors for the endogenous catecholamine, dopamine, within the rat small intestine and to confirm the expression of the D1A receptor gene.

Organ specificity of the dopamine1 receptor/adenylyl cyclase coupling defect in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The coupling between the dopamine1 (DA1) receptor and the G protein/adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzyme complex is defective in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of 20-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Because this coupling defect could have been due to desensitization secondary to elevated renal dopamine levels in the adult animal, we studied the interaction between DA1 receptors and AC in PCT of rats as early as 3 wk of age, a time when renal dopamine levels are similar in SHRs and their normotensive controls (Wistar-Kyoto rats, WKYs). Maximum receptor density did not change with age and was similar in WKYs and SHRs in all the age groups studied (3, 8, and 20 wk). Basal-, forskolin-, and guanyl nucleotide-stimulated AC activities were also similar in WKYs and SHRs and did not change with age. However, the DA1 agonist-stimulated AC activity was greater in WKYs than in SHRs and increased with age in WKYs but not in SHRs. Moreover, the ability of a nonhydrolyzable analogue of GTP, Gpp(NH)p, to enhance DA1 agonist (SND-919-C12, 1 microM)-stimulated AC activity increased with age in WKY but not in SHRs. To determine if the defect noted in the PCT of SHRs is due to a defective D1A receptor gene, parallel studies were performed in the striatum, since this receptor is expressed predominantly in the latter tissue. In contrast to the results in PCT, radioligand binding and AC studies in striatum revealed no differences between WKYs and SHRs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of dopamine D1A receptor gene in proximal tubule of rat kidneys

The existence of dopamine receptor subtypes outside the central nervous system has been suggested by pharmacological and biochemical techniques. Whether the renal dopamine receptors are distinct from those cloned from the brain remains to be determined. Indeed, the expression of any of these receptor genes in the kidney has not been demonstrated definitively. In this study, we amplified D1A receptor cDNA from microdissected proximal convoluted tubules of the rat kidney by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; primers were based on the sequence of rat D1A cDNA cloned from the brain and corresponded to the third cytoplasmic loop of the receptor. Specificity of the amplified products was verified by restriction analysis, Southern blots, and sequencing. Furthermore, solution hybridization indicated the presence of a single ribonuclease-protected RNA species corresponding to the D1A receptor mRNA in proximal tubules. These studies report for the first time the presence of D1A receptor message in the kidney.

D1A dopamine receptor stimulation inhibits Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity through protein kinase A

We stably expressed the rat D1A dopamine receptor in mouse fibroblast LTK- cells and obtained specific ligand binding and functional activity characteristic of the D1A dopamine receptor coupled to stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. In the transfected cells, the selective D1 agonist fenoldopam caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity, achieving maximum inhibition of approximately 30%. The latter was abolished by the selective D1 antagonist (+)-SCH 23390 and by the specific protein kinase A inhibitor protein kinase inhibitor-(6-22) amide. In the nontransfected cells, fenoldopam did not affect Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity. 8-Chlorophenylthio-cAMP inhibited Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity in both transfected and nontransfected cells; this effect was blocked by protein kinase inhibitor-(6-22). These results indicate that the inhibition of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity induced by agonist occupancy of D1A receptors is mediated by protein kinase A.