Role of vasopressin in renal vascular changes with hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis in conscious dogs

To evaluate the role of vasopressin in the renal changes during combined acute hypoxemia and acute hypercapnic acidosis, eight conscious female mongrel dogs prepared with controlled sodium intake at 80 meq/24 h for 4 days were studied in one of the following six protocols: acute hypoxemia (80 min, arterial PO2 34 +/- 1 mmHg) followed by combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis (40 min, arterial PO2 35 +/- 1 mmHg, arterial PCO2 58 +/- 1 mmHg, pH = 7.20 +/- 0.01) during 1) intrarenal vehicle at 0.5 ml/min (N = 8); or 2) intrarenal infusion of vasopressin V1-receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP at 5 ng.kg-1.min-1 (N = 5); and with normal gas exchange during 3) intrarenal vasopressin at 0.05 mU.kg-1.min-1 (N = 8); 4) simultaneous infusion of intrarenal vasopressin and [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP, 5 ng.kg-1.min-1 (N = 4); 5) intrarenal [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP, 5 ng.kg-1.min-1 (N =4); and 6) intrarenal vehicle at 0.5 ml/min (N = 7). Intrarenal infusion of a subpressor dose of vasopressin resulted in a transient decrease in glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow over the first 20 min of infusion, suggesting that vasopressin induced nonsustained vasoconstriction of the renal vasculature. Intrarenal administration of [d(CH2)5Tyr-(Me)]AVP failed to block the fall in glomerular filtration rate or effective renal plasma flow when renal arterial blood vasopressin levels were elevated by intrarenal administration of exogenous vasopressin or by elevated systemic arterial endogenous circulating vasopressin during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis. These data suggest that vasopressin (V1-receptor stimulation) does not play an important role in the renal vasoconstriction during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis in conscious dogs.

Recruitment of renin gene-expressing cells in adult rat kidneys

To define whether angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition affects the distribution of renin gene-expressing cells within the kidney, a control group of adult male Wistar-Kyoto rats (C, n = 7) was compared with a group of rats treated with enalapril (E, n = 6) for 5 days. Renin mRNA distribution was assessed using in situ hybridization to a 35S-labeled 28 mer oligonucleotide complementary to rat renin mRNA. Whereas in control rats renin mRNA was confined to a juxtaglomerular location, in enalapril-treated rats, renin mRNA extended proximally along the length of the afferent arteriole. The percent of visible afferent arteriolar length containing renin mRNA was higher in enalapril-treated (71.7 +/- 2.8%) than in control (49.6 +/- 2.1%) rats (P less than 0.0001). These findings were accompanied by an increase in the percent of juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGAs) containing renin mRNA (71 +/- 2.2 vs. 49 +/- 2.9%; E vs. C, P less than 0.0001). Also, the intensity of the JGA hybridization signals was higher in enalapril-treated (757 +/- 59 grains/JGA) than in control (167 +/- 11 grains/JGA) rats (P less than 0.00001). We conclude that the increased kidney renin gene expression elicited by ACE inhibition is the result of an increase in renin mRNA content per JGA, an increase in the number of JGAs expressing the renin gene, and a recruitment of renin gene-expressing cells along the afferent arteriole.

Renin release and gene expression in intact rat kidney microvessels and single cells

To investigate whether newborn kidney microvessels and isolated single microvascular cells have the capacity to release renin and/or alter the expression of the renin gene in response to adenylate cyclase stimulation, newborn kidney microvessels were isolated and purified (95%) using an iron perfusion/enzymatic digestion technique. Incubation of microvessels with either vehicle (control; C) or 10(-5) M forskolin (F) in media resulted in an increase in microvessel cAMP (0.67 +/- 0.13 vs. 22 +/- 4.6 pmol/min per mg protein) (P less than 0.005) and renin released into the culture media (1,026 +/- 98 vs. 1,552 +/- 159 pg angiotensin I/h per mg protein) (P = 0.008) (C vs. F). Renin mRNA levels in the newborn kidney microvessels increased 1.6-fold with forskolin treatment. Renin release by isolated, single microvascular cells (with or without forskolin) was assessed using the reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Forskolin administration resulted in an increase in the number of renin-secreting cells without changes in the amount of renin secreted by individual cells. In conclusion, newborn kidney microvessels and isolated renin-releasing microvascular cells possess a functionally active adenylate cyclase whose short-term stimulation results in accumulation of cAMP, a significant increase in renin release, and an enhancement of renin gene expression. The increase in renin release is due to recruitment of microvascular cells secreting renin. Recruitment of hormone-secreting cells in response to stimuli may prove to be a mechanism of general biological importance shared by many endocrine cell types.

Dopamine-1 and dopamine-2 mechanisms in the control of renal function

Dopamine (DA), a catecholamine produced in the kidney, is a renal vasodilator and natriuretic substance, but its action at dopamine-1 (DA-1), dopamine-2 (DA-2) and alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors limits its effectiveness as a heuristic tool and pharmacologic agent. We have studied the effects of highly selective DA-1 and DA-2 receptor agonists and antagonists in normal human subjects and experimental animals to determine the precise physiological role of renal dopamine at DA-1 and DA-2 receptors within the kidney. We studied fenoldopam, a selective DA-1 agonist, in normal human subjects in metabolic balances at high (300 mEq/day) and low (10 mEq/day) sodium (Na) intake. Selective DA-1 receptor stimulation during high Na intake resulted in renal vasodilation, natriuresis and diuresis in a sustained manner for 3 hours. The natriuresis was mediated by a reduction in Na reabsorption at both proximal and distal tubular sites. In contrast, during low Na intake, DA-1 receptor stimulation did not engender a natriuretic or diuretic response. Thus, sodium depletion may inhibit the function of renal tubular cells in response to DA-1 stimulation. DA-1 receptors are present in the medial layer of the renal vasculature, proximal tubule and cortical collecting duct; DA-2 receptors are localized to the glomerulus, the renal nerves surrounding renal blood vessels and possibly the renal vascular endothelium. We have performed studies in conscious dogs with indwelling renal arterial catheters to identify the physiological role of renal DA to DA-1 and DA-2 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of renin and its mRNA in the adult rat kidney with chronic ureteral obstruction

Angiotensin II has been implicated in mediating renal vasoconstriction resulting from chronic unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in both mature and developing animals. We have previously shown that chronic neonatal UUO results in increased distribution of renin and its mRNA in the obstructed kidney, as well as of immunoreactive renin in the intact opposite kidney. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of 24 hours versus 4 weeks of UUO on the distribution of renin mRNA and its protein in the adult rat kidney. Renin was detected by immunocytochemistry using a polyclonal anti-rat renin antibody. Renin mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization to an oligonucleotide complementary to renin mRNA. UUO of 24 hours' or 4 weeks' duration did not alter the distribution of renin and its mRNA in the obstructed kidneys as compared with sham-operated kidneys, although kidneys obstructed for 4 weeks had a significant increase in the percent of renin-containing juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JCA) when compared with the intact opposite kidneys (P less than 0.05). Compensatory hypertrophy was not present in the intact opposite kidneys after 24 hours of UUO and distribution of renin gene expression was not altered at that time. However, 4 weeks following contralateral UUO, the intact kidneys were hypertrophied and showed a decrease in renin gene expression relative to the obstructed and sham-operated kidneys. We conclude that unlike UUO during early development, chronic UUO in the mature animal does not activate renin gene expression nor alter renin distribution in the obstructed kidneys. Renin gene expression is suppressed in the hypertrophied kidney with prolonged contralateral UUO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Selective peripheral dopamine-1 receptor stimulation. Differential responses to sodium loading and depletion in humans

Dopamine-1 (DA1) receptors in the renal tubules may be involved in the regulation of sodium homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, fenoldopam, a selective DA1 agonist, was infused at 0.05 microgram/kg/min i.v. in 16 normal male subjects in metabolic balance at 300 or 10 meq sodium. Renal function studies were performed by standard p-aminohippurate, inulin, and lithium clearances for three periods: 1) precontrol (2 hours), 2) experimental (3 hours), and 3) postcontrol (2 hours). DA1 receptor stimulation in sodium-loaded individuals increased the following parameters during the experimental period: urine flow rate, from 12.5 +/- 0.4 to 15.5 +/- 0.5 ml/min (p less than 0.05); urinary sodium excretion, from 309 +/- 12 to 489 +/- 18 mu eq/min (p less than 0.001); renal plasma flow, from 631 +/- 19 to 717 +/- 21 ml/min (p less than 0.005); fractional sodium excretion, from 2.2 +/- 0.1% to 3.4 +/- 0.1% (p less than 0.001); fractional lithium excretion, from 26.2 +/- 0.7% to 32.1 +/- 0.8% (p less than 0.005); and distal sodium load, from 10.7 +/- 0.4 to 13.8 +/- 0.5 ml/min (p less than 0.05). The increase in fractional sodium excretion was greater than that of fractional lithium excretion (p less than 0.0001). Distal sodium reabsorption decreased from 78.3 +/- 0.8% to 73.2 +/- 1.1% but the change was not statistically significant. In contrast, sodium-depleted subjects exhibited no significant changes except in renal plasma flow, which rose from 550 +/- 13 to 625 +/- 17 ml/min (p less than 0.0001). Glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged through the entire study. These results indicate that diuretic and natriuretic responses are mediated by DA1 receptors at both proximal and distal tubular sites. Attenuation of the DA1 natriuretic response during sodium depletion suggests a direct inhibition of cellular DA1 mechanisms in the renal tubule or recruitment of nondopaminergic compensatory homeostatic mechanisms within the kidney.

Interrelationship of atrial natriuretic peptide, atrial volume, and renal function in premature infants

Infants experience dramatic changes in fluid balance during the first few days of life, which provides an opportunity to observe the interrelationships of changing atrial size, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion, and renal function during a relatively short period. To study these relationships, we examined nine infant boys (mean birth weight 1180 gm and gestational age 30 weeks) at 20 to 28 hours of age and then at four 24-hour intervals. Measurements included plasma ANP concentration, two-dimensional echocardiographic estimations of left and right atrial volumes, Doppler determination of ductus arteriosus patency, creatinine clearance, urine flow rate, urinary sodium excretion, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) excretion. Plasma ANP concentration was found to decrease with age and to correlate with decreasing size of the right atrium, closure of the ductus arteriosus, urinary cGMP excretion, and sodium excretion. We speculate that elevated plasma ANP values in a preterm neonate reflect an expanded volume state. As volume contraction, reflected by decreasing atrial volume and body weight occurs, ANP levels decrease, which may diminish diuresis. These findings are compatible with a significant role for ANP in volume homeostasis of newborn infants.

In situ localization of renin and its mRNA in neonatal ureteral obstruction

Angiotensin II is an important mediator of renal vasoconstriction resulting from chronic unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Distribution of renin mRNA and immunoreactive renin (IR) was examined in kidneys of 1-mo-old Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to either sham operation (n = 21), left complete UUO (n = 21), or right uninephrectomy (UNX, n = 16) at 2 days of age. There were no differences among the three groups in mean arterial pressure or plasma renin activity. Unlike sham kidneys, in which IR was detected in less than 55% of juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) and was confined to a juxtaglomerular location, IR in both kidneys of animals with UUO appeared in greater than 75% of JGA and extended along most of the length of the afferent arteriole (P less than 0.01). In contrast, IR in kidneys of UNX rats was localized to the JGA as in sham-operated animals. Compared with sham-operated kidneys, renal renin content was increased in the obstructed kidneys (P less than 0.01) but decreased in the intact opposite kidneys of UUO rats and in the remaining kidneys of UNX rats (P less than 0.05). Renin mRNA, detected by in situ hybridization histochemistry, was localized to the JGA in kidneys of all groups. However, the fraction of JGA containing detectable renin mRNA was higher in obstructed kidneys than in intact opposite, UNX, or sham kidneys (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, UUO alters intrarenal renin independent of the systemic renin-angiotensin system. The greater distribution of IR, increased renin content, and renin gene expression of kidneys with ipsilateral UUO are consistent with a role for renin-angiotensin in mediating the vasoconstriction resulting from UUO.

Role of atrial natriuretic peptide in the response to blood volume expansion in the weanling rat

After acute blood volume expansion (BVE) in the rat, diuresis and natriuresis are reported to be minimal in rats 20 to 30 d of age, but increase to mature levels by 40 d of age. To evaluate the role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its renal action in BVE, anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were studied at 25 to 30 (group I) and 45 to 50 d of age (group II). Hematocrit, mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow rate, urine sodium excretion, urine cyclic GMP excretion, and plasma ANP concentration [( ANP]) were measured before and after infusion of donor littermate whole blood, 2.5% body wt (BVE), and in time controls (no BVE) in each group. Baseline hematocrit, mean arterial pressure, and glomerular filtration rate were greater in group II than group I, but urine flow rate, urine sodium excretion, urine cyclic GMP excretion, and [ANP] did not differ. BVE caused a prompt increase in urine flow rate, urine sodium excretion, and [ANP], but not urine cyclic GMP excretion, in both groups, but there was no difference in the response between groups. Additional groups of rats of the same ages as groups I and II studied using a protocol similar to that of a previous report also showed the "mature" diuretic and natriuretic response even in the younger animals. We conclude that there is no further maturation of the renal response to acute BVE in the euvolemic rat after 25 d of age. The increase in [ANP] after acute BVE in the immature weanling rat is consistent with a role for ANP in mediation of the renal response.

Combined intrarenal blockade of the renin-angiotensin system in the conscious dog

We produced maximal or near-maximal acute intrarenal blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by combining inhibitors. Intrarenal infusion of the renin inhibitor, ACRIP, the converting enzyme inhibitor, teprotide, and saralasin were administered individually or combined in random order. The inhibitors were infused for 20 min in doses that did not produce systemic effects in uninephrectomized conscious dogs in sodium balance at 10 meq/day. Significant increases in urine flow rate (UV; F = 97, P less than 0.0001), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV; F = 220, P less than 0.0001), glomerular filtration rate (GFR; F = 64, P less than 0.0001), and renal plasma flow (RPF; F = 108, P less than 0.0001) were observed with each blocker, whether alone or in combination except that ACRIP alone did not alter GFR or RPF. The increase in renal function was related to the number of blockers (3 greater than 2 greater than 1). With the three blockers combined UV increased approximately sixfold (from 0.5 +/- 0.06 to 2.9 +/- 0.03 ml/min), UNaV approximately 10-fold (from 3 +/- 0.4 to 34 +/- 2.8 mueq/min), GFR from 31 +/- 2 to 49 +/- 2 ml/min, RPF from 59 +/- 1 to 120 +/- 4 ml/min, and fractional excretion of sodium from 0.06 +/- 0.01 to 0.5 +/- 0.4% (all P less than 0.001). These changes did not occur where the inhibitors were infused systemically and the changes during intrarenal blocker administration were blocked completely with co-administration of angiotensin II intrarenally. The intrarenal RAS is a potent physiological regulator of renal function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hematocrit modulates response of ANP to volume expansion in immature rats

Compared with the adult, the immature kidney responds to acute volume expansion (VE) with reduced diuresis and natriuresis. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Diuresis and natriuresis are blunted despite a lower hematocrit (Hct) in the immature rat, which should enhance the response to VE. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), its second messenger, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), and Hct in the regulation of the renal response to acute saline VE (3% body wt) during postnatal development in rats. Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in the preweaning (group P) or postweaning period (group W). In additional groups, Hct was increased in preweaned rats (group PI) and decreased in postweaned rats (group WD) by isovolemic exchange transfusion before VE. Although control plasma ANP concentration [( ANP]) was not different among the four groups, the increased diuretic and natriuretic response to VE in group W was associated with a greater increase in [ANP] and urinary cGMP excretion (UcGMPV) than in group P (P less than 0.05). Experimental increases in Hct in group PI resulted in greater [ANP] after VE but a reduction in UcGMPV and diuresis (P less than 0.05), whereas decrease in Hct in group WD increased UcGMPV without a significant effect on [ANP], diuresis, or natriuresis. We conclude that ANP may contribute to the increasing renal response to VE with maturation and that Hct modulates ANP release, UcGMPV, and the renal response to VE in postnatal maturation.

Identification of individual renocortical cells that secrete renin

Successful application of the reverse hemolytic plaque assay was developed to identify individual renocortical cells that secrete renin directly. The plaque assay was validated by a number of established criteria. Using this technique, we demonstrate an increase in renin secretion with beta-adrenergic stimulation and an inhibition of renin secretion with extracellular calcium in groups of renin-secreting cells. Transmission electron microscopy of the cell in the center of a hemolytic plaque demonstrated a modified vascular smooth muscle cell with densely packed secretory granules. Electron microscopy immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of renin in the secretory granules, confirming the identity of the cell as a renal juxtaglomerular cell. The technology developed here has allowed the precise identification and study of the individual renin-secreting juxtaglomerular cell.

Combined intrarenal renin-angiotensin blockade alters renal function and this is reversed by angiotensin II

All the components of the renin-angiotensin system are present within the kidney and intrarenal effects have been demonstrated. We have previously shown that intrarenally confined doses of angiotensin II (Ang II) decreased renal excretory and haemodynamic function. In the present study we investigated an increase in renal excretory and haemodynamic function in response to intrarenally confined doses of the renin inhibitor ACRIP to inhibit renin, teprotide to inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and saralasin to block Ang II receptors. We studied the effects of combined intrarenal blockade of the renin-angiotensin system in five female uninephrectomized conscious dogs on a sodium metabolic balance of 5 mmol/day. We infused ACRIP, teprotide and saralasin combined over 30 min in doses confined to the kidney, and again with an intrarenally confined dose of Ang II. There were no changes in renal function during the control study. During the combined infusion (ACRIP + teprotide + saralasin), the urine flow rate increased from 0.4 +/- 0.1 to 0.9 +/- 0.1 ml/min (P less than 0.001), urinary sodium excretion increased from 6.4 +/- 0.4 to 30.2 +/- 2.5 mumol/min (P less than 0.0001), the glomerular filtration rate increased from 29.3 +/- 0.7 to 42.0 +/- 1.2 ml/min (P less than 0.0001), renal plasma flow increased from 60.3 +/- 0.8 to 139.6 +/- 1.8 ml/min (P less than 0.001) and the fractional sodium excretion increased from 0.1 +/- 0.01 to 0.5 +/- 0.04% (P less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Distribution of renin mRNA and its protein in the developing kidney

The intrarenal distribution of renin changes markedly during maturation. To determine whether renin gene expression changes along the developing renal vasculature, renin mRNA distribution was assessed using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Fetal, newborn, and adult kidney tissue sections from Wistar-Kyoto rats were hybridized with an oligonucleotide complementary to rat renin mRNA. In fetal kidneys, renin mRNA was found in the vascular pole of juxtamedullary glomeruli and along afferent, interlobular, and arcuate arteries. In kidneys from newborn rats, renin mRNA localized throughout the whole length of afferent arterioles, but was not detected in interlobular or arcuate arteries. In adult kidneys, hybridization signals were less intense and confined to the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Immunolocalization of renin with a polyclonal anti-rat renin antibody paralleled closely the mRNA distribution. Northern blot analyses demonstrated that renin mRNA levels were higher in fetal and newborn (20- and 10-fold, respectively) than in adult kidneys. We conclude the following. 1) The fetal kidney expresses the renin gene. 2) Expression of the renin gene is subjected to developmental changes. 3) As maturation progresses, localization of renin synthesis and storage shifts from large intrarenal arteries to a restricted, classical juxtaglomerular site in the afferent arteriole.

Evidence that intrarenal dopamine acts as a paracrine substance at the renal tubule

Dopamine is synthesized within the kidney and dopamine 1 (DA1) receptors are associated with the proximal tubule. In pharmacological doses, dopamine increases renal blood flow and sodium excretion. It is possible that dopamine formed intrarenally acts locally via renal dopamine receptors to control renal function. We investigated the possible paracrine action of renal dopamine by intrarenal administration of a specific DA1 antagonist, Sch 23390, in doses confined to the kidney in conscious uninephrectomized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at a sodium intake of 40 meq/day. Changes (mean +/- SE) in renal excretory and hemodynamic function in response to cumulative infusions of several doses of Sch 23390 (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1) were studied. Sch 23390 at 0.01 pmol.kg-1.min-1 did not cause any changes in urinary flow rate or sodium excretion. Sch 23390 in doses from 0.1 to 10.0 mol.kg-1.min-1 caused a significant dose-dependent antidiuresis (F = 44.9, P less than 0.0001) and antinatriuresis (F = 42.1, P less than 0.0001) and a decrease in fractional sodium excretion (F = 44.2, P less than 0.0001). No changes in estimated renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, or systemic arterial pressure occurred with any dose of intrarenal Sch 23390 infused into the renal artery. Rebound diuresis and natriuresis occurred after cessation of the DA1 blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of alpha-adrenergic blockade on the cardiovascular responses to hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis in conscious dogs

In order to evaluate the role of the alpha-adrenergic system in the systemic and renal hemodynamic changes of the acute combined blood gas derangement, seven conscious mongrel dogs in careful sodium balance (80 mEq/day for 4 days) were evaluated. Each animal was evaluated during combined acute hypoxemia (PaO2 = 35 +/- 1 mm Hg) and hypercapnic acidosis (PaCO2 = 56 +/- 2 mm Hg; pH = 7.18 +/- 0.01) with (i) vehicle (D5W) alone and (ii) alpha 1-adrenergic blockade with prazosin, 0.1 mg/kg iv. Mean arterial pressure increased during the combined blood gas derangement with vehicle. In contrast, mean arterial pressure fell during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis with alpha 1-adrenergic blockade. The mechanism for abrogation of the rise in mean arterial pressure during the combined blood gas derangement by alpha 1-adrenergic blockade appeared to be through attenuation of the rise in cardiac output rather than an exaggerated fall in total peripheral resistance. These observations suggest that the alpha-adrenergic system is important in circulatory homeostasis during the combined blood gas derangement.

Intrarenal dopamine acts at the dopamine-1 receptor to control renal function

Exogenous dopamine increases renal blood flow and produces diuresis and natriuresis in mammalian species. Dopamine is produced intrarenally and dopamine-1 receptors have been demonstrated within the kidney. However, the role of intrarenal dopamine in the control of renal function is unknown. We studied the renal effects of a specific dopamine-1 antagonist, SCH 23390 (SCH, MW 398, Schering-Plough, Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA) infused into the renal artery of uninephrectomized conscious dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at a sodium intake of 40 mmol/day. The infusion of SCH at 0.01 pmol/kg per min did not change the urinary flow rate or urinary sodium excretion. Significant dose-dependent reductions in urine volume, urinary sodium excretion and fractional excretion of sodium were observed with intrarenal SCH administration at 0.1, 5.0 and 10 pmol/kg per min. Rebound diuresis and natriuresis occurred after cessation of SCH administration. There were no changes in renal haemodynamic function, systemic plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration or mean arterial pressure during intrarenal SCH administration. These results demonstrate for the first time that intrarenal dopamine controls renal function physiologically by acting at the renal dopamine-1 receptors.

Fetal expression of the angiotensinogen gene

To determine whether the angiotensinogen (Ao) gene is expressed in multiple organs of the fetal rat and the changes associated with maturation, fetal (15-20 days of gestation), newborn (1-10 days old), and adult (90 days old) rat tissues were subjected to Northern analysis and hybridization with a full length Ao complementary DNA (cDNA). Whereas Ao messenger RNA (mRNA) was undetectable in fetal livers, Ao sequences were readily detectable 1 h after birth and reached a peak at 24 h of birth. Levels remained elevated at 5 and 10 days after birth to decrease slightly at 90 days of postnatal life. Poly A+ enriched liver RNA was subjected to a similar analysis demonstrating that fetal liver Ao mRNA levels were 50-fold less than the corresponding adult levels. In contrast to the finding in the fetal liver, Ao mRNA was found in fetal brown fat, brains, and kidneys. We conclude that 1) Expression of the Ao gene is developmentally regulated in a tissue-specific manner; 2) Unlike the adult animal, the liver may not be the primary source of Ao in the fetus; 3) Alternate sources of Ao synthesis include fetal brown fat, brain, and kidneys.

Intrarenal renin inhibition increases renal function by an angiotensin II-dependent mechanism

ACRIP is a competitive inhibitor of renin in which an analogue of statine, (3R,4S)-4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid, is incorporated into analogues of porcine renin substrate. ACRIP inhibits the enzymatic activity of renin, thus blocking the initiation of the angiotensin cascade. We studied the intrarenal action of ACRIP in small quantities without measurable systemic effects on renal function. In the first experiment, ACRIP was administered intrarenally at 0.02, 0.2, and 2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 to uninephrectomized conscious dogs (n = 6) in metabolic balance at sodium intake of 10 meq/day. ACRIP, in doses of 0.02 and 0.2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, markedly increased urine sodium excretion (UNaV) from 5.8 +/- 1.4 to 15.1 +/- 5.1 and 19.9 +/- 3.2 mu eq/min, respectively. Urinary flow rate (UV) underwent a similar increase and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 25.7 +/- 2.5 to 35.6 +/- 2.5 at 0.02 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 of ACRIP. Renal plasma flow (RPF), plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were not affected. At 2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, ACRIP traversed the kidney in quantities large enough to produce a reduction in systemic PRA and mean arterial pressure and caused natriuresis, diuresis, and increased GFR. In a second experiment, ACRIP was administered intrarenally at 0.2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 in a separate group (n = 4) under identical conditions. ACRIP-induced increases in UV and UNaV were completely blocked by concurrent intrarenal administration of angiotensin II. The results indicate that intrarenal angiotensin II acts as a physiological regulator of renal sodium and fluid homeostasis.

Renal effects of atrial natriuretic peptide infusion in young and adult rats

The immature kidney appears to be less responsive to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) than the mature kidney. It has been proposed that this difference accounts for the limited ability of the young animal to excrete a sodium load. To delineate the effects of age on the renal response to exogenous ANP, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized for study at 31-32 days of age, 35-41 days of age, and adulthood. Synthetic rat ANP was infused intravenously for 20 min at increasing doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 microgram/kg/min, and mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, plasma ANP concentration, urine flow rate, and urine sodium excretion were measured at each dose. Since cyclic GMP acts as a second messenger for ANP action, urinary cyclic GMP excretion also was measured. Increasing doses of ANP caused a similar decrease in MAP at all ages studied, and increased glomerular filtration rate in adult but not young rats. Increasing the dose of ANP from 0.1 to 0.4 microgram/kg/min caused a greater rise in urine flow and urinary cyclic GMP excretion in adult than young rats, and urine sodium excretion increased more in adults at all doses (p less than 0.05). However, the rise in plasma ANP concentration also was greater in adults than in young rats (p less than 0.05), indicative of greater systemic clearance of ANP in young animals. Increasing levels of plasma ANP concentration were correlated with a greater rise in urine flow in adult than young (31-32 day old) rats (p less than 0.05), but there was no differential effect on urinary cyclic GMP excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiotensin II modulates the intrarenal effects of atrial natriuretic peptide

The mechanism by which atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increases renal water and solute excretion is not fully understood. We studied the renal effects of ANP and angiotensin II (ANG II) separately and together in uninephrectomized conscious dogs (n = 7) in sodium metabolic balance (80 meq/day). Exogenous ANG II and ANP were without measurable systemic effects as demonstrated by absence of changes in blood pressure, plasma aldosterone concentration, and plasma renin activity. The quantity of ANG II that had significant renal effects that were without measurable systemic effects was 0.2 pmol.kg-1.min-1. Three infusion rates of ANP had significant renal effects (1, 10, and 20 pmol.kg-1.min-1). These quantities of ANP caused significant diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis, and increased glomerular filtration rate without significant changes in renal plasma flow. ANG II alone caused significant antidiuresis, antinatriuresis, and decreased glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow. When ANG II and ANP were given together, no change in urinary flow rate, urinary sodium or potassium excretion, or renal plasma flow was observed, whereas glomerular filtration rate increased. Filtration fraction increased significantly with ANG II and ANP separately and together. Intrarenal ANP prevents the ANG II-induced decrement in urinary sodium excretion and urine flow rate. ANP may play an important role in escape from the sodium-retaining action of intrarenal ANG II.

Renin and angiotensinogen gene expression and intrarenal renin distribution during ACE inhibition

To define whether intrarenal renin and angiotensinogen synthesis and distribution are affected by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, a control group of adult, male Wistar-Kyoto rats (n = 7) was compared with a group of rats treated with enalapril (n = 8) for 5 days. Kidney renin and angiotensinogen mRNA levels were detected by Northern and dot blot analysis, using full-length rat renin and angiotensinogen cDNAs. Renin mRNA levels in the enalapril-treated group were 4.6-fold higher than in the control group (P less than 0.05). Angiotensinogen mRNA levels were not significantly different. The intrarenal distribution of renin assessed by immunocytochemistry was markedly different between the two groups of rats. Whereas in the control kidney renin was localized in a juxtaglomerular position, in the kidneys from enalapril-treated rats, renin immunoreactivity of the afferent arteriole extended well beyond the juxtaglomerular loci in the direction of the interlobular artery. The percent of afferent arteriolar length immunostained for renin was higher in the enalapril-treated (53 +/- 17%) than in the control (33 +/- 15) group. Similarly, the ratio of immunostained juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) over total number of JGA and the ratio of immunostained arteries over total number of arteries were higher in the enalapril-treated (0.84 +/- 0.017; 0.68 +/- 0.03) than in the control (0.67 +/- 0.034; 0.43 +/- 0.045) group (P less than 0.05). We conclude that chronic ACE inhibition enhances intrarenal renin synthesis and increases renin expression upstream from the glomerulus and in new sites in blood vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by a bronchial carcinoid tumor responsive to dexamethasone, metyrapone, and corticotropin-releasing factor

Cushing's syndrome due to bronchial carcinoid tumors that secrete adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) may be difficult to distinguish from pituitary Cushing's disease, since the responses to dexamethasone and metyrapone are sometimes similar. Recently, the ACTH and cortisol responses to ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (oCRF) have been shown to be different in pituitary Cushing's disease than in Cushing's syndrome due to other causes. It is not known if the response to oCRF can distinguish pituitary Cushing's disease from those ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid tumors that respond to dexamethasone and metyrapone. A case of Cushing's syndrome due to an ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid is described in which the responses to dexamethasone, metyrapone, and oCRF were indistinguishable from the responses observed in pituitary Cushing's disease. A bronchial carcinoid tumor should be considered even when responses to dexamethasone, metyrapone, and oCRF suggest pituitary Cushing's disease.

Renin and angiotensinogen gene expression in maturing rat kidney

To determine whether angiotensinogen (Ao) and renin are synthesized by the immature kidney and to assess the changes in intrarenal renin distribution that occur with maturation, the kidneys from 24 newborn and 12 adult Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were processed for renin immunocytochemistry using a highly specific anti-rat renin antibody. Kidney renin and Ao relative mRNA levels (mRNA/total RNA) were detected by Northern and dot blot techniques, using full-length rat renin and Ao cDNAs. Renal renin concentration (RRC) was measured by radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I (ANG I) and expressed as ng ANG I.h-1.mg protein-1 in the incubation media. RRC was higher in newborn than in adult SHR (979 +/- 164 vs. 206 +/- 47) and WKY (573 +/- 69 vs. 297 +/- 74) (P less than 0.05). In the newborn kidneys of both rat strains, renin was distributed throughout the entire length of the afferent arterioles and interlobular arteries, whereas in the adult kidneys renin was confined to the classical juxtaglomerular position. With maturation, there was a decrease in the proportion of immunoreactive juxtaglomerular apparatuses and arterial segments that contained renin. Kidney renin mRNA levels were 7.9-fold higher in the newborn than in the adult animal. Ao mRNA was detected in the newborn and adult kidneys of both rat strains. This study demonstrates conclusively that both renin and Ao genes are expressed in the newborn kidney, providing evidence for a local renin-angiotensin system that is subjected to developmental changes.