K+ depletion increases HCO3- reabsorption in OMCD by activation of colonic H(+)-K(+)-ATPase

To probe the role of the isoforms of H(+)-K(+)-ATPase (HKA) in potassium depletion (KD), rats were placed on a KD diet for 2 wk. Colonic HKA (cHKA) mRNA levels increased approximately 30-fold in outer medulla, and net HCO3-flux (JtCO2) in outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) increased (13.1 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1 in control to 17.7 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1 in KD; P < 0.01). In normal rats, 1 mM ouabain in perfusate had no effect on JtCO2, whereas 10 microM Sch-28080 decreased JtCO2 to 5.1 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1 (P < 0.001). In KD rats, ouabain 1 mM decreased JtCO2 to 6.3 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1 (P < 0.001). Although 10 microM Sch-28080 also decreased JtCO2 to 4.6 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1 (P < 0.001), the inhibitory effects of Sch-28080 and ouabain were not additive. Removal of K+ from perfusate blocked Sch-28080-sensitive JtCO2 in both normal and KD tubules. The data suggest that, in KD, cHKA is induced and mediates increased HCO3-reabsorption in OMCD, cHKA in vivo is sensitive to both Sch-28080 and ouabain, and cHKA activity is dominant.

Effects of adenosine on ion transport in rat medullary thick ascending limb

Previously, we demonstrated that adenosine (Ado) was released by the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) during hypoxia. The present experiments were designed to examine the effects of Ado and adenosine analogues on net chloride (JCl) and bicarbonate (JHCO3) absorption by the isolated, perfused MTAL of the rat. Ado, 10 nM, in the presence or absence of arginine vasopressin (AVP, 10(-10) M) reduced JCl by 50%. The inhibition of Ado was reproduced with the selective A1 agonist, N-6-phenylisopropyladenine (2 nM), and was reversed by 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, an A1-receptor antagonist. Thus the inhibition of JCl is likely mediated through A1 receptors. In contrast, Ado had no effect on (JHCO3) either in the presence or absence of AVP. Ado also had no influence on the effect of AVP to inhibit JHCO3. The lack of effect on JHCO3 suggests that the inhibition of JCl by Ado is unlikely to be mediated through changes in cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. These results support the hypothesis that Ado released into the renal medulla during hypoxia may protect the MTAL from ischemic injury by directly inhibiting NaCl absorption and reducing transport-related oxygen consumption.

Regulation of intracellular pH in two cell populations of inner stripe of rabbit outer medullary collecting duct

The inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDis) is a major site of HCO3- reabsorption and urinary acidification. Whether this nephron segment consists of a single or multiple cell types remains unclear. Apical incubation of rabbit OMCDis via luminal perfusion with 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester resulted in heterogeneous fluorescence, suggesting two cell types. This heterogeneity was not prevented by inhibition of either carbonic anhydrase or organic anion transport. Subsequent studies were directed at characterizing the major intracellular pH (pHi) regulatory transporters in these two cell populations. Both cell populations demonstrated similar rates of Na+/H+ exchange, as assessed by peritubular Na(+)-dependent, amiloride-sensitive pHi recovery from an intracellular acid load. In contrast, Na(+)-independent, HCO3(-)-independent pHi recovery from an acid load was present in both cell populations but had two to three times greater activity in a minority cell population. In vivo deoxycorticosterone acetate administration increases this rate in both populations but to a greater extent in the minority cell population. In CO2/HCO3(-)-containing solutions, Cl- removal from the peritubular solution caused 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid-sensitive alkalinization of all cells. Again, the magnitude and rate of alkalinization were significantly greater in the minority cell population. These studies demonstrate that the OMCDis consists of qualitatively similar cells in different states of functional activity. Although they are similar in most characteristics, a minority of cells more actively secrete H+ (independent of Na+) and reabsorb HCO3-.

Heat stress protein-associated cytoprotection of inner medullary collecting duct cells from rat kidney

Although heat stress proteins (HSPs) mediate thermotolerance, the cellular targets of thermal injury and mechanisms of acquired cytoprotection are unknown. To describe the metabolic effects of hyperthermia and the potential mechanisms of thermotolerance, the following were measured in inner medullary collecting duct cells after a 43 degrees C and/or a 50 degrees C thermal insult: 1) state III mitochondrial respiration (SIII MR), 2) glycolytic rate, 3) lactate dehydrogenase activity, 4) membrane permeability, and 5) HSP 72 content. Compared with controls incubated at 37 degrees C, cells heated to 50 degrees C showed a 30 and 50% reduction in glycolysis and SIII MR, respectively. After heating to 50 degrees C, the cell membrane remained intact and immunoreactive HSP 72 was not detected. In contrast, heating to 43 degrees C induced accumulation of HSP 72 and transiently increased both SIII MR and glycolysis. In addition, prior exposure to 43 degrees C completely prevented the fall in SIII MR and glycolysis anticipated with a subsequent 50 degrees C insult. Cytoprotection gradually diminished over several days and correlated with the disappearance of HSP 72. Preservation of oxidative and anaerobic metabolism associated with HSPs may be important in developing resistance to thermal injury.

Thiazide induces water absorption in the inner medullary collecting duct of normal and Brattleboro rats

The reduction of urinary volume after the use of thiazide in the treatment of diabetes insipidus (DI) is known as the "paradoxical effect." Since enhanced proximal solute and water reabsorption only partially account for the reduction in urinary volume, an additional diuretic effect on nephron terminal segments was postulated. Thus the aim of our work was to investigate the effect of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on water transport in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of normal and Brattleboro rats. Osmotic water permeability (P(f)) and diffusional water permeability (P(dw)) were studied at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4 by the in vitro microperfusion technique. In the absence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), HCTZ (10(-6) M) added to the perfused fluid enhanced P(f) from 6.36 +/- 0. 56 to 19.08 +/- 1.70 micro(m)/s (P < 0.01) and P(dw) from 38.01 +/- 4.52 to 52.26 +/- 4.38 x10(-5) cm/s (P < 0.01) in normal rats and also stimulated P(f) in Brattleboro rats from 3.53 +/- 1.41 to 11.16 +/- 1.13 micro(m)/s (P < 0.01). Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) (10(-5) M) added to the bath fluid inhibited HCTZ-stimulated P(f) (in micro(m)/s) as follows: control, 16.93 +/- 2.64; HCTZ, 29.65 +/- 5.67; HCTZ+PGE(2), 10.46 +/- 1.84 (P < 0.01); recovery, 16.77 +/- 4.07. These data indicate that thiazides enhance water absorption in IMCD from normal rats (in the absence of ADH) and from Brattleboro rats and that the HCTZ-stimulated P(f) was partially blocked by PGE(2). Thus we may conclude that the effect of thiazide in the treatment of DI occurs not only in the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransport in the distal tubule but also in the IMCD.

Effect of osmolarity on cation fluxes in medullary thick ascending limb cells

The effects of a hypertonic extracellular medium on furosemide-sensitive Na and K fluxes were studied in isolated cells from the rabbit medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (mTALH). In the control incubation medium, the furosemide-sensitive 22Na uptake was 379.1 +/- 24.4 pmol . mg protein-1 . min-1 and the furosemide-sensitive 86Rb uptake was 30.5 +/- 16.9. The furosemide-sensitive 22Na flux was not stimulated by K gradients directed into the cells, and, conversely, the furosemide-sensitive 86Rb flux was not stimulated by Na gradients directed into the cells. These findings are consistent with a Na-Cl cotransport system. In the presence of 200 mM mannitol, the furosemide-sensitive 22Na and 86Rb fluxes were increased dramatically to 919.4 +/- 76.6 and 106.1 +/- 29.2 pmol . mg protein-1 . min-1, respectively. When the osmolarity of the incubation medium was increased, not only were the furosemide-sensitive fluxes increased but these fluxes became inter-dependent, i.e., removing Na or K prevented the increase in the furosemide-sensitive flux of the other cation. This finding is consistent with a Na-K-2Cl cotransport system in the mTALH cells. The data suggest that the Na-Cl and the Na-K-2Cl cotransport systems may be distinct functions of the same furosemide-sensitive cotransport system and that their expression may be regulated by changes in cell volume.

Prostaglandin E2 inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the inner medullary collecting duct

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is natriuretic and inhibits collecting duct sodium transport by poorly defined mechanisms. To determine the mechanism of this inhibition, we have studied the effect of PGE2 on ouabain-sensitive (transport-dependent) oxygen consumption (QO2), ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake and ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity in fresh suspensions of rabbit inner medullary collecting duct cells, as well as Na+-K+-ATPase activity in inner medullary membranes. PGE2 (10(-5) M) reduced total QO2 by 21.6 +/- 2.3% (mean +/- SE) and reduced the ouabain-sensitive component of QO2 in IMCD cells. PGE2 failed to inhibit QO2 in the absence of sodium or in the presence of ouabain and blunted the increase in QO2 in response to amphotericin B. These results suggested that PGE2 inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Inhibition of pump activity was confirmed by measurements of 86Rb+ uptake: PGE2 (10(-5) M) reduced ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake by 57% at 10 s without altering equilibrium uptake. Furthermore, PGE2 (10(-6) M) reduced ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity by 46% in permeabilized inner medullary collecting duct cells. PGF2 alpha (10(-5) M) did not significantly alter QO2, 86Rb+ uptake, or Na+-K+-ATPase activity. These results demonstrate that PGE2 inhibits inner medullary collecting duct Na+-K+-ATPase activity and suggest a role for this inhibition in the natriuretic effect of PGE2.

Structural-functional correlation in chinchilla long loop of Henle thin limbs: a novel papillary subsegment

The ultrastructural characteristics of thin limb subsegments from chinchilla long loops of Henle were studied in perfusion-fixed kidneys and in isolated perfused tubules. In sections from the perfusion-fixed kidneys, we noted types I, II, III, and IV thin limb epithelia similar to those previously identified in other rodent species. Sections from the deepest 20% of the papillary tip, however, revealed only a single thin limb epithelial type, which had a combination of structural characteristics distinct from previously identified thin limb subtypes. This "papillary type" epithelium had relatively tall cells and a complex cellular organization with extensive interdigitation, numerous shallow tight junctions, and microvilli. In single-tubule studies, thin limb segments dissected from different levels of the outer and inner medulla were perfused in vitro for osmotic water permeability (Pf) measurements and were fixed for ultrastructural examination. Long-loop thin descending limbs (LDL) dissected from the outer medulla (Pf, 2,637 +/- 336 micron/s) had type II epithelium. LDL dissected from the middle of the inner medulla (Pf, 1,570 +/- 76 microns/s) had a type III epithelium. LDL segments dissected from the deepest 20% of the inner medulla had a low but nonzero Pf (68 +/- 9 micron/s) and had the same novel papillary type epithelium seen in sections from fixed kidneys. Thin ascending limbs dissected from inner 50% of the inner medulla had essentially zero Pf (8 +/- 4 micron/s) and had a type IV epithelium. Immunohistochemical localization of CHIP28 water channel protein confirmed the presence of CHIP28 in thin descending limbs throughout the outer 75% of the inner medulla, whereas labeling was essentially absent in the deep inner medulla where the low-PfLDL (novel papillary type epithelium) is located.

Increased renal medullary echogenicity in patients with Williams syndrome

Williams syndrome is characterized by peripheral artery stenosis such as supravalvular aortic stenosis, a distinctive dysmorphic facies, mental retardation and occasionally by transient infantile hypercalcemia. Twenty-five children with this syndrome underwent abdominal ultrasound examinations in our institution between 1983-1988. Five showed an increase in the renal medullary echogenicity consistent with medullary nephrocalcinosis. The echogenicity did not change with time. Two of the five had documented hypercalcemia in infancy. The other three did not have calcium measurements in infancy. No patient with normal serum calcium measurements during infancy developed nephrocalcinosis. Renal ultrasound may add information as to the incidence of infantile hypercalcemia in Williams syndrome.

Luminal acidification in K-replete OMCDi: contributions of H-K-ATPase and bafilomycin-A1-sensitive H-ATPase

We have previously demonstrated that basolateral addition of the gastric H-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (H-K-ATPase) inhibitor Sch-28080 (10 microM) profoundly reduced net total CO2 flux (JtCO2) in the inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDi) of K-replete rabbits. In the present studies, we first addressed whether the inhibitory effect of Sch-28080 is dependent on the side of the membrane to which it is added. Second, we reassessed the relative magnitude of contribution of H-K-ATPase. Third, we formally tested whether a bafilomycin-A1 (BAF)-sensitive H-ATPase also contributes to luminal acidification in the OMCDi under K-replete dietary conditions. We found that luminal addition of the structurally and functionally dissimilar gastric H-K-ATPase inhibitor A80915A (10 microM) profoundly reduced JtCO2 while transepithelial voltage (VT) was unchanged. This degree of inhibition was statistically indistinguishable from our previous results when Sch-28080 was applied basolaterally. Inhibition of JtCO2 by the less membrane-permeable N-methyl cation of Sch-28080, H224/25, was significant when applied luminally but was not significant when applied basolaterally. VT was not significantly affected by either the luminal or basolateral addition of H224/25. To evaluate the possible contribution of an H-ATPase, the effect of both 5.0 nM and 10.0 nM luminal BAF on JtCO2 and VT was examined. At 5.0 nM, BAF significantly inhibited JtCO2). However, this observation was significantly less (P < 0.05) than the inhibition observed with 10 microM A80915A. No additional inhibition was observed by increasing the concentration of BAF to 10.0 nM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Water permeability of apical and basolateral cell membranes of rat inner medullary collecting duct

To quantify the pathways for water permeation through the kidney medulla, knowledge of the water permeability (Posmol) of individual cell membranes in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is required. Therefore IMCD segments from the inner two thirds of inner medulla of Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused in vitro using a setup devised for rapid bath and luminal fluid exchanges (half time, t1/2, of 55 and 41 ms). Differential interference contrast microscopy, coupled to video recording, was used to measure volume and approximate surface areas of single cells. Volume and volume-to-surface area ratio of IMCD cells were strongly correlated with their position along the inner medullary axis. Transmembrane water flow (Jv) was measured in response to a variety of osmotic gradients (delta II) presented on either basolateral or luminal side of the cells. The linear relation between Jv and delta II yielded the cell membrane Posmol, which was then corrected for membrane infoldings. Basolateral membrane Posmol was 126 +/- 3 microns/s. Apical membrane Posmol rose from a basal value of 26 +/- 3 microns/s to 99 +/- 5 microns/s in presence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Because of amplification of basolateral membrane, the ADH-stimulated apical membrane remained rate-limiting for transcellular osmotic water flow, and the IMCD cell did not swell significantly. Calculated transcellular Posmol, expressed in terms of smooth luminal surface, was 64 microns/s without ADH and 207 microns/s with ADH. IMCD cells in anisosmotic media displayed almost complete volume regulatory decrease but only partial volume regulatory increase.

Detection of specific mRNAs in single nephron segments by use of the polymerase chain reaction

We have developed a procedure to detect specific mRNAs in single renal nephron segments. This approach combines microdissection, reverse transcription (RT) of the target mRNA, and amplification of the resulting cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After microdissection, the sample is placed in a tube where it is permeabilized and where all reactions are performed directly without the need for isolation of the RNA. Our model target was the mRNA for aldose reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of glucose to sorbitol. Its expression is modulated by changes in extracellular osmolality in the renal medulla. RT-PCR of inner medullary collecting duct (1 mm) and glomeruli (6-10) yielded a product of the predicted length (670 base pairs) defined by the PCR primers. Its identity was confirmed by a specific oligonucleotide probe that differed from the primers. RT-PCR of proximal tubules (1 mm) resulted in no aldose reductase-specific amplification product. RT-PCR is generally applicable for measuring specific gene expression in single nephron segments or small numbers of cultured cells. Utility, limitations, and refinements of this approach are discussed.

H(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rat collecting duct segments

Previous studies have suggested the presence of an H(+)-K(+)-ATPase in rat cortical and medullary intercalated cells with similar properties to the gastric proton pump. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional contribution of an H(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase(ATPase) to total CO2 (tCO2) transport along the rat collecting duct. After baseline determination of tCO2 transport in isolated perfused collecting duct segments, Sch 28080 (10 microM) was added to either the perfusate or bath. When Sch 28080 was added to the perfusate, there was no effect in the cortical collecting duct (CCD, 20.8 +/- 6.7 vs. 25.3 + 3.0 pmol.mm-1.min-1), but a marked decrease in tCO2 absorption was effected in both the outer medullary (OMCD, 37.6 + 6.2 vs. 10.7 +/- 4.1 pmol.mm-1.min-1) and initial inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD1, 34.4 +/- 8.1 vs. 16.2 +/- 5.6 pmol.mm-1.min-1). In the CCD from rats with acute alkalosis in vivo, Sch 28080 added to the bath inhibited tCO2 secretion in the CCD (-17.1 +/- 4.4 vs 3.5 + 3.3 pmol.mm-1.min-1). These findings suggest that 1) H(+)-K(+)-ATPase is important in tCO2 absorption in the OMCD and IMCD1 and in tCO2 secretion in the CCD, 2) HCO3(-)-absorbing intercalated cells differ functionally in the cortex and medulla, 3) HCO3- secretion is not the reverse process of HCO3- absorption in the CCD, and 4) H(+)-K(+)-ATPase is important in distal acidification under normal and altered acid-base conditions.

Net acid transport by isolated perfused inner medullary collecting ducts

The isolated perfused tubule technique was used to study net acid transport in rat terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) segments. The stop-flow luminal pH [measured fluorometrically with the acidic form of the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein in the lumen] fell 0.35 units below the bath pH in tubules from control rats and 0.53 units below the bath in tubules from deoxycorticosterone-treated rats. Tubules from control rats absorbed bicarbonate and secreted ammonium against concentration gradients, although at low rates. In control rats, 10(-8) M vasopressin added to the bath increased bicarbonate absorption almost threefold. Treatment of rats in vivo with deoxycorticosterone significantly increased the rate of bicarbonate absorption in vitro. In vivo NH4Cl loading also significantly increased bicarbonate absorption. Staining microdissected tubules with acridine orange confirmed that the perfused segments lacked intercalated cells. We conclude that the terminal IMCD spontaneously acidifies the lumen despite an absence of intercalated cells. Bicarbonate absorption appears to be regulated by the same factors that affect net acidification in other collecting duct segments.

Rubidium absorption and proton secretion by rabbit outer medullary collecting duct via H-K-ATPase

Multiple lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the outer medullary collecting duct from the inner stripe (OMCDi) possesses a functional proton-potassium-activated adenosinetriphosphatase (H-K-ATPase). To examine the effect of inhibition of H-K-ATPase on Rb efflux, we measured the Rb tracer rate efflux coefficient (KRb) across the OMCDi of animals adapted to a K-restricted diet using the selective K-competitive H-K-ATPase inhibitor, Sch 28080. Sch 28080 (10 microM) did not significantly alter transepithelial voltage (VT) but significantly decreased KRb by 41%. We further examined the effect of 10% peritubular CO2 on KRb and the subsequent effect of Sch 28080 (10 microM) on KRb. After exposure to 10% CO2 for 120 min, vehicle-treated tubules exhibited a small but significant increase in KRb without a significant change in VT. In contrast, 10 microM Sch 28080 significantly decreased KRb by 44% without affecting VT. The lack of an effect of H-K-ATPase inhibition on VT in the presence of either 5% or 10% CO2 was in marked contrast to the effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibition (CAI). CAI consistently and significantly decreased VT either in the presence of 5% or 10% CO2. To address whether H-K-ATPase also participates in proton secretion we examined the effect of Sch 28080 (10 microM) on net bicarbonate absorption by the OMCDi of rabbits fed a normal rabbit ration and rabbits adapted to a K-restricted diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Medullary cystic kidney disease with hyperuricemia and gout in a large Cypriot family: no allelism with nephronophthisis type 1

We describe a large Cypriot family with an interstitial type of nephropathy, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait that led to end stage renal failure between 51 to 78 years of age (mean 62.2 years). Twenty-three people are known to be affected, but several younger relatives with normal renal function may remain undiagnosed because of the absence of precise clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria. This nephropathy is associated with medullary renal cysts, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and gout. Several relatives have typical medullary cystic disease (MCD), while in the others the findings are compatible with this diagnosis. Due to the similarity of clinical and pathologic findings, earlier reports had suggested that MCD may be allelic to autosomal recessive familial juvenile nephronophthisis, which was mapped recently to chromosome band 2q13. Linkage analysis of the present family with a closely linked marker excluded linkage to the above locus. Linkage was also excluded to the PKD1 locus of adult polycystic kidney disease type 1, and up to 5 cM on either side, on chromosome 16. We suggest that because of the element of hyperuricemia and gout found in this family, although with reduced penetrance, it may represent a variant of autosomal dominant MCD of the adult type. This variability may be the result of allelic or locus heterogeneity. Molecular genetic approaches including linkage analysis on appropriate families will certainly assist in classifying such related genetically heterogeneous disorders.

Characterization of anion exchangers in an inner medullary collecting duct cell line

Although the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) plays a major role in urinary acidification, the molecular identification of many of the specific components of the transport system in this nephron segment are lacking. A cultured line of rat IMCD cells was used to characterize the mediators of cellular HCO3 exit. This cell line functionally resembles alpha-intercalated cells. Physiologic experiments document that HCO3- transport is a reversible, electroneutral, Cl dependent, Na+-independent process. It can be driven by Cl-gradients and inhibited by stilbenes such as 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. Immunohistochemical analysis, using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against the carboxy-terminal 12 amino acids of anion exchanger 1 (AE1), revealed a distribution of immunoreactive protein that is consistent with a basolateral localization of AE in cultured cells and in alpha-intercalated cells identified in sections of rat kidney cortex. Immunoblot revealed two immunoreactive bands (approximately 100 and 180 kD in size) in membranes from cultured IMCD cells, rat renal medulla, and freshly isolated IMCD cells. The mobility of the lower molecular weight band was similar to that of AE1 in red blood cell ghosts and kidney homogenate and therefore probably represents AE1. The mobility of the 180-kD band is similar to that for rat stomach and kidney AE2 and therefore probably represents AE2. Selective biotinylation of the apical or basolateral membrane proteins in cultured IMCD cells revealed that both AE1 and AE2 are polarized to the basolateral membrane. Northern blot analysis documented the expression of mRNA for AE1 and AE2 but not AE3. Furthermore, the cDNA sequence of AE1 and AE2 expressed by these cells was found to be virtually identical to that reported for kidney AE1 and rat stomach AE2. It is concluded that this cultured line of rat IMCD cells expresses two members of the anion exchanger gene family, AE1 and AE2, and both of these exchangers probably mediate the electroneutral Cl--dependent HCO3-transport observed in this cell line.

Regulation of endothelin production and secretion in cultured collecting duct cells by endogenous transforming growth factor-beta

Confluent cultures of two renal collecting duct cell lines (M-1 and mIMCD-K2 cells derived from cortical and inner medullary collecting ducts, respectively) express endothelin1 (ET1), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta; both TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2), and both types of the TGF beta receptor. Experiments were performed to test whether endogenous TGF beta may be a paracrine modulator of ET1 expression in these cells. Treatment of M-1 and mIMCD-K2 cells with TGF beta 2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) significantly reduced ET1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and ET secretion (as well as TGF beta 2 mRNA) in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas control ODN were without significant effects. To produce ET inhibition, antisense ODN had to be present in the basolateral medium, whereas its sole presence in the apical medium was without effect. In addition, a pan-specific TGF beta antibody caused a significant reduction of ET1 mRNA expression and ET1 secretion. M-1 cells were found to express high levels of the mRNA for plasminogen activator of both tissue and urokinase types. Addition of the nonspecific serine protease inhibitor aprotinin (50 micrograms/ml) to the medium for 24 h significantly reduced the secretion of ET1. These results suggest that secretion of endogenous TGF beta, at least in part activated by the plasminogen/plasmin system, participates in the regulation of ET1 synthesis and secretion by collecting duct cell lines.

H(+)-K(+)-ATPase mediates net acid secretion in rat terminal inner medullary collecting duct

Studies in our laboratory have demonstrated total CO2 absorption (JtCO2) and total ammonia secretion in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (tIMCD) perfused in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the H(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (H(+)-K(+)-ATPase) participates in proton secretion or JtCO2 in this segment. Tubules from the middle third of the tIMCD were dissected from rats with chronic metabolic acidosis (300 mM NH4Cl, 3-4 days in drinking water) and perfused in vitro. Perfusate and bath were symmetrical solutions containing 5 mM KCl, 6 mM NH4Cl, and 25 mM NaHCO3. Bafilomycin A1 (5 nM), a specific inhibitor of the H(+)-ATPase, did not affect JtCO2 compared with baseline (JtCO2, 3.0 +/- 1.0 and 3.0 +/- 0.8; n = 6, P = not significant) or with time controls (n = 4). With removal of luminal K+, JtCO2 fell from 2.8 +/- 0.6 to 1.6 +/- 0.4 pmol.mm-1.min-1 (n = 5, P < 0.05). To further evaluate K(+)-sensitive JtCO2, the effect of H(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition on JtCO2 was explored using the specific H(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, Sch-28080. Addition of 10 microM Sch-28080 to the luminal perfusate decreased JtCO2 (2.7 +/- 0.4 to 1.4 +/- 0.5 pmol.mm-1. min-1; n = 5, P < 0.05) but did not alter transepithelial membrane potential. Thus luminal Sch-28080 addition, as well as luminal K+ removal, limits apical H+ exit or OH-/HCO3- entry. These results demonstrate that net acid secretion is mediated by the H(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the tIMCD.

Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors coupled to Ca2+ mobilization in rat inner medullary collecting duct

In renal collecting duct epithelial cells, arginine vasopressin (AVP) at greater than nanomolar concentrations has been reported to transiently increase intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in a manner consistent with activation of the phosphoinositide pathway. To investigate whether any of the known neurohypophysial hormone subtypes are involved, we measured [Ca2+]i in microdissected rat terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) using fura-2. To allow quantitative comparisons of the response under different conditions, we determined the areas under the response curves (in nM.min) over 1.5 min using numerical integration. AVP, the V1b-receptor agonist [deamino1,D-3-(pyridyl)Ala2,Arg8]vasopressin, the V2-receptor agonist 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, and the selective oxytocin-receptor agonist [Thr4,Gly7]oxytocin (TG-OXT), each at 10 nM, significantly increased [Ca2+]i (69.52 +/- 10.25, 27.0 +/- 11.7, 24.33 +/- 5.83, 14.75 +/- 2.81, and 14.57 +/- 3.50 nM.min, respectively). In contrast, a V1a-selective agonist ([Phe2,Ile3,Orn8]vasopressin) did not increase [Ca2+]i (0.43 +/- 2.36 nM.min). In desensitization studies, challenge with 10 nM AVP or TG-OXT completely prevented a rise in [Ca2+]i in response to immediate rechallenge with the same agent, but not the other, demonstrating homologous desensitization. The lack of cross-desensitization implies that at least two receptors are present that can trigger a rise in [Ca2+]i in response to neurohypophysial hormones. Antagonists for oxytocin ([des-glycinamide9,d(CH2)5(1),O-Me-Tyr2,Thr4,Orn8]vaso tocin), V2 ([d(CH2)5(1),D-Ile2,Ile4,Arg8]vasopressin), and V1a ([d(CH2)5(1),O-Me-Tyr2,Arg8]vasopressin) receptors partially inhibited the [Ca2+]i response induced by 10 nM AVP (89.5, 81.6, and 51.4% inhibition, respectively). These data are consistent with the view that both an oxytocin receptor and a vasopressin receptor are coupled to a [Ca2+]i mobilization response in rat terminal IMCD. This vasopressin receptor is distinct from both the V1a receptor and the V2 receptor and may be either the V1b receptor or a novel vasopressin receptor subtype.

Na(+)-H+ antiporter and Na(+)-(HCO3-)n symporter regulate intracellular pH in mouse medullary thick limbs of Henle

To determine mechanisms of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in mouse medullary thick limbs (MTAL), pHi was measured in MTAL suspensions and in the isolated perfused MTAL by use of 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). A method to obtain MTAL suspensions from the mouse outer medulla is reported. Characterization of suspensions with microscopy, anti-Tamm-Horsfall antibody labeling, measurement of O2 consumption, and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate responses to antidiuretic hormone indicated that these suspensions were highly purified for viable MTAL tubules. The resting pHi was 7.41 +/- 0.02 (means +/- SE) in N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid-buffered media and 7.23 +/- 0.02 in CO2- HCO3(-)-buffered media, both at extracellular pH 7.4. MTAL tubules exhibited rapid pHi recovery from intracellular acidification. Recovery of pHi was dependent on luminal Na+ (apparent Km = 13.2 +/- 3.2 mM) and was inhibited by amiloride (apparent Ki = 10.6 microM), consistent with the activity of an apical Na(+)-H+ antiporter. Antiporter activity was enhanced by acidification and was diminished at the resting pHi. Recovery from intracellular alkalinization (rapid withdrawal of CO2- HCO3-) was sensitive to the stilbene anion transport inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, Cl(-)-insensitive, and Na(+)-sensitive, consistent with the activity of a Na(+)-(HCO3-)n symporter. Both transporters were significantly involved in steady-state pHi regulation in the presence of CO2- HCO3-. In contrast, the Na(+)-H+ antiporter played the dominant role in steady-state pHi regulation in the absence of CO2- HCO3-.