Proximal nephron and renal effects of DuP 753, a nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist

The purpose of these studies was to quantitatively assess the role of endogenous angiotensin II activity in controlling transport in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and whole nephron. We used the nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist DuP 753, which lacks the agonist and kinin/prostaglandin-inducing properties of saralasin and captopril, respectively. During in vivo microperfusion in the Munich-Wistar rat, we found that DuP 753 had a powerful inhibitory effect on bicarbonate (370 +/- 3 to 200 +/- 9 pEq/mm.min, P less than 0.001), chloride (214 +/- 3 to 105 +/- 9 pEq/mm.min, P less than 0.001), and water (5.2 +/- 0.1 to 2.8 +/- 0.2 nl/mm.min, P less than 0.001) absorption in the S1 subsegment of the PCT. At maximally effective doses, DuP 753 (10 mg/kg i.v.) was significantly more effective than was captopril (3 mg/kg i.v.) in inhibiting sodium chloride transport in the S1 PCT. DuP 753 is the most potent diuretic ever described in this segment. Consistent with the axial decline of angiotensin II receptor density in the PCT, DuP 753 was a less effective transport inhibitor in the S2 subsegment of the PCT, similar to captopril. Though downstream reabsorptive elements partially compensate for the action in the earliest segment of the nephron, we also showed using free-flow micropuncture and clearance techniques that DuP 753 induces a substantial diuresis, natriuresis and chloruresis. In conclusion, the marked decrease in S1 PCT fluid and electrolyte absorption induced by DuP 753 indicates that endogenous angiotensin II exerts significant tonic support of proximal transport in vivo.

Effects of intracellular calcium on proximal bicarbonate absorption

Using in vivo microperfusion in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the Munich-Wistar rat, we assessed the impact of raising intracellular calcium concentration on bicarbonate transport and its regulation by angiotensin II. Luminal perfusion with the calcium ionophore A23187 caused a dose-dependent increase in S1 PCT bicarbonate absorption, with a maximal change of 60 peq.mm-1.min-1. Subsequent addition of phorbol ester (PMA) after A23187 further increased transport but to a level no higher than previously shown with PMA alone, and A23187 was nonstimulatory when added after PMA. These results suggest that intracellular calcium affects the same pathway as protein kinase C in stimulating proximal acidification. Pretreatment with A23187 (+/- PMA) attenuated by approximately one-third the bicarbonate absorptive response in the S1 PCT usually observed after angiotensin II administration. A23187 had similar actions, but of smaller magnitude, in the S2 PCT. In conclusion, a rise in intracellular calcium increases bicarbonate absorption in the S1 and S2 PCT in vivo.

Beta-cyclodextrin/steroid complexation: effect of steroid structure on association equilibria

Molecular associations of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) with four steroids (cortisone, hydrocortisone, progesterone, and testosterone) have been studied using phase-solubility and spectroscopic techniques. Phase solubility diagrams could be categorized as B type. The complexes are formed at the stoichiometric ratios of 1:2 (drug:beta-CyD). A mathematical model has been proposed to calculate the apparent stability constants. The results suggest that the inclusion of a steroid molecule into the first beta-CyD cavity is thermodynamically more favorable over the association of 1:1 complex with the second beta-CyD molecule except for cortisone, which exhibits anomalous behavior. A mechanism of complexation has been proposed based on the apparent stability constants and chemical structures of the steroids and beta-CyD. It suggests that complexation is first brought about by inclusion of the five-member cyclopentane ring of the steroid molecule into the first beta-CyD cavity. The 1:1 complex subsequently binds with the second beta-CyD to form the 1:2 complex. The association constants of steroid/beta-CyD complexes are of the following order: progesterone greater than cortisone greater than testosterone greater than hydrocortisone. The order of aqueous solubilities of the complexes is hydrocortisone greater than cortisone greater than testosterone greater than progesterone.

Role of angiotensin II in glomerulotubular balance

Inhibition of angiotensin II activity reduces reabsorption of both bicarbonate and chloride predominantly in the S1 subsegment of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). Because the S2 PCT is intrinsically better able to compensate for the increased delivery of bicarbonate compared with chloride under normal conditions, we reasoned that angiotensin II inhibition might selectively raise the amount of sodium chloride emerging from the PCT. Free-flow micropuncture techniques were used in normal and alkalotic Munich-Wistar rats that were euvolemic or plasma volume depleted. In the normal volume-depleted animals, saralasin caused a small rise in single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (29.5 +/- 0.6 to 31.5 +/- 0.6 nl/min, P less than 0.025) and fall in bicarbonate and chloride reabsorption in the 1st mm (S1) PCT (387 +/- 22 to 348 +/- 23 peq.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.05, and 341 +/- 27 to 217 +/- 57 peq.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.05, respectively). Reabsorptive compensation by the S2 PCT maintained the end-PCT delivery of bicarbonate unchanged (76 +/- 4 to 78 +/- 3 peq.mm-1.min-1, NS), but end-PCT chloride delivery increased significantly (2,014 +/- 41 to 2,248 +/- 29 peq.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.01). Early distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and urinary bicarbonate excretion were unchanged, but DCT chloride delivery increased associated with a chloruresis. When metabolic alkalosis was present, however, S2 compensation for increased bicarbonate delivery was attenuated so that end-PCT, DCT, and urinary bicarbonate as well as chloride delivery rates increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine triphosphate liposomes: encapsulation and distribution studies

Four methods for encapsulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in liposomes were evaluated. Optimum entrapment required emulsifying ATP with the lipids used to form the liposome membrane in a high-speed homogenizer followed by evaporating the organic solvent with vigorous stirring. Under these optimum conditions ATP entrapment was 38.9%; i.e., the dosage form contained 38.9 g of ATP per 100 g of lipid. The distribution of positively charged liposomes loaded with ATP was studied in dogs with experimentally induced myocardial infarction. Intravenous injection of positively charged ATP liposomes caused accumulation of ATP in myocardial infarct tissue. Myocardial infarct tissue has reduced blood flow; since positively charged liposomes accumulated in infarct tissue, liposomes may be a drug delivery system for this disease state.

Role of protein kinase C in proximal bicarbonate absorption and angiotensin signaling

Using in vivo microperfusion in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the Munich-Wistar rat, we investigated the impact of varying protein kinase C (PKC) activity on the rate of bicarbonate reabsorption and on its regulation by angiotensin II. Activation of PKC with luminal perfusion of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 5 x 10(-7) M) caused bicarbonate absorption in the S1 PCT to increase by 25%, from 346 +/- 7 to 432 +/- 4 peq.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001), without affecting intracellular cAMP level. Another PKC stimulator, dioctanoylglycerol, had the same effect. Inhibition of PKC activity with luminal perfusion of 5 x 10(-6) M sphingosine had the opposite effect, decreasing bicarbonate absorption by 45% to 190 +/- 2 peq.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001). Pretreatment with PMA or with sphingosine each attenuated by approximately one-third the bicarbonate absorptive response usually observed following angiotensin II administration. Similar results for the action of PKC, but of smaller magnitude, were found in the S2 PCT. In conclusion, activation of PKC increases bicarbonate and water absorption in the S1 and S2 PCT in vivo, and PKC may participate in as much as one-third of the transport stimulation induced by angiotensin II.

Angiotensin II stimulates early proximal bicarbonate absorption in the rat by decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate

These studies explored the hypothesis that angiotensin II increases bicarbonate absorption in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) by decreasing intracellular cAMP. In vivo microperfusion was performed in rat PCT with measurements of bicarbonate absorption and of tubular fluid cAMP delivery, as a reflection of intracellular cAMP. Intravenous angiotensin II potently increased S1 PCT bicarbonate absorption (348 +/- 11 to 588 +/- 8 peq/min.min, P less than 0.001) and decreased tubular fluid cAMP (18 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 2 fmol/mm.min, P less than 0.05). Parathyroid hormone had the expected opposite effects, which were additive to those of angiotensin II. Over a wide range of hormonal activities, there was an excellent inverse relationship between hormonally modulated bicarbonate absorption and cAMP delivery. Pertussis toxin pretreatment significantly attenuated (by 35-45%) the angiotensin-induced increase in bicarbonate absorption and decrease in cAMP delivery, indicating Gi-protein intermediation. Luminal dibutyryl cAMP abolished the transport response to angiotensin II. In conclusion, these in vivo results suggest angiotensin II stimulates bicarbonate absorption in the S1 PCT by a G1-mediated depression in intracellular cAMP.

Urinary cGMP as biological marker of the renal activity of atrial natriuretic factor

Current evidence suggests guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) serves as the second messenger for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the kidney in vivo. We examined whether extracellular cGMP accumulation quantitatively reflected the concentration of cGMP within renal cells and whether urinary excretion of cGMP correlated with the physiological action of ANF. cGMP egression was examined in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells. ANF augmented intracellular cGMP concentration and extracellular cGMP appearance. Extracellular cGMP was an excellent function of the time-integrated intracellular cGMP concentration. In clearance studies in awake rats, urinary cGMP was primarily of renal cellular origin and correlated with the natriuresis induced by ANF in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent fashion. Urinary cGMP excretion may be useful as a biological marker for the renal activity of ANF in vivo.

Atrial natriuretic factor does not inhibit basal or angiotensin II-stimulated proximal transport

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) can functionally overcome the effects of angiotensin II in several tissues. Since ANF and angiotensin II in physiological concentrations have opposite effects on renal sodium excretion, we evaluated whether functional antagonism of the two hormones occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule, as has been recently reported with use of the shrinking split-droplet technique. We used the more conventional technique of in vivo microperfusion to measure the response to systemic ANF (0.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) when the endogenous angiotensin II level and proximal transport were normal or when transport was first stimulated by systemic angiotensin II administration (20 ng.kg-1.min-1). In both cases, ANF did not significantly alter bicarbonate, chloride, or water transport in either the early or late proximal convoluted tubule. This inability by ANF to directly affect proximal transport is consonant with the known lack of high-affinity receptors and appropriate second messenger system for ANF in the proximal convoluted tubule.

Angiotensin II stimulation of hydrogen ion secretion in the rat early proximal tubule. Modes of action, mechanism, and kinetics

Physiologic concentrations of angiotensin II stimulate sodium transport by intestinal and renal early (S1) and late (S2) proximal tubule epithelial cells. We recently found that hydrogen ion secretion, which effects sodium bicarbonate absorption, was a transport function preferentially and potently increased by angiotensin II in S1 cells. S1 cells are normally responsible for half of the total renal hydrogen ion secretion. The mechanism by which angiotensin II regulates intestinal sodium transport is by potentiating sympathetic nerve activity and norepinephrine release. Direct control of hydrogen ion secretion by angiotensin II via receptors on epithelial cells has not been previously demonstrated. We now report that stimulation of in vivo hydrogen ion secretion in the rat early proximal tubule by angiotensin II was not mediated via change in nerve activity. Rather, enhanced hydrogen ion secretion by angiotensin II correlated with increased angiotensin II receptor density on epithelial cells in the early compared to late microdissected proximal tubule. Basolateral as well as luminal angiotensin II stimulated bicarbonate absorption. Angiotensin II reduced bicarbonate permeability and caused alteration in the apparent substrate affinity, but not maximal capacity, of the proximal hydrogen ion secretory system involving the Na+/H+ antiporter.

Flow dependence of bicarbonate transport in the early (S1) proximal convoluted tubule

We previously found, using an in vivo microperfusion pump rate of 30 nl/min, that proton secretion in the early (S1) proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the Munich-Wistar rat exhibited saturation kinetics. The maximal transport capacity was very high, approximately 500-600 peq.mm-1.min-1. The present studies assessed the change in early PCT acidification kinetics in response to an increase in microperfusion rate to 45 nl/min. First, bicarbonate permeability in the early PCT was measured and was found to be flow dependent. Proton secretion was then calculated using perfusate bicarbonate concentrations from 8 to 100 mM. Saturation of early proximal acidification (Vmax) still occurred at approximately 500-600 peq.mm-1.min-1, but the bicarbonate concentration effecting half-maximal acidification (apparent Km) decreased (from approximately 11 mM at 30 nl/min perfusion rate to less than 6 mM at 45 nl/min). By increasing luminal perfusion rate further to 60 nl/min at constant luminal bicarbonate concentration (25 mM), we confirmed that luminal flow rate did not affect the maximal level of acidification. Similar flow-dependent changes in acidification kinetics in the late PCT were also found, as has been previously shown. In conclusion, although an increase in luminal flow increased bicarbonate permeability and apparent affinity for substrate transport, there was no effect on maximal acidification rate in the early PCT.

Kinetics of bicarbonate transport in the early proximal convoluted tubule

Bicarbonate permeability and bicarbonate transport kinetics in the S1 segment of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) have not been previously studied. In vivo microperfusion at a rate of 30 nl/min was performed in early and late PCT of Munich-Wistar rats. Bicarbonate permeability was first defined, using a bicarbonate-free, acetazolamide-containing perfusate, and was over fourfold higher in the early compared with the late PCT (20.4 +/- 1.8 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.4 X 10(-7) cm2/s, P less than 0.001). Net bicarbonate absorption was then measured using perfusate bicarbonate concentrations of 15, 25, 40, and 100 mM at 30 nl/min perfusion rate. Proton secretory rate was calculated for each group by subtracting the passive bicarbonate transport component from the net flux. Saturation kinetics of acidification were observed in both the early and late PCT. The maximal proton secretory rate at the highest luminal bicarbonate concentration (Vmax) in the early PCT was about twice that in the late PCT (504 +/- 37 vs. 265 +/- 15 peq.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.001). However, the luminal bicarbonate concentration eliciting half-maximal proton secretion (apparent Km) was approximately the same (11 mM) in the early and late PCT. In conclusion, the early PCT has a higher bicarbonate permeability and proton secretory capacity than the late PCT. Increased Vmax but axial constancy of Km suggests that there is amplification of similar transport mechanism(s) affecting bicarbonate absorption in S1 compared with S2 cells.

Angiotensin II: a potent regulator of acidification in the rat early proximal convoluted tubule

The early proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is the site of 50% of bicarbonate reabsorption in the nephron, but its control by angiotensin II has not been previously studied. In vivo microperfusion was used in both the early and late PCT in Munich-Wistar rats. Systemic angiotensin II administration (20 ng/kg X min) or inhibition of endogenous angiotensin II activity with saralasin (1 microgram/kg X min) caused profound changes in bicarbonate absorption in the early PCT (169 +/- 25 and -187 +/- 15 peq/mm X min, respectively). Because the bicarbonate absorptive capacity of the early PCT under free-flow conditions is 500 peq/mm X min, angiotensin II administration or inhibition affected greater than 60% of proton secretion in this segment. Both agents less markedly affected bicarbonate absorption in the late PCT (+/- 28 peq/mm X min) or chloride absorption (+/- 68-99 peq/mm X min) in both the early and late PCT. Because of its potential for controlling the majority of bicarbonate absorption in the early PCT (hence greater than or equal to 30% of bicarbonate absorption in the entire nephron), angiotensin II may be a powerful physiologic regulator of renal acidification.

Acidification is inhibited in late proximal convoluted tubule during chronic metabolic alkalosis

In vivo microperfusion was used to assess the changes in the active and passive components of bicarbonate absorption in the rat late proximal tubule during chronic metabolic alkalosis. In tubules perfused with 40 mM bicarbonate, net bicarbonate absorption was inhibited and normal flow dependence was attenuated during alkalosis, compared with values in normal tubules perfused with 40 or even 25 mM bicarbonate concentrations. Under all conditions, bicarbonate back leak was small and contributed little to alterations in net bicarbonate transport, even though bicarbonate permeability was reduced by approximately 75% during chronic metabolic alkalosis and was flow dependent. Suppression of net bicarbonate absorption during chronic metabolic alkalosis was instead attributable to inhibition of proton secretion as a function of both luminal bicarbonate concentration and flow rate. At the highest level of bicarbonate delivery to yield maximal acidification rates, proton secretion during alkalosis was diminished by 38% (from 216 +/- 15 to 133 +/- 10 peq X mm-1 X min-1, P less than 0.001). In conclusion, despite extracellular volume contraction, potassium deficiency, and reduction in bicarbonate permeability during chronic metabolic alkalosis, net bicarbonate absorption in the late proximal convoluted tubule is depressed as a function of luminal bicarbonate concentration and flow rate because acidification is inhibited by hyperbicarbonatemia/alkalemia.

Axial heterogeneity of bicarbonate, chloride, and water transport in the rat proximal convoluted tubule. Effects of change in luminal flow rate and of alkalemia

These studies examined regulation of superficial proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) transport as a function of length. When single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) increased from 28.7 +/- 0.7 nl/min in hydropenia to 41.5 +/- 0.4 nl/min in euvolemia, bicarbonate, chloride, and water reabsorption in the early (1st mm) PCT increased proportionally: from 354 +/- 21 peq/mm X min, 206 +/- 55 peq/mm X min, and 5.9 +/- 0.4 nl/mm X min to 520 +/- 12 peq/mm X min, 585 +/- 21 peq/mm X min, and 10.1 +/- 0.4 nl/mm X min, respectively. These high transport rates did not increase further, however, when SNGFR went to 51.2 +/- 0.7 or 50.7 +/- 0.6 nl/min after atrial natriuretic factor or glucagon administration. Anion and water transport rates in the late PCT were lower and exhibited less flow dependence. During chronic metabolic alkalosis, acidification was inhibited in the late but not early PCT. In conclusion, the early PCT is distinguished from the late PCT by having high-capacity, flow-responsive but saturable, anion- and water-reabsorptive processes relatively unaffected by alkalemia.

Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on acid-base homeostasis

Both micropuncture and clearance studies have shown that the anion excreted in the urine in response to the increased glomerular filtration rate and solute load induced by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) depends on the pre-existing acid-base status. In normal animals, the kidney is relatively better at reabsorbing bicarbonate than chloride, as ANF increases luminal flow so that a chloruresis without bicarbonaturia ensues. In contrast, during chronic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, alkalaemia renders the kidney unable to reabsorb the increment in filtered bicarbonate induced by ANF so that bicarbonaturia occurs with amelioration of the alkalosis. Since the relative magnitudes of chloride versus bicarbonate excretion rates in response to ANF are a function of the plasma anion concentrations, ANF tends to correct acid-base disorders.

Axial heterogeneity in the rat proximal convoluted tubule. I. Bicarbonate, chloride, and water transport

To measure simultaneously the concentration profiles of bicarbonate, chloride and inulin along the length of the superficial proximal convoluted tubule, free-flow micropuncture measurements were made sequentially from the end-proximal tubule to Bowman's space in 10 tubules of hydropenic Munich-Wistar rats. Bicarbonate and volume reabsorption were 354 +/- 21 pmol X mm-1 X min-1 and 5.9 +/- 0.4 nl X mm-1 X min-1 in the first millimeter and fell progressively in the remaining 3.8 mm of tubule, averaging 83 +/- 4 pmol X mm-1 X min-1 and 2.3 +/- 0.5 nl X mm-1 X min-1, respectively. The values in the initial millimeter represents a high transport capacity since they exceed rates that have been observed when comparable or even higher mean luminal substrate concentrations were presented to the late proximal tubule. In contrast, chloride reabsorption was only 206 +/- 55 peq X mm-1 X min-1 in the first millimeter compared with a mean of 306 +/- 22 peq X mm-1 X min-1 in the rest of the tubule. In conclusion, there is substantial axial transport heterogeneity, with bicarbonate and water reabsorption higher but chloride reabsorption lower in the early compared with the late superficial proximal convoluted tubule.

Axial heterogeneity in the rat proximal convoluted tubule. II. Osmolality and osmotic water permeability

To assess whether proximal luminal fluid becomes hypotonic with respect to plasma, free-flow micropuncture measurements were made sequentially from the end-proximal tubule to Bowman's space in 10 tubules of hydropenic Munich-Wistar rats. Osmolality in Bowman's space was 2.8 +/- 0.3 mosmol less than in plasma. Tubular fluid osmolality fell along the tubule and by the end-proximal tubule was 7.5 +/- 0.7 mosmol/kg less than in plasma or 4.7 mosmol/kg less than in Bowman's space. Since luminal fluid became hypotonic, the reabsorbate was hypertonic. The transepithelial osmotic water permeability (Pf) was calculated using simultaneously measured water reabsorption rates. The osmotic gradient responsible for water reabsorption was assumed to be either lumen-to-reabsorbate or lumen-to-peritubular plasma, with a reflection coefficient for sodium chloride of 0.7-1.0. The Pf was then estimated to be between 0.2 and 2.0 cm/s in the first millimeter of tubule and to have fallen to 0.1-0.2 cm/s by the end of the tubule. In conclusion, luminal hypotonicity develops in the rat proximal convoluted tubule and must be considered as part of the osmotic driving force for water reabsorption.

Streptomyces R61 DD-carboxypeptidase: hydrolysis of X-D-alanyl-D-alanine peptides measured by a fluorometric assay

A fluorometric procedure for measuring the activity of DD-carboxypeptidase is described. The method is based on the reaction of one of the products, D-alanine, with o-phthaldialdehyde to form a highly fluorescent adduct. The method has been applied in examining a series of X-D-alanyl-D-alanine peptides as substrates of the penicillin-sensitive DD-carboxypeptidase from Streptomyces R61. The effect of the third residue, X, on kinetic parameters and its implications on the steric analog model for penicillin action are also discussed.