Macula densa cell function

Studies concerning the sensing step in the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism have been conflicting. To study this step, we measured macula densa (MD) cell volume and membrane potentials in the isolated perfused ascending limb of the loop of Henle with attached glomerulus with MD segments (cTAL-MD). Addition of furosemide reduced cell volume rapidly and the effect could be reversed on removal of the drug. From the time course of cell volume changes hydraulic conductivity could be measured both in the basolateral and apical cell membrane. It was found that the apical cell membrane constituted the main barrier for water flow with a low hydraulic conductance, while the basolateral hydraulic conductance was quite high. Measurements of the basolateral electrical potential in the MD cells have shown a mean electrical potential of -56 mV. This potential was hyperpolarized by the addition of furosemide, the Cl channel blocker NPPB, or during a reduction of luminal NaCl from 150 to 30 mM, and depolarized when bath Cl concentration was reduced from 150 to 30 mM. These results are consistent with the following model for electrolytes transported and similar to the one described in the cTAL [15]. In the luminal cell membrane there is an Na-K-2Cl cotransporter that takes these ions into the MD cells and there is a potassium recycling through a K channel. On the basolateral membrane side there is an Na-K pump and a Cl channel through which chloride is transported out of the MD cell. The Na-K pump activity seems to be only 1/40 of that in the cTAL cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Principal cells of cortical collecting ducts of the rat are not a route of transepithelial Cl- transport

The rat cortical collecting duct (CCD) exhibits high rates of NaCl reabsorption when stimulated by mineralocorticoid and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The present study was undertaken to determine if there is significant transcellular Cl- movement across the principal cells of the rat CCD. CCDs were dissected from kidneys of rats that had been injected with deoxycorticosterone (5 mg, i.m.) 2-9 days prior to the experiment. The ducts were perfused in vitro with identical perfusing and bathing solutions, except that 200 pmol.l-1 ADH was added to the bathing solutions. The basolateral membrane voltage (PDbl) of principal cells was -77 +/- 1 mV and the luminal membrane voltage (PD1) was -68 +/- 1 mV (mean +/- SEM, n = 124). Separate impalements with single-barrelled Cl(-)-selective microelectrodes gave an apparent intracellular Cl- activity of principal cells of 17 +/- 2 mmol.l-1. Transepithelial PD and PDbl were unaffected by luminal furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene2,2-disulphonic acid, (SITS), or the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB); bath addition of SITS or the Cl- channel blocker diphenylamino-2-carboxylic acid; or replacement of bath HCO3- by Cl-. The intracellular Cl- activity (a(cell)Cl) also remained unchanged with the addition of HCT, SITS or the Cl- channel blockers to either the perfusing or bathing solutions, or with replacement of the bathing solution HCO3-.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The luminal K+ channel of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

In vitro perfused rat thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop (TAL) were used (n = 260) to analyse the conductance properties of the luminal membrane applying the patch-clamp technique. Medullary (mTAL) and cortical (cTAL) tubule segments were dissected and perfused in vitro. The free end of the tubule was held and immobilized at one edge by a holding pipette kept under continuous suction. A micropositioner was used to insert a patch pipette into the lumen, and a gigaohm seal with the luminal membrane was achieved in 455 instances out of considerably more trials. In approximately 20% of all gigaohm seals recordings of single ionic channels were obtained. We have identified only one single type of K+ channel in these cell-attached and cell-excised recordings. In the cell-attached configuration with KCl or NaCl in the pipette, the channel had a conductance of 60 +/- 6 pS (n = 24) and 31 +/- 7 pS (n = 4) respectively. In cell-free patches with KCl either in the patch pipette or in the bath and with a Ringer-type solution (NaCl) on the opposite side the conductance was 72 +/- 4 pS (n = 37) at a clamp voltage of 0 mV. The permeability was 0.33 +/- 0.02 . 10(-12) cm3/s. The selectivity sequence of this channel was: K+ = Rb+ = NH4+ = Cs+ greater than Li+ much greater than Na+ = 0; the conductance sequence was K+ much greater than Li+ much greater than Rb+ = Cs+ = NH4+ = Na+ = 0. In excised patches Rb+, Cs+ and NH4+ when present in the bath at 145 mmol/l all inhibited K+ currents out of the pipette. The channel kinetics were described by one open (9.5 +/- 1.5 ms, n = 18) and by two closed (1.4 +/- 0.1 and 14 +/- 2 ms) time constants. The open probability of this channel was increased by depolarization. The channel open probability was reduced voltage dependently by Ba2+ (half maximal inhibition at 0 mV: 0.07 mmol/l) from the cytosolic side. Verapamil, diltiazem, quinine and quinidine inhibited at approximately 1 mumol/l -0.1 mmol/l from either side. Similarly, the amino cations lidocaine, tetraethylammonium and choline inhibited at 10-100 mmol/l. The channel was downregulated in its open probability by cytosolic Ca2+ activities greater than 10(-7) mol/l and by adenosine triphosphate greater than or equal to 10(-4) mol/l. The open probability was downregulated by decreasing cytosolic pH (2-fold by a decrease in pH by less than or equal to 0.2 units).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ion channels in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

The thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) is polarized with respect to its conductances. The luminal membrane contains a K+ conductance which is made up by the synchronous operation of 60- to 80-pS K+ channels. The basolateral membrane contains a chloride conductance. This conductance corresponds most likely to a 30- to 60-pS Cl- channel present in this membrane. Our knowledge on the properties of the K+ channels of these cells has been increased rapidly by patch clamp studies: these K+ channels are inwardly rectifying. They are highly selective for K+ over Na+, Li+ and many other cations. They do not conduct Rb+, Cs+, NH+4 or other larger cations. In fact, all these three cations as well as choline, tetraethylammonium, lidocaine, verapamil, diltiazem, quinine, quinidine and Ba2+ inhibit these K+ channels. As apparent from kinetic studies the mechanisms of inhibition are different for the various blockers. The TAL K+ channels are downregulated by increasing cytosolic Ca2+ activity. Cytosolic adenosine trisphosphate (ATP) has a similar effect. This ATP inhibition is Ca2+ dependent. The affinity to ATP is augmented by increasing Ca2+. Cytosolic alkalinity increases the open probability of these channels, and cytosolic acidification has the opposite effect. This pH dependence is very marked. A change by 0.2 pH units leads to a more than twofold change in the open-channel probability. The basolateral chloride conductance reflects the properties of an outwardly rectifying 30- to 60-pS Cl- channel. This channel behaves, in many respects, like the Cl- channels of a multitude of Cl- transporting epithelia. It is characterized by two open and two closed states. It is highly selective for Cl- as compared with larger anions, and it is inhibited reversibly by Cl- channel blockers such as 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate.

Vasopressin and mineralocorticoid increase apical membrane driving force for K+ secretion in rat CCD

Cortical collecting ducts (CCD) from untreated Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused and bathed in vitro with modified Krebs-Ringer solutions. Arginine vasopressin (AVP;100 microU/ml) in the bathing solution hyperpolarized the transepithelial voltage (PDT, mV) from -2.3 +/- 0.7 (control) to -6.0 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and decreased the transepithelial resistance from 64 +/- 7 to 54 +/- 7 omega.cm2 (n = 21). AVP depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage of principal cells (PDbl) only slightly (but significantly by paired statistical comparison) from -85 +/- 1 to -84 +/- 1 mV (n = 9), with a fall in the fractional resistance of the apical membrane (FRa) from 0.82 +/- 0.03 to 0.77 +/- 0.05 (n = 9). Luminal amiloride (10 microM) produced no change in FRa in the absence of AVP, but in the presence of AVP increased FRa to the same level observed in the absence of AVP. The changes with AVP were significantly less than those observed by us previously in deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-treated animals (E. Schlatter and J. A. Schafer. Pfluegers Arch. 409:81-92, 1987), indicating that the observed synergism between DOC and AVP in stimulating Na+ absorption is attributable to a greater increase in the Na+ conductance in the apical membrane of principal cells with AVP in the DOC-treated CCD than in the normal. Furthermore, we have calculated that the depolarization of apical membrane voltage resulting from the increased Na+ conductance produced by either or both AVP and DOC increases the driving force for K+ exit across the apical membrane in proportion to the previously measured increase in secretion. This increase in driving force may be sufficient to explain the increased K+ secretion produced by these hormones with no change in the apical membrane K+ conductance.

Macula densa cells sense luminal NaCl concentration via furosemide sensitive Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport

The macula densa cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus probably serve as the sensor cells for the signal which leads to the appropriate tubuloglomerular feedback response. The present study reports basolateral membrane voltage (PDbl) measurements in macula densa cells. We isolated and perfused in vitro thick ascending limb segments with the glomerulus, and therefore the macula densa cells, and the early distal tubule still attached. Macula densa cells were impaled with microelectrodes under visual control. PDbl was recorded in order to examine how these cells sense changes in luminal NaCl concentrations. The addition of furosemide, a specific inhibitor of the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb, to the lumen of the perfused thick ascending limb hyperpolarized PDbl from -55 +/- 5 mV to -79 +/- 4 mV (n = 7). Reduction of NaCl in the lumen perfusate from 150 mmol/l to 30 mmol/l also hyperpolarized PDbl from -48 +/- 3 mV to -66 +/- 5 mV (n = 4). A Cl- concentration step in the bath from 150 mmol/l to 30 mmol/l resulted in a 24 +/- 4 mV (n = 4) depolarization of PDbl. This depolarization of PDbl was absent when furosemide was present during the Cl- concentration step. These data suggest that the macula densa cells sense changes in luminal NaCl concentration via coupled uptake of Na+ and Cl-.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Piretanide-dextran and piretanide-polyethylene glycol interact with high affinity with the Na+ 2 Cl- K+ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle

Piretanide blocks the Na+ 2Cl- K+ cotransporter protein in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle reversibly. When tested from the luminal side in isolated perfused cTAL segments it leads to a half maximal inhibition (IC50) of the equivalent short circuit current (Isc) at a concentration of 10(-6) mol/l. From the basolateral side it has no effect on Isc up to 10(-4) mol/l. The present study was designed to search for high affinity blockers of the Na+ 2Cl- K+ cotransporter with large molecular weight in an attempt to use these macromolecules for antibody-labelling or affinity separation of this transport-protein. Amino-ethyl-dextran or amino-ethyl-polyethylene glycol (M.W. 5kd) were coupled to isothiocyanato-piretanide (ISO-PIR) at room temperature in DMSO. The resulting compounds dextran-sulfonylurea-piretanide (PIR-DEX) and polyethylene glycol-sulfonylurea-piretanide (PIR-PEG) (M.W. 5.38kd) were purified and tested in isolated perfused cTAL segments. IC50 values for ISO-PIR, PIR-DEX and PIR-PEG were estimated from dose response curves after their addition to the lumen or bath perfusate, respectively. ISO-PIR, PIR-DEX and PIR-PEG acted from the lumen side at 3.10(-6), 6.10(-6) and 2.10(-6) mol/l. The inhibitory effect was easily reversible. From the basolateral side no effect for any compound was seen at up to 10(-4) mol/l. In clearance experiments PIR-DEX was given to female Wistar rats as an i.v. bolus (25 mumol/kg) and the diuretic urine was collected. After dialysis (exclusion limit 2.5kd) the dialysed urine and the dialysate were tested in isolated perfused cTAL segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stimulation of NaCl secretion in the rectal gland of the dogfish Squalus acanthias

1. The rectal gland of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) secretes NaCl when stimulated by a hormone related to vasointestinal peptide. 2. Patch clamp and microelectrode techniques are used to examine the changes in membrane conductances occurring with hormonal stimulation. 3. The conductance of the "resting" cell is dominated by basolateral K+ channels. 4. Hormonal stimulation "opens" apical Cl- channels. 5. This opening of apical chloride channels appears to be mediated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of pre-existing closed channels.

Electrophysiological studies in principal cells of rat cortical collecting tubules. ADH increases the apical membrane Na+-conductance

The mechanism of ion transport across principal cells of rat cortical collecting tubules (CCT) and its regulation by vasopressin (ADH) has been studied in the isolated perfused tubule. To amplify the response to ADH rats were treated with 5 mg I. M. desoxycorticosterone 4-9 days prior to the experiments. Addition of 2 X 10(-10) mol X l-1 ADH increased the transepithelial voltage from -5.1 +/- 0.7 mV to -16.1 +/- 1.4 mV (n = 37) and decreased the transepithelial resistance from 51 +/- 4 omega cm2 to 39 +/- 2 omega cm2 (n = 33). Optical and functional differentiation of impalements of principal and intercalated cells was made and only data of principal cells are presented. ADH depolarized the apical membrane from 79 +/- 1 mV to 66 +/- 2 mV (n = 26) and decreased the fractional resistance of the apical membrane from 0.76 +/- 0.04 to 0.70 +/- 0.04 (n = 13). These ADH effects were prevented by 10(-5) or 10(-4) mol X l-1 luminal amiloride which hyperpolarized the apical membrane when added in the presence or absence of ADH. Apical and basolateral membranes were dominated by large K+ conductances and addition of 3 mmol X l-1 barium to bath or lumen perfusates increased transepithelial resistance almost two-fold, whereas luminal amiloride increased the transepithelial resistance only by 26-35%. Ouabain (0.5 mmol X l-1, bath) depolarized the basolateral membrane and decreased its K+ conductance. These effects were prevented by the simultaneous presence of apical amiloride suggesting that the only route of Na+ entry into the principal cells occurred via the amiloride sensitive Na+ conductance. We conclude that ADH stimulates Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion in the rat CCT primarily by increasing the Na+ conductance in the apical cell membrane.

Potassium channels in the basolateral membrane of the rectal gland of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias)

Previous studies in isolated, in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) have revealed that the basolateral membrane possesses a K+ conductive pathway. In the present study, we have utilized the patch clamp technique in RGT segments to characterize this pathway. The basolateral membrane was approached with patch pipettes at the open end of in vitro perfused segments. Recordings were obtained in cell-attached as well as in excised inside-out patches. In cell-attached patches with the pipette filled with a KCl solution (274 mmol/l) and the bath containing NaCl shark Ringer (275 mmol/l), inward K+ currents (from pipette into cell) with a mean slope conductance of 123 +/- 26 pS (n = 3) were observed. We were unable to generate outward K+ currents at high depolarizing (cell more positive) clamp voltages. This indicates inward rectification of this channel. To examine the rectification properties further, excised (inside out) patches were exposed to K+ concentration gradients, directed out of, as well as into the pipette. With NaCl in the pipette and KCl in the bath, K+ outward currents were observed. The current-voltage (IV) relation revealed Goldman-type rectification, with a mean single channel conductance of 185 +/- 28 pS (n = 7) at high positive voltages (linear range of the IV curve). The single-channel permeability coefficient for K+ was 0.26 +/- 0.04 X 10(-12) cm3/s (n = 7). In the reversed experiment (pipette KCl, bath NaCl), inward currents of similar kinetics and amplitude were obtained. The single channel conductance was 146 +/- 21 pS (n = 7) at high negative voltages (linear range of the IV curve).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Potassium channels in the basolateral membrane of the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias. Regulation and inhibitors

The present study examines the influences of pH and Ca2+ and several putative inhibitors on the basolateral K+ channel of the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias. Excised membrane patches were examined using the patch clamp technique. It is shown that reduction of the calcium activity on the cytosolic side to less than 10(-9) mol/l has no detectable inhibitory effect on this channel. Conversely, increase in calcium activity to some 10(-3) mol/l reduced the activity of this channel. Variations in cytosolic pH had only a moderate effect on the current amplitude: alkalosis by one pH unit increased and acidosis reduced the single current amplitude by some 15%. Several inhibitors were tested in excised patches when added to the cytosolic side. Ba2+ (approximately 5 X 10(-3) mol/l), quinine (approximately 10(-3) mol/l), quinidine (approximately 10(-4) mol/l), lidocaine (approximately equal to 1 mmol/l), tetraethylammonium (approximately 10 mmol/l), Cs+ (approximately 10 mmol/l), and Rb+ (approximately 20 mmol/l) all blocked this K+ channel reversibly. We conclude that the basolateral K+ channel of the rectal gland is distinct from other epithelial K+ channels inasmuch as it is not stimulated by Ca2+ directly, but that it is qualitatively similar to many other known K+ channels with respect to its sensitivity towards blockers.

Chloride channels in the luminal membrane of the rectal gland of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Properties of the "larger" conductance channel

The rectal gland of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) secretes chloride via a chloride channel present in the apical cell membrane. Using the patch clamp technique in isolated perfused rectal gland tubules, two types of chloride channels are demonstrable in the apical membrane of cyclic AMP treated tubule segments. A small channel of about 11 pS and another channel of 40-50 pS are present. The small channel is described in the succeeding report. With NaCl on both sides (excised patches) the current amplitude of the larger channel is an almost linear function of the voltage (+/- 50 mV). However, the open probability of this channel is grossly reduced at negative clamp potentials (corresponding to cell hyperpolarization). Therefore, the macroscopic Cl- current through this channel is reduced with hyperpolarization on the cytosolic side. An analysis of time constants of this channel reveals that at depolarized voltages two open and two closed time constants of about 1 ms and of about 10 ms, respectively, are demonstrable. With hyperpolarized voltages the larger open state time constant is reduced significantly. This type of chloride channel is blocked reversibly by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (10(-4) mol/l) and by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (10(-5) mol/l). The channel is selective for Cl- over Na+ and K+ as well as over Br-. It is, however, permeable for NO3-. Since this channel is very rare or absent in nonstimulated rectal gland tubules, it is very likely that this type of channel is responsible for hormone and cAMP dependent chloride secretion in this organ.

The "small" conductance chloride channel in the luminal membrane of the rectal gland of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias)

Besides the "larger" Cl- channel, with a single channel conductance of about 45 pS, a "small" channel was observed in the luminal membrane of the dogfish rectal gland. In cell excised (inside out) patches with NaCl solution on both sides, the latter channel had a single channel conductance of 11 +/- 1 pS (n = 21), and its current-voltage relationship was linear in the voltage range +90 to -90 mV. The open state probability increased moderately with negative clamp potentials. Ionic replacement studies revealed a high selectivity of Cl- over gluconate, sulfate, and iodide, whereas bromide was permeable to some extent. Also the channel is impermeable for Na+. The Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate did not affect this "small" conductance Cl- channel. It can be concluded that the luminal membrane of stimulated rectal gland cells possesses two types of Cl- channels, which differ markedly in their characteristics.

Torasemide inhibits NaCl reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle

Torasemide (1-isopropyl-(4-(3-methylphenylamino)pyrid-3-yl)urea) is a new diuretic. The present study examines the effects of this substance in the isolated perfused thick ascending limb (TAL) of mouse and rabbit kidney. In cortical TAL segments of the rabbit, torasemide added to the lumen perfusate led to a fall in equivalent short circuit current ( = transepithelial voltage divided by transepithelial resistance, which corresponds to the rate of chloride reabsorption) with a half maximal inhibition concentration of 3 X 10(-7) mol/l. This effect was accompanied by a hyperpolarization of the luminal and basolateral membrane from -78 to -81 mV and from -72 to -81 mV, respectively. A similar hyperpolarization of both membrane voltages was also observed in medullary TAL segments of the mouse. Torasemide, added to the basolateral perfusate of cortical TAL segments of the rabbit, also inhibited the equivalent short circuit current. However, 3 X 10(-5) mol/l were necessary for a half maximal inhibition. The fall in the equivalent short circuit current was accompanied by a significant increase in transepithelial resistance from 34 to 38 omega cm2, by an increase in the fractional resistance of the basolateral membrane, and by a hyperpolarization mainly of the basolateral membrane. Again, similar results were obtained in the medullary TAL segment of the mouse. The strong inhibitory effect of torasemide from the lumen side can be explained by an interference with the Na+ 2Cl-K+ carrier in the luminal membrane. In fact, torasemide apparently is structurally related to furosemide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sodium Chloride Secretion in Rectal Gland of Dogfish, Squalus acanthias

The rectal gland of the dogfish is specialized for the secretion of sodium chloride. The secretion is controlled by peptide hormones such as, for example, vasointestinal peptide. The mechanism of sodium chloride secretion is apparently similar to that present in mammalian epithelia such as the colon and trachea. This essay discusses the basic principle of sodium chloride secretion in the rectal gland and the mechanism of its hormonal control.

Cl(-)-channel blockers in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Structure activity relationship

On the basis of our findings with diphenylamine-2-carboxylate we have searched for compounds which possess an even higher affinity for the Cl(-)-channels in the basolateral membrane of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. To quantity the inhibitory potency, we performed measurements of the equivalent short circuit current, corresponding to the secondary active transport of Cl- and measurements of the voltage across the basolateral membrane. A survey of 219 compounds reveals that relatively simple modifications in the structure of diphenylamine-2-carboxylate led to very potent blockers such as 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate which inhibits the short circuit current half maximally (IC50) at 8 X 10(-8) mol/l. A comparison of the structural formula and the respective IC50 values leads to several empirical conclusions: The potent compounds are lipophilic due to the apolar residue (e.g. phenyl- or cycloalkyl group). Replacing this part of the molecule by an aliphatic chain (up to 4 C-atoms) leads to inactive compounds. Most of the inhibitors are secondary amines. Linking other than with -NH- between the phenyl ring and the benzoic acid results in inactive compounds. Tertiary amines, such as in case of 2-(N,N-diphenylamine)benzoic acid or N-methylphenylamine-benzoic acid are poorly active. The carboxylate group of the benzoate moiety must be in ortho position to the amino group. Introduction of substituents into the benzoate moiety e.g. -NO2 (in meta position to the carboxylate group), or by -Cl (in para position to the carboxylate group) results in an increase of inhibitory potency. A -CH2-, -C2H4-, -C3H6- spacer between the amino bridge and the phenyl ring increases the affinity for the Cl(-)-channel by several orders of magnitude. The above described structure activity relationship renders it likely that these chloride channel blockers possess several sites of interaction: The negatively charged carboxylate group, the secondary amine group which probably carries a positive partial charge, and for the very potent agents (nos. 130, 143, 144, and 145) an additional negative partial charge at the respective -Cl or -NO2 substituent. Finally, also an apolar interaction with an cycloalkyl or cycloaryl residue seems to be required, and this site of interaction has a defined spacing from the secondary amino nitrogen.

cAMP increases the basolateral Cl- -conductance in the isolated perfused medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of the mouse

The effect of cAMP on transepithelial and transmembrane potential differences and resistances was examined in isolated in vitro perfused mouse medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop (mTAL). The effects of furosemide and barium were tested. Stimulation of NaCl transport by ADH 10(-9) + dbcAMP 4 X 10(-4) + forskolin 10(-6) mol X l-1 (paired experiments) resulted in: a) an increase in transepithelial potential difference, referenced to the grounded bath, from +6.7 +/- 0.3 mV to +12.0 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 47); b) a decrease in transepithelial resistance from 25 +/- 1 omega cm2 to 20 +/- 1 omega cm2 (n = 47); c) a depolarization of the basolateral membrane by 12 mV and of the apical membrane by 7 mV (n = 36); d) a decrease in the fractional resistance of the basolateral membrane from 0.27 +/- 0.05 to 0.15 +/- 0.06 (n = 12). Furosemide (10(-4) mol X l-1) abolished the active transepithelial transport potential and hyperpolarized the basolateral membrane potential to values which were similar in both control and cAMP treated mTAL segments. Barium increased the transepithelial resistance and depolarized PDb1 to similar values in both functional states. An increase in the fractional conductance of the basolateral membrane was also seen, if, prior to the cAMP treatment, the luminal Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport was inhibited by furosemide. Thus, we propose that stimulation of active NaCl reabsorption in the mTAL segment of the mouse by ADH, mediated via cAMP, increases primarily the basolateral chloride conductance.

Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, a blocker of the Cl(-)-conductive pathway in Cl(-)-transporting epithelia

The present study examines the effects of diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) in Cl(-)-transporting epithelia. This substance blocks reversibly the Cl(-)-conductance present under normal circumstances in the basolateral membrane of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) and in the apical membrane of shark rectal gland tubules (RGT). This leads to a reduction in active NaCl reabsorption (TAL) and NaCl secretion (RGT) respectively, as measured by the equivalent short circuit current. The cells hyperpolarize as the membrane voltage drifts from the control value (some compromise between the chemical potential of Cl- and K+) towards the chemical potential of K+. The resistance of the basolateral (TAL) or apical membrane (RGT) increases and this leads to a moderate increase in transepithelial resistance. In addition, the Cl(-)-concentration step induced membrane voltage changes, which can be produced under control conditions, disappear in the presence of the blocker. Finally, experiments in excised membrane patches indicate that this substance inhibits the single current events of individual Cl(-)-channels.

Mechanism of NaCl secretion in rectal gland tubules of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). III. Effects of stimulation of secretion by cyclic AMP

Segments of rectal gland tubules (RGT) the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) were perfused in vitro to study the cellular mechanism by which NaCl secretion is stimulated. Transepithelial PD (PDte), transepithelial resistance (Rte), the PD across the basolateral membrane (PDbl), the fractional resistance of the lumen membrane (FR1), and the cellular activities for Cl-, Na+, and K+ (alpha cell x) were measured. In series 1 the effects of stimulation (S) (dbcAMP 10(-4, adenosine 10(-4), and forskolin 10(-6) mol x 1(-1) on these parameters were recorded and compared to nonstimulated state (NS). PDte increased from -1.9 +/- 0.2 mV to -11.0 +/- 0.9 mV (n = 51). PDbl depolarized from -86 +/- 1 to -74 +/- 1.4 mV (n =52), Rte fell from 29 +/- 2.8 to 21 +/- 2 omega cm2 (n = 23), and FR1 fell from 0.96 +/- 0.005 to 0.79 +/- 0.04 (n = 9). alpha cell K+ was constant (123 +/- 13 versus 128 +/- 17 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 6), but alpha cell cl- fell significantly from 48 +/- 4 to 41 +/- 3 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 7). alpha cell Na+ increased from 11 +/- 2.1 to 29.5 +/- 6.6 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 4). In series 2 the conductivity properties were examined by rapid K+, and Cl- concentration steps on the basolateral and luminal cell side respectively in NS and S states. In NS-segments reduction of bath K+ led to a hyperpolarization of PDbl with a mean slope of 28 +/- 1.3 mV/decade (n = 9) (as compared to 19 mV/decade for S-state).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanism of NaCl secretion in rectal gland tubules of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). II. Effects of inhibitors

Rectal gland tubule (RGT) segments of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) were perfused in vitro. The effects of inhibitors of known mode of action on transepithelial PD (PDte resistance (Rte), the PD across the basolateral membrane (PDbl), the fractional resistance of this membrane (FRbl), and intracellular activities of NA+, Cl-, K+ (apha cell) were examined. Furosemide (5 x 10(-4) mol x 1(-1)) reduced PDte from -12 +/- 0.7 to -2.3 +/- 0.2 mV (n = 63), hyperpolarized PDbl from -71 +/- 1.3 to -79 +/- 0.9 mV (n = 59), FRbl decreased from 0.2 +/- 0.03 to 0.13 +/- 0.01 (n = 21), alpha cell cl- fell from 38 +/- 4 to 11 +/- 2 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 21), alpha cell Na+ fell from 37 +/- 4 to 17 +/- 2 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 12) and alpha cell K+ was constant [113 +/- 14 vs. 117 +/- 15 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 6)]. Furosemide exerted its effects within some 20-40s. Its action was completely reversible. Analysis of the time courses revealed that the furosemide induced initial fall in alpha cell cl- was approximately twice as rapid when compared to that of alpha cell Na+. Ba2+ 0.5 mmol x 1(-1) (bath) reduced PDte from -7.1 +/- 1.2 to -4.1 +/- 0.6 mV (n = 24), increased Rte from 18 +/- 2 to 22 +/- 2.5, omega cm2 (n = 14). PDbl depolarized from -75 +/- 2 to -48 +/- 2 mV (n = 42), FRbl increased from 0.2 +/- 0.02 to 0.34 +/- 0.04 (n = 14) and alpha cell K+ increased from 143 +/-28 to 188 +/- mmol x 1(-1) (n = 4). Ouabain (50 x 10(-6) mol x 1(-1), bath) reduced PDte from -12 +/-2 to -3 +/- 0.5 mV (n = 9), Rte increased from 18 +/- 3 to 21 +/- 3 omega cm2 (n = 5). PDbl depolarized from -67 +/- 4 to -26 + 3 mV (n = 14), FRbl increased from 0.23 +/- 0.04 to 0.45 +/- 0.05 (n = 6), alpha cell K+ fell only slightly from 135 +/- 15 to 112 +/- 30 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 4), but alpha cell cl- increased from 35 +/- 12 to 111 +/- 37 mmol x 1(-1) (n = 3). These effects of ouabain were slow when compared to those exerted by furosemide or Ba2+. The ouabain effects on PDte and PDbl were completely prevented if furosemide was applied first.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Substrate utilization in the isolated perfused cortical thick ascending limb of rabbit nephron

Isolated segments of cortical thick ascending limbs (cTAL) of rabbit kidney were perfused in vitro and the equivalent short circuit current (Isc) was measured. In a first series all substrates were removed on either side. Isc fell rapidly to 50 +/- 12% after 3 min and to 27 +/- 6% (n = 5) after 10 min. This indicates that in cTAL segments Isc is strictly dependent on the presence of substrates. In series two it was tested what substrates can be utilized by the cTAL segment, and from which epithelial side [bath (b) or lumen (1)] the substrates are taken up. From the 1-side only butyrate (10 mmol X 1(-1) sustained the Isc at 95 +/- 2% (n = 7). All other tested substrates (10 mmol X 1(-1): pyruvate, acetate, beta-OH-butyrate, D-glucose, and L-lactate lead to a marked decline in Isc. From the b-side several substrates (5--10 mmol X 1(-1) sustained the Isc: D-glucose, D-mannose, butyrate, beta-OH-butyrate, acetoacetate, L-lactate, acetate and pyruvate. Other compounds (1--10 mmol X 1(-1): citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, succinate, glutamate, glutamine, propionate, caprylate and oleate did not sustain Isc. In the third series the mechanism of substrate utilization from the basolateral cell side was studied. It was shown that the Isc is a saturable function of the D-glucose, L-lactate, acetate, pyruvate or beta-OH-butyrate concentration with apparent Km's between 0.05--1.0 mmol X 1(-1). Several known inhibitors of sugar and of anion transport were tested at the bath side: phlorrhizin was without effect. Phloretin (500 mumol X 1(-1) inhibited Isc by 96%, yet its effect was not dependent on the presence of substrates on the b-side since inhibition occurred also if the b-perfusate contained no substrate and Isc was driven by luminal butyrate. Also SITS (5 mmol X 1(-1) exerted only a small inhibitory effect which was not specific since it was also observed with luminal butyrate. alpha-Cyano-m-OH-cinnamate (10 mmol X 1(-1) inhibited the Isc specifically when L-lactate was the bath substrate. Probenecid (1 mmol X 1(-1) had a similar yet less marked inhibitory effect. The D-glucose uptake from the b-side was specifically inhibited by cytochalasin B at 5 X 10(-6) mol X 1(-1). We conclude that the cTAL segment of the rabbit utilizes D-glucose and/or small anions such as pyruvate or L-lactate or acetate to energize salt reabsorption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanism of NaCl secretion in the rectal gland of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). I. Experiments in isolated in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules

Rectal gland tubules (RGT) of spiny dogfish were dissected and perfused in vitro. Transepithelial PD (PDte), resistance (Rte), the PD across the basolateral membrane (PDbl) and intracellular chloride and potassium activities (a cell Cl-, a cell K+) were measured. In a first series, 67 RGT segments were perfused with symmetric shark "Ringers" solution. The bath perfusate contained in addition db-cAMP 10(-4), forskolin 10(-6), and adenosine 10(-4) mol X 1(-1). PDte was -11 +/- 1 (n = 67) mV lumen negative, Rte 27 +/- 2 (n = 47) omega cm2, PDbl -75 +/- 0.4 (n = 260) mV. a cell K+ and a cell Cl- were 109 +/- 22 (n = 4) and 38 +/- 4 (n = 36) mmol X 1(-1) respectively. These data indicate that Cl-secretion across the RGT must be an uphill transport process, whereas secretion of Na+ could be driven by the lumen negative PDte. Intracellular K+ is 14 mV above equilibrium with respect to the basolateral membrane PD and Cl- is 23 mV above equilibrium across the apical membrane. In series 2, the conductivity properties of the apical and basolateral membrane as well as that of the paracellular pathway were examined in concentration step experiments. Decrease of the basolateral K+ concentration led to a rapid hyperpolarization of PDbl with a mean slope of 19 mV per decade of K+ concentration change. Addition of 0.5 mmol X 1(-1) Ba2+ to the bath solution lead to a marked depolarization and abolished the response to K+ concentration steps. In the lumen a Cl- concentration downward step led to a depolarization of the lumen membrane; resulting in a mean slope of 18 mV per decade of Cl- concentration change. When dilution potentials were generated across the epithelium, the polarity indicated that the paracellular pathway is cation selective. In series 3 the equivalent short circuit current (Isc = PDte/Rte) was determined as a function of symmetrical changes in Na+ concentration, with Cl- held at 276 mmol X 1(-1), and as a function of symmetrical changes in Cl- concentration, with Na+ held at 278 mmol X 1(-1). Isc was a saturable function of Na+ concentration (Hill coefficient 0.9 +/- 0.1, K1/2 4.4 mmol X 1(-1), n = 7) and also a saturable function of Cl- concentration (Hill coefficient 2.0 +/- 0.1, K1/2 75 mmol X 1(-1), n = 11).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Potassium activity in cells of isolated perfused cortical thick ascending limbs of rabbit kidney

The Na+2Cl-K+ cotransporter in the apical membrane of the cortical thick ascending limb of the Henle's loop (cTAL) of rabbit nephron utilizes the electrochemical gradient for Na+ to transport K+ and Cl- against an unfavorable electrochemical gradient from lumen to cell interior. In the present study attempts are made to measure intracellular K+ activity (a cell K+) under control conditions and after inhibition of the cotransport system by furosemide (50 X 10(-6) mol X l-1). 70 cTAL segments of 55 rabbits were perfused in vitro. Conventional Ling-Gerard and K+-selective microelectrodes were used to measure the PD across the basolateral membrane (PDbl) as well as the PD sensed by the single barrelled K+-selective electrode (PDK+). PDbl was -64 +/- 1 (n = 65) mV and PDK+ + 15 +/- 1 (n = 32) mV under control conditions. The positive PDK+ value, significantly different from zero, indicates that a cell K+ is higher than predicted for passive distribution. The estimate for a cell K+ obtained from PDbl and PDK+ was 113 +/- 8 mmol X l-1. Furosemide lead to the previously reported hyperpolarization of PDbl by 17 +/- 4 (n = 13) mV and to a reduction of PDK+ from 15 +/- 1 to 5 +/- 1 (n = 20) mV. The a cell K+, obtained from this set of data, was 117 +/- 9 mmol X l-1, and was not different from the control value. The present data indicate that a cell K+ is significantly above Nernst equilibrium under control conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cellular mechanism of the action of loop diuretics on the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

During the passed few years the cellular mechanisms responsible for the NaCl reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the Henle loop of mammalian nephron and of the early distal tubule of amphibian kidney have been extensively studied. From these studies a new type of secondarily active transport mechanism, i.e. the Na+--2Cl- --K+ symport has emerged. Meanwhile it has been recognized that this system is also present in many other epithelia. All these epithelia share in common that they are sensitive to the so called loop diuretics. The present article summarizes our current knowledge of how the loop diuretics, by reversible interaction with the above cotransport system, inhibit the NaCl reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. It is shown that these drugs transfer the thick ascending limb cell to a state in which not only transepithelial NaCl reabsorption ceases but in which also very little energy is consumed since then K+ and Cl- "relax" to passive distribution across both cell membranes and Na+ entry into the cell is blocked.

Chloride activity in cells of isolated perfused cortical thick ascending limbs of rabbit kidney

Rabbit cortical thick ascending limb segments were perfused in vitro, and intracellular Cl- activity was estimated in three types of experiments using conventional and chloride selective microelectrodes. In series 1 Ringer like solutions were present on the two epithelial sides. In series 2 limen Cl- was replaced by gluconate, and in series 3 furosemide, 10-20 . 10(-6) mol . 1-1, was added to the lumen perfusate. It was found that under control conditions intracellular Cl- activity, as estimated from the difference of the reading of the conventional (n = 53) and ion selective electrodes (n = 118) was 26 +/- 1 mmol . 1-1. Thi value is approximately three times higher than expected for passive distribution of Cl-. After removal of lumen Cl- (series 2) intracellular Cl- activity fell to 9 mmol . 1(-1) which is only some 4 mmol . 1(-1) above passive distribution. We argue that these 4 mmol . 1(-1) reflect mainly the interference with the Cl- electrode by other anions, such as phosphate. The above estimates for intracellular Cl- activity, have to be diminished by these 4 mmol . 1(-1), and, thus, are close to 22 mmol . 1(-1). In series 3 a rapid and reversible fall in intracellular Cl- from 23 to 7 mmol . 1(-1) was observed. We conclude that the Cl- activity in cTAL cells is clearly above equilibrium under control conditions and that it falls rapidly to values close to equilibrium when Cl- reabsorption is blocked by either removing lumen Cl- or by blocking the Cl- entry via the Na+-2 Cl--K+-carrier with furosemide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of "high ceiling" diuretics on active salt transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of rabbit kidney. Correlation of chemical structure and inhibitory potency

The group of "high ceiling" diuretics consists of a variety of chemically different potent diuretic and saluretic substances. Appart from a few exemptions direct evidence for an action of these substances in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) is still lacking. For furosemide, we have reported recently that it inhibits most likely the Na+-2 Cl--K+ cotransport system present in the lumen membrane of the TAL. The present study tests: 1. whether other "high ceiling" diuretics have a similar site and mode of action, and 2. how modifications of the furosemide molecule alter the inhibitory potency. Isolated cortical TAL (cTAL) segments (n = 185) of rabbit kidneys were perfused in vitro. The equivalent short circuit current (Isc = transepithelial PD/transepithelial resistance), as a measure of active salt transport was correlated to the dose of 64 substances. Several diuretics, such as 2-aminomethyl-4-(1,1-dimethyl-ethyl)-6-iodophenol hydrochloride (MK 447), hydrochlorothiazide, muzolimine, etozoline, tizolimide, amiloride, and triamterene were ineffective both from the lumen and basolateral side at concentrations as high as 10(-4) - 10(-3) mol X 1(-1). The phenoxyacetic acids ethacrynic acid, indacrinone (MK 196), and to less an extend tienilic acid were inhibitory active. They differed from furosemide in one or more of the following criteria: delayed onset, incomplete reversibility, stronger action from the bath, different slope of the dose response curve. Similarly, 1-ozolinone acted stronger from the bath. In contrast, the diuretics of the furosemide type and related compounds (bumetanide and piretanide) showed rapid onset and complete reversibility of inhibition. These substances acted stronger from the lumen. The individual positions in the benzyl ring of the diuretics were differently affected by substitutions, leading to parallel shifts in the dose response curves with halfmaximal inhibition at concentrations ranging between 8 X 10(-8) to greater than 10(-4) mol X 1(-1). For these substances the calculated Hill coefficients were close to unity: 0.96 +/- 0.05. We conclude that the so called "high ceiling" or "loop" diuretics consist of at least 3 groups: 1. drugs that do not interfere with the active salt transport in the cTAL segment, 2. drugs that interfere by so far not characterised mechanisms, and 3. drugs of the furosemide type which inhibit the Na+-2 Cl--K+ cotransport system in the lumen membrane of the cTAL segment.

A cytotoxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa acts directly on the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of rabbit kidney

The present study examines directly the effect of a cytotoxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the in vitro perfused rabbit cortical thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (cTAL). 25 cTAL segments were perfused at high rate. The open circuit transepithelial electrical PD (PDte) and the specific electrical transepithelial resistance (Rt) were recorded continuously. From PDte/Rt the equivalent short circuit current (Isc) was calculated. The Isc was 214 +/- 30 mu A.cm-2 under control conditions, and decreased significantly to 74 +/- 34 mu A.cm-2 60 s after the addition of toxin (2 mg.1(-1)) to the lumen perfusate. Microscopic observation and photographs taken at that time clearly indicated swelling of the cTAL cells. Thereafter inhibition of active transport proceeded further, Rt fell progressively, and cells started to desquamate from the basement membrane. This effect of the toxin was dose dependent, and was half maximal at approximately 1.2 mg.1(-1). From the bath side the effect was less marked and higher doses of toxin had to be used (half maximal effect at 5 mg.1(-1)). We conclude that this toxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exerts its toxic effect on the cTAL segment by increasing primarily the permeability of the lumen membrane.

Renal handling of homologous and heterologous insulin in the isolated perfused rat kidney

1. Renal handling of pig- and rat-insulin was studied in the isolated perfused rat kidney. 2. Metabolic clearance rates of both pig- and rat-insulin exceeded GFR. 3. Peritubular uptake of pig-insulin accounted for 13% of rat-insulin for 31% of the total metabolic clearance. 4. The nonfiltering kidney does not remove insulin from the peritubular circulation. 5. Metabolic clearance rates of pig- and rat-insulin are directly related to GFR. 6. The filtration process seems to be necessary for the uptake of insulin at the peritubular site.

Renal handling of uremic middle molecules. a study with the isolated perfused rat kidney

Little is known of the normal renal handling of potential uremic toxins in the middle molecular weight (MMW) range (300-2,000 daltons). In this study the isolated rat kidney has been used as a model to investigate renal clearance and possible renal metabolic effects on uremic MMW species. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused with hemofiltrate from chronic renal failure patients containing 5% bovine albumin. Middle molecules (MM) were isolated from perfusates and urines by high-speed gel filtration (peak 7) and further separated by gradient elution chromatography to give 7-8 definable uremic MMW species (7a, b, c, etc.). Species 7b, d, e and f were tubularly reabsorbed by 15, 25, 23 and 34%, respectively, as indicated by simultaneous inulin clearances. 7a was freely filtered with negligible reabsorption. 1 MM (7c1) was found to be secreted by up to 220% at low perfusate concentrations, secretion being masked at high perfusate levels. No MMs were catabolized by the kidney, although one species (7c2) appeared to be synthesized. The results suggest that uremic MMs have differing biological or physicochemical activities as indicated by the selectivity of renal handling.

Presence of luminal K+, a prerequisite for active NaCl transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of rabbit kidney

Previous data from our laboratory have shown that active transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (cTAL), as measured by the short circuit current (Lsc, microA X cm-2), requires the presence of Na+ and Cl-. The data were compatible with the model of secondarily active Cl- reabsorption involving the cotransport of Na+ and Cl- across the luminal membrane. The data suggested, furthermore, that 1 Na+ and 2 Cl- interact with the luminal carrier. In the present study it was tested whether this reabsorptive mechanism also requires the presence of luminal K+. Isolated cTAL segments (n = 40) were perfused at high flow rates with a modified Ringer's solution. Removal of K+ from the lumen reduced Isc significantly from 215 to 133 microA X cm-2. Addition of Ba2+ (10(-3) mol X 1(-1)) which blocks the K+ conductance of the luminal, membrane, to the K+-containing lumen perfusate decreased Isc significantly from 234 to 141 microA X cm-2. Combination of both manoeuvres: perfusion with a K+-free and Ba2+-containing solution almost abolished Isc from a control of 237 to 56 microA X cm-2. The results are compatible with the view that in rabbit cTAL the luminal carrier interacts with all 3 ions, possibly 1 Na+, 2 Cl-, and 1 K+. K+ recycles across the luminal membrane through its conductive pathway.