Cycles and separations: the histotopography of the urinary concentrating process

ETA receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling in thin descending limbs of Henle's loop: impairment in genetic hypertension

BACKGROUND

Endothelins (ET) have diuretic and natriuretic actions via ETB receptors that are found in most renal tubular segments, although the thin limbs have not been studied. Data also suggest that dysfunction of the renal ET system may be important in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study was aimed at determining the presence and nature of ET receptors in the thin limbs of Henle's loop and their ability to activate a Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway, as well as whether ET-induced Ca2+ signals are altered in hypertension.

METHODS

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Fura 2 fluoreselected strains of Lyon rats with low-normal (LL), normal (LN), and high (LH) blood pressure.

RESULTS

In SD rats, ET induced Ca2+ signals in DTL of long-looped nephrons, but not in DTL of short loops, or in ascending thin limbs. Ca2+ increases were abolished by BQ123, an antagonist of the ETA receptor, but not by BQ788, an antagonist of the ETB subtype. Endothelin-3 and sarafotoxin 6c, two ETB receptor agonists, were both inactive. RT-PCR showed the presence of both ETA and ETB receptor mRNA. Ca2+ signals measured scence measurements of [Ca2+]i were made to characterize ET receptors in descending thin limbs (DTL) of Sprague-Dawley rats, spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats, and control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and the three in DTL of WKY LL and LN rats were similar to those in Sprague-Dawley rats, but were significantly diminished (LH) or abolished (SH) in hypertensive rats.

CONCLUSION

A functional ETA receptor activating a Ca2+-dependent pathway is expressed in DTL. This ETA-induced calcium signaling is impaired in two strains of genetically hypertensive rats.

Concentration of solutes in the renal inner medulla: interstitial hyaluronan as a mechano-osmotic transducer

Although the concentrating process in the renal outer medulla is well understood, the concentrating mechanism in the renal inner medulla remains an enigma. The purposes of this review are fourfold. 1) We summarize a theoretical basis for classifying all possible steady-state inner medullary countercurrent concentrating mechanisms based on mass balance principles. 2) We review the major hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the axial osmolality gradient in the interstitium of the renal inner medulla. 3) We summarize and expand on the Schmidt-Nielsen hypothesis that the contractions of the renal pelvocalyceal wall may provide an important energy source for concentration in the inner medulla. 4) We discuss the special properties of hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan that is the chief component of a gel-like renal inner medullary interstitial matrix, which may allow it to function as a mechano-osmotic transducer, converting energy from the contractions of the pelvic wall to an axial osmolality gradient in the medulla. These considerations set the stage for renewed experimental investigation of the urinary concentrating process and a new generation of mathematical models of the renal concentrating mechanism, which treat the inner medullary interstitium as a viscoelastic system rather than a purely hydraulic system.

Physiology of the renal medullary microcirculation

Perfusion of the renal medulla plays an important role in salt and water balance. Pericytes are smooth muscle-like cells that impart contractile function to descending vasa recta (DVR), the arteriolar segments that supply the medulla with blood flow. DVR contraction by ANG II is mediated by depolarization resulting from an increase in plasma membrane Cl(-) conductance that secondarily gates voltage-activated Ca(2+) entry. In this respect, DVR may differ from other parts of the efferent microcirculation of the kidney. Elevation of extracellular K(+) constricts DVR to a lesser degree than ANG II or endothelin-1, implying that other events, in addition to membrane depolarization, are needed to maximize vasoconstriction. DVR endothelial cytoplasmic Ca(2+) is increased by bradykinin, a response that is inhibited by ANG II. ANG II inhibition of endothelial Ca(2+) signaling might serve to regulate the site of origin of vasodilatory paracrine agents generated in the vicinity of outer medullary vascular bundles. In the hydropenic kidney, DVR plasma equilibrates with the interstitium both by diffusion and through water efflux across aquaporin-1. That process is predicted to optimize urinary concentration by lowering blood flow to the inner medulla. To optimize urea trapping, DVR endothelia express the UT-B facilitated urea transporter. These and other features show that vasa recta have physiological mechanisms specific to their role in the renal medulla.

Ca(2+) signaling and membrane potential in descending vasa recta pericytes and endothelia

We devised a method for removal of pericytes from isolated descending vasa recta (DVR). After enzymatic digestion, aspiration of a descending vas rectum into a micropipette strips the pericytes from the abluminal surface. Pericytes and denuded endothelia can be recovered for separate study. Using fura 2-loaded preparations, we demonstrated that 10 nM angiotensin II (ANG II) elevates pericyte intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and suppresses endothelial [Ca(2+)](i). The anion transport blocker probenecid helps retain fura 2 in the pericyte cytoplasm. DVR endothelia were accessed for membrane potential measurement by perforated-patch whole cell recording by using the pericyte-stripping technique and by turning nondigested vessels inside out with concentric micropipettes. By either method of access, 10 nM ANG II depolarized (n = 20) and 100 nM bradykinin hyperpolarized (n = 25) the endothelia. We conclude that isolated endothelia and pericytes remain functional for study of [Ca(2+)](i) responses and that ANG II and bradykinin receptors exist separately on each cell type.

Membrane potential controls calcium entry into descending vasa recta pericytes

We tested the hypothesis that constriction of descending vasa recta (DVR) is mediated by voltage-gated calcium entry. K(+) channel blockade with BaCl(2) (1 mM) or TEACl (30 mM) depolarized DVR smooth muscle/pericytes and constricted in vitro-perfused vessels. Pericyte depolarization by 100 mM extracellular KCl constricted DVR and increased pericyte intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)). The K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil (10(-7)-10(-4) M) hyperpolarized resting pericytes, repolarized pericytes previously depolarized by ANG II (10(-8) M), and vasodilated DVR. The DVR vasodilator bradykinin (10(-7) M) also reversed ANG II depolarization. The L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker diltiazem vasodilated ANG II (10(-8) M)- or KCl (100 mM)-preconstricted DVR, and the L-type agonist BayK 8644 constricted DVR. The plateau phase of the pericyte [Ca(2+)](i) response to ANG II was inhibited by diltiazem. These data support the conclusion that DVR vasoreactivity is controlled through variation of membrane potential and voltage-gated Ca(2+) entry into the pericyte cytoplasm.

Tubulovascular Nitric Oxide Crosstalk

Studies were designed to determine the source of NO responsible for buffering of the angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated decrease of blood flow in the renal medulla. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and NO production ([NO]i) of pericytes and endothelium of the vasa recta were independently measured with the use of fura 2-AM and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA), respectively, in microtissue strips of the vascular bundles of the outer medullary vasa recta. Disruption of the endothelium of the vasa recta by perfusion with latex microspheres enabled imaging of the pericytes. Ang II (1 micromol/L) produced an increase of [NO]i of 19+/-6 U in pericytes of the vasa recta when the vessels were adjacent to medullary thick ascending limbs (mTALs). Pericytes of isolated vasa recta without surrounding mTALs showed a rapid peak increase in [Ca2+]i of 248+/-107 nmol/L, with a sustained elevation of 107+/-75 nmol/L, but did not show an increase in [NO]i to either Ang II (1 micromol/L) or the Ca2+ ionophore 4-bromo-A23187 (5 micromol/L). These observations indicated the lack of Ang II and Ca2+-sensitive NO production in pericytes of the vasa recta. In isolated vasa recta with intact endothelium, Ang II reduced [Ca2+]i from 128+/-28 to 62+/-13 nmol/L and failed to increase [NO]i. However, the Ca2+ ionophore did increase [NO]i in the endothelium (47+/-8 U), indicating the presence of Ca2+-sensitive NO production. Significant increases of [NO]i were observed in single isolated mTALs in response to both Ang II (33+/-6 U) and the Ca2+ ionophore (51+/-18 U). We conclude that Ang II increases [Ca2+]i in pericytes of the descending vasa recta as part of its constrictor action and that this vasoconstriction is buffered by the NO from the surrounding tubular elements, such as mTALs.

Control of descending vasa recta pericyte membrane potential by angiotensin II

Using nystatin perforated-patch whole cell recording, we investigated the role of Cl(-) conductance in the modulation of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) pericyte membrane potential (Psi m) by ANG II. ANG II (10(-11) to 10(-7) M) consistently depolarized OMDVR and induced Psi m oscillations at lower concentrations. The Cl(-) channel blockers anthracene-9-decarboxylate (1 mM) and niflumic acid (10 microM) hyperpolarized resting pericytes and repolarized ANG II-treated pericytes. In voltage-clamp experiments, ANG II-treated pericytes exhibited slowly activating currents that were nearly eliminated by treatment with niflumic acid (10 microM) or removal of extracellular Ca(2+). Those currents reversed at -31 and -10 mV when extracellular Cl(-) concentration was 152 and 34 mM, respectively. In pericytes held at -70 mV, oscillating inward currents were sometimes observed; the reversal potential also shifted with extracellular Cl(-) concentration. We conclude that ANG II activates a Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) conductance in OMDVR pericytes to induce membrane depolarization and Psi m oscillations.

Nitric oxide generation by isolated descending vasa recta

Nitric oxide (NO) generation by the outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) was measured with the fluorescent dye 4,5-diaminofluoroscein (DAF-2) during 30-min incubations. Addition of 0.1 or 1.0 mM L-arginine to the incubation buffer increased the DAF-2 signal by 8.7 and 13.6% (P = 0.08 and P < 0.05), respectively. Compared with L-arginine alone (0.1 mM), bradykinin (BK; 1 x 10(-7) M) enhanced the DAF-2 signal by 11.1% (P < 0.05). The NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (0.1 mM) reversed the BK-stimulated NO generation as measured with either DAF-2 or by the oxidation of Fe(2+) hemoglobin. Using 1 mM 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (tempol), a cell-permeant superoxide dismutase mimetic, we tested whether reduction of superoxide anion increases intracellular NO. Tempol increased DAF-2 fluorescence by 12 and 23.3%, respectively, over BK-stimulated or control vessels. Tempol also vasodilated ANG II (1 x 10(-8) M)-preconstricted OMDVR (P < 0.05). We conclude that NO generation by isolated OMDVR can be increased by L-arginine, that the endothelium-dependent vasodilator BK enhances NO production, and that NO consumption by superoxide plays a role in the determination of cellular NO concentrations.

Role of chloride in constriction of descending vasa recta by angiotensin II

We investigated the dependence of ANG II (10−8 M)-induced constriction of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) on membrane potential (Ψm) and chloride ion. ANG II depolarized OMDVR, as measured by fully loading them with the voltage-sensitive dye bis[1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid-(5)] trimethineoxonol [DiBAC4(3)] or selectively loading their pericytes. ANG II was also observed to depolarize pericytes from a resting value of −55.6 ± 2.6 to −26.2 ± 5.4 mV when measured with gramicidin D-perforated patches. When measured with DiBAC4(3) in unstimulated vessels, neither changing extracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]) nor exposure to the chloride channel blocker indanyloxyacetic acid 94 (IAA-94; 30 μM) affected Ψm. In contrast, IAA-94 repolarized OMDVR pretreated with ANG II. Neither IAA-94 (30 μM) nor niflumic acid (30 μM, 1 mM) affected the vasoactivity of unstimulated OMDVR, whereas both dilated ANG II-preconstricted vessels. Reduction of extracellular [Cl−] from 150 to 30 meq/l enhanced ANG II-induced constriction. Finally, we identified a Cl−channel in OMDVR pericytes that is activated by ANG II or by excision into extracellular buffer. We conclude that constriction of OMDVR by ANG II involves pericyte depolarization due, in part, to increased activity of chloride channels.

Immunomorphometric studies of proteinuria in individual deep and superficial nephrons of rats

Heterogeneity of structure and function among nephrons is a well-recognized feature of chronic renal diseases. However, only a small number of superficial nephrons per kidney are accessible for micropuncture analysis and relationships of proteinuria to structural change in individual nephrons of experimental models are not clearly established. To directly evaluate proteinuria in many individual nephrons, we developed an immunomorphometric method of analysis. This method is based on the uniformly abundant renal synthesis of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL). Luminal rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposits are formed in TALs of proteinuric nephrons in rats injected with heterologous IgG anti-THP antibodies. This immunomorphometric luminal deposit method of assessing proteinuria was previously validated through analysis of heterologous immune complex nephropathy. Glomerular dysfunction in several models-spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), aging Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, rats with adriamycin nephropathy (ADR), and rats subjected to subtotal nephrectomy (NX)-was characterized by immunomorphometric analysis after injection of anti-THP antibodies. Luminal IgG deposits were used to identify nephrons with increased proteinuria. Nephrons were identified histologically as either long looped (LL) or short looped (SL), and frequency of luminal deposits in these nephrons was determined. Glomerular size and sclerosis in deep and superficial zones of renal cortex were determined. Luminal deposits in LL nephrons were more frequent than luminal deposits in SL nephrons in SHRs (p < .001) and aging rats (p < .001) and SL nephrons in ADR rats (p < .02). Whole kidney levels of albuminuria correlated closely with the frequency of luminal deposits in both LL and SL nephrons of SHRs and ADR rats and in LL nephrons of aging rats (p < .005). In contrast, LL and SL deposits were equal in NX rats and did not correlate with albuminuria. A majority of luminal deposits extended beyond the first medullary TAL zone of NX rats, but was confined to this zone in the other 3 models. Deep cortical glomeruli were larger with more glomerulosclerosis than superficial cortical glomeruli. Albuminuria correlated with sclerosis of both deep (p < .002) and superficial (p < .01) glomeruli in NX rats, but not in the other three models. These studies provide a detailed characterization of a new method that allows comparison of proteinuria derived from deep and superficial nephrons. They also provide evidence that pathogenesis of the glomerulosclerosis in NX rats differs from that of the other three models. Glomerulosclerosis was closely linked to the overall level of albuminuria in NX rats, but not to luminal deposits. In the other three models, albuminuria and luminal deposits were closely linked but did not correlate with glomerulosclerosis. Furthermore, LL and SL nephron proteinuria of NX rats was comparable while LL proteinuria was markedly greater than SL proteinuria in the other three models. The luminal deposit method provides a new way to analyze heterogeneity of proteinuria among nephrons and the mechanisms underlying structural change in experimental glomerular diseases.

Inhibition of calcium signaling in descending vasa recta endothelia by ANG II

The intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) response of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) endothelia to ANG II was examined in fura 2-loaded vessels. Abluminal ANG II (10(-8) M) caused [Ca(2+)](i) to fall in proportion to the resting [Ca(2+)](i) (r = 0. 82) of the endothelium. ANG II (10(-8) M) also inhibited both phases of the [Ca(2+)](i) response generated by bradykinin (BK, 10(-7) M), 835 +/- 201 versus 159 +/- 30 nM (peak phase) and 169 +/- 26 versus 103 +/- 14 nM (plateau phase) (means +/- SE). Luminal ANG II reduced BK (10(-7) M)-stimulated plateau [Ca(2+)](i) from 180 +/- 40 to 134 +/- 22 nM without causing vasoconstriction. Abluminal ANG II added to the bath after luminal application further reduced [Ca(2+)](i) to 113 +/- 9 nM and constricted the vessels. After thapsigargin (TG) pretreatment, ANG II (10(-8) M) caused [Ca(2+)](i) to fall from 352 +/- 149 to 105 +/- 37 nM. This effect occurred at a threshold ANG II concentration of 10(-10) M and was maximal at 10(-8) M. ANG II inhibited both the rate of Ca(2+) entry into [Ca(2+)](i)-depleted endothelia and the rate of Mn(2+) entry into [Ca(2+)](i)-replete endothelia. In contrast, ANG II raised [Ca(2+)](i) in the medullary thick ascending limb and outer medullary collecting duct, increasing [Ca(2+)](i) from baselines of 99 +/- 33 and 53 +/- 11 to peaks of 200 +/- 47 and 65 +/- 11 nM, respectively. We conclude that OMDVR endothelia are unlikely to be the source of ANG II-stimulated NO production in the medulla but that interbundle nephrons might release Ca(2+)-dependent vasodilators to modulate vasomotor tone in vascular bundles.

Interstitial water and solute recovery by inner medullary vasa recta

A recent model of volume and solute microvascular exchange in the renal medulla was extended by simulating the deposition of NaCl, urea, and water into the medullary interstitium from the loops of Henle and collecting ducts with generation rates that undergo spatial variation within the inner medullary interstitium. To build an exponential osmolality gradient in the inner medulla, as suggested by Koepsell et al. (H. Koepsell, W. E. A. P. Nicholson, W. Kriz, and H. J. Höhling. Pflügers Arch. 350: 167-184, 1974), the ratio of the interstitial area-weighted generation rate of small solutes to that of water must increase along the corticomedullary axis. We satisfied this condition either by holding the area-weighted generation rate of water constant while increasing that of NaCl and urea or by reducing the input rate of water with medullary depth. The latter case, in particular, yielded higher solute concentrations at the papillary tip. Assuming that the fraction of the filtered load recovered by inner medullary vasa recta for water, NaCl, and urea is 1%, 1%, and 40%, respectively, papillary tip osmolality is 1,470 mosmol/kgH(2)O when urea generation and NaCl generation per unit volume of interstitium increase exponentially and linearly, respectively. The inner medullary osmolar gradient also increases further when 1) medullary blood flow is reduced, 2) hydraulic conductivity of descending vasa recta (DVR) is lowered, and 3) vasa recta permeability to NaCl and urea is maximized. The coupling between water and small solute transport, resulting from aquaporin-1-mediated transcellular flux in DVR, also enhances tip osmolality.

UT-A2: a 55-kDa urea transporter in thin descending limb whose abundance is regulated by vasopressin

The renal urea transporter gene (UT-A) produces different transcripts in the inner medullary collecting ducts (UT-A1) and thin descending limbs of Henle's loop (UT-A2), coding for distinct proteins. Peptide-directed rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used to identify the UT-A2 protein in renal medulla of mouse and rat. In the inner stripe of outer medulla, an antibody directed to the COOH terminus of UT-A recognized a membrane protein of 55 kDa. The abundance of this 55-kDa protein was strongly increased in response to chronic infusion of the vasopressin analog 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP) in Brattleboro rats, consistent with previous evidence that UT-A2 mRNA abundance is markedly increased. Immunofluorescence labeling with the COOH-terminal antibody in Brattleboro rats revealed labeling in the lower portion of descending limbs from short-looped nephrons (in the aquaporin-1-negative portion of this segment). This UT-A labeling was increased in response to DDAVP. Increased labeling was also seen in descending limbs of long-looped nephrons in the base of the inner medulla. These results indicate that UT-A2 is expressed as a 55-kDa protein in portions of the thin descending limbs of Henle's loop and that the abundance of this protein is strongly upregulated by vasopressin.

Measurement of the apparent diffusion coefficient in diffuse renal disease by diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and diffuse renal disease by diffusion-weighted echolanar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (EPI). Thirty-four patients were examined with diffusion-weighted EPI. The average ADC values were 2.55 x 10(-3) mm2/sec for the cortex and 2.84 x 10(-3) mm2/sec for the medulla in the normal kidneys. The ADC values in both the cortex and medulla in chronic renal failure (CRF) kidneys and in acute renal failure (ARF) kidneys were significantly lower than those of the normal kidneys. In renal artery stenosis kidneys, the ADC values in the cortex were significantly lower than those of the normal and the contralateral kidneys. In the cortex, ADC values were above 1.8 x 10(-3) mm2/sec in all 32 normal kidneys, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 x 10(-3) mm2/sec in all 8 ARF kidneys, and below 1.5 x 10(-3) mm2/sec in 14 of 15 CRF kidneys. In the medulla, there was considerable overlap in the ADC values of the normal and diseased kidneys. There was a linear correlation between ADC value and sCr level in the cortex (r = 0.75) and a weak linear correlation in the medulla (r = 0.60). Our results show that diffusion-weighted MR imaging may be useful to identify renal dysfunction.

Cycles and separations in a model of the renal medulla

This study gives the first quantitative analysis of net steady-state transmural fluxes of water, urea, and NaCl in a numerical model of the rat renal medulla in antidiuresis, revealing the model's predictions of water, urea, and NaCl cycling patterns. These predictions are compared both to in vivo micropuncture data from the literature and to earlier qualitative proposals (e.g., K. V. Lemley and W. Kriz. Kidney Int. 31: 538-548, 1987) of cycling and exchange patterns based on medullary anatomy and available permeability and transport parameter measurements. The analysis is based on our most recent three-dimensional model [X. Wang, S. R. Thomas, and A. S. Wexler. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Renal Physiol. 43): F413-F424, 1998]. In general agreement with earlier proposed patterns, this analysis predicts the following: 1) important water short-circuiting from descending structures to ascending vasa recta in most medullary regions, 2) massive urea recycling in the upper inner medulla, 3) a progressive increase of the ratio of urea to total osmoles along the corticopapillary axis, 4) urea dumped from the collecting ducts (CD) into the deep papilla is returned to the cortex essentially via outer medullary short vasa recta, bearing witness to a shift from the long descending limbs and vasa recta of the inner medulla (IM) to short structures in the outer medulla (OM). The analysis also shows that the known radial heterogeneity of the inner stripe (IS) implies unequal osmolalities in long descending limbs, vasa recta, and CDs entering the IM across the OM/IM border and explains the model's unorthodox osmolality profile along the CD. In conflict with micropuncture evidence of a doubling of urea flow in superficial Henle's loops (SHL) between the end proximal and early distal tubule (T. Armsen and H. W. Reinhardt. Pflügers Arch. 326: 270-280, 1971), the model predicts net urea loss from SHL due to the model's inclusion of nonneglible measured urea permeability of medullary thick ascending limbs [M. A. Knepper, Am. J. Physiol. 245 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 14): F634-F639, 1983]. We present a suite of adjusted model permeabilities that improves agreement with the micropuncture data on this point. In conclusion, this modeling analysis of solute and water recycling serves as a quantitative check on qualitative propositions in the literature and allows closer critical comparison of model behavior with published experimental results than was heretofore possible.

Intrarenal blood flow: microvascular anatomy and the regulation of medullary perfusion

1. The microcirculation of the kidney is arranged in a manner that facilitates separation of blood flow to the cortex, outer medulla and inner medulla. 2. Resistance vessels in the renal vascular circuit include arcuate and interlobular arteries, glomerular afferent and efferent arterioles and descending vasa recta. 3. Vasoactive hormones that regulate smooth muscle cells of the renal circulation can originate outside the kidney (e.g. vasopressin), can be generated from nearby regions within the kidney (e.g. kinins, endothelins, adenosine) or they can be synthesized by adjacent endothelial cells (e.g. nitric oxide, prostacyclin, endothelins). 4. Vasoactive hormones released into the renal inner medullary microcirculation may be trapped by countercurrent exchange to act upon descending vasa recta within outer medullary vascular bundles. 5. Countercurrent blood flow within the renal medulla creates a hypoxic environment. Relative control of inner versus outer medullary blood flow may play a role to abrogate the hypoxia that arises from O2 consumption by the thick ascending limb of Henle. 6. Cortical blood flow is autoregulated. In contrast, the extent of autoregulation of medullary blood flow appears to be influenced by the volume status of the animal. Lack of medullary autoregulation during volume expansion may be part of fundamental processes that regulate salt and water excretion.

Outer medullary anatomy and the urine concentrating mechanism

In earlier work, mathematical models of the urine concentration mechanism were developed incorporating the features of renal anatomy. However, several anatomic observations showed inconsistencies in the modeling representation of the outer stripe (OS) anatomy. In this study, based on observations from comparative anatomy and morphometric studies, we propose a new structural model of outer medullary anatomy, different from that previously presented [A. S. Wexler, R. E. Kalaba, and D. J. Marsh. Am. J. Physiol. 260 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 29): F368-F383, 1991]. The modifications include the following features of rat outer medullary anatomy, for example, 1) in the OS, the limbs of long loops of Henle surround the descending and ascending vasa recta that develop into the vascular bundles in the inner stripe (IS), whereas the limbs of short loops are close to the collecting ducts; and 2) the descending limbs of short loops shift from the tubular region in the OS to near the vascular bundle in the IS, whereas the limbs of long loops are situated away from the vascular bundles in the tubular region. The sensitivity of the concentrating process to the relative position of loops and vessels was investigated in the different medullary regions. With these modifications, the model predicts a more physiological, axial osmolarity gradient in both outer and inner medulla with membrane parameters that are all in the range of measured physiological values, including the urea permeabilities of descending vasa recta reported by Pallone and co-workers (T. L. Pallone, J. Work, R. L. Myers, and R. L. Jamison. J. Clin.Invest. 93: 212-222, 1994).

Adenosine modulates vasomotor tone in outer medullary descending vasa recta of the rat

Adenosine is generated within the renal medulla under hypoxic conditions and is known to induce net vasoconstriction within the renal cortex while increasing medullary blood flow and oxygenation. To test the hypothesis that vasoconstriction of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR) is modulated by adenosine, we examined the effects of adenosine and adenosine Al and A2 receptor subtype agonists on in vitro perfused control and preconstricted rat OMDVR. Constriction with angiotensin II (ANG II, 10(-9) M) was attenuated by adenosine in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 2.0 x 10(-7)M, P < 0.05). Similarly, an adenosine A2 agonist (CGS-21680, 10(-7) M), but not an adenosine Al agonist (cyclohexyladenosine, 10(-6) M), attenuated ANG II-induced vasoconstriction. Under control conditions, ablumenal application of adenosine (10(-12) to 10(-5) M) elicited a biphasic response. Additionally, cyclohexyladenosine (10(-6) M) caused vasoconstriction and CGS-21680 (10(-6) M) had no effect on untreated vessels. Finally, an influence of ANG II receptor stimulation on adenosine Al receptor-mediated vasoconstriction could not be shown. These data suggest that OMDVR possess both Al and A2 adenosine receptors and that they mediate constriction and dilatation, respectively. We conclude that adenosine is a potent modulator of OMDVR vasomotor tone and that its net effect is dependent upon local concentrations.

Cellular and subcellular localization of the vasopressin- regulated urea transporter in rat kidney

The renal urea transporter (RUT) is responsible for urea accumulation in the renal medulla, and consequently plays a central role in the urinary concentrating mechanism. To study its cellular and subcellular localization, we prepared affinity-purified, peptide-derived polyclonal antibodies against rat RUT based on the cloned cDNA sequence. Immunoblots using membrane fractions from rat renal inner medulla revealed a solitary 97-kDa band. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated RUT labeling of the apical and subapical regions of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, with no labeling of outer medullary or cortical collecting ducts. Immunoelectron microscopy directly demonstrated labeling of the apical plasma membrane and of subapical intracellular vesicles of IMCD cells, but no labeling of the basolateral plasma membrane. Immunoblots demonstrated RUT labeling in both plasma membrane and intracellular vesicle-enriched membrane fractions from inner medulla, a subcellular distribution similar to that of the vasopressin-regulated water channel, aquaporin-2. In the outer medulla, RUT labeling was seen in terminal portions of short-loop descending thin limbs. Aside from IMCD and descending thin limbs, no other structures were labeled in the kidney. These results suggest that: (i) the RUT provides the apical pathway for rapid, vasopressin-regulated urea transport in the IMCD, (ii) collecting duct urea transport may be increased by vasopressin by stimulation of trafficking of RUT-containing vesicles to the apical plasma membrane, and (iii) the rat urea transporter may provide a pathway for urea entry into the descending limbs of short-loop nephrons.

Prostaglandin E2 abrogates endothelin-induced vasoconstriction in renal outer medullary descending vasa recta of the rat

Endothelins (ET) and prostaglandin E2 are synthesized in the inner medulla by collecting duct epithelium and interstitial cells, respectively. All ascending vasa recta (AVR) blood returns from the inner medulla to the cortex in outer medullary vascular bundles. We reasoned that hormones might influence medullary blood flow by diffusing across AVR fenestrations to modulate vasoconstriction of outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR). To investigate this possibility, OMDVR dissected from vascular bundles were exposed to ET-1, 2, or 3. Each endothelin isoform induced stable vasoconstriction with potency, ET-1 > ET-2 > ET-3 (EC50, 1.8 x 10(-15), 5.9 x 10(-12), and 8.8 x 10(-10) M, respectively). The ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 and BQ-610 (10(-6) M), as well as an ETA and ETB receptor antagonist combination, attenuated vasoconstriction due to ET-1 (10(-12) M). BQ-123 had no effect on the response to ET-3 (10(-8) M). The ETB receptor antagonist BQ-788 (10(-6) M) attenuated the response to ET-3 (10(-10) M), but not that to ET-1 (10(-12) M). Finally, PGE2 (10(-6) M) reversibly dilated OMDVR preconstricted with ET-1 (10(-12) M) or ET-3 (10(-8) M) but not ET-1 (10(-10) M). We conclude that ET-1,2, and 3 are potent constrictors of OMDVR and the response to ET-1 is mainly ETA receptor subtype mediated, while ET-3 acts via the ETB. PGE2 modulates ET induced constriction. These findings are consistent with interactive feedback and control of medullary perfusion by locally synthesized hormones.

Transport of sodium and urea in outer medullary descending vasa recta

We dissected and perfused outer medullary vasa recta (OMVR) from vascular bundles in the rat. Permeabilities of sodium (PNa) and urea (Pu) were simultaneously determined from the lumen-to-bath efflux of 22Na and [14C]urea. PNa and Pu were also measured by in vivo microperfusion of descending (DVR) and ascending vasa recta (AVR) at the papillary tip of Munich-Wistar rats. In some OMVR PNa was indistinguishable from zero. The mean +/- SE of PNa (x 10(-5), cm/s) in OMVR was 76 +/- 9. Pu in OMVR was always very high (x 10(-5), cm/s), 360 +/- 14. There was no correlation between OMVR PNa and Pu. Inner medullary AVR and DVR had PNa of 115 +/- 10 and 75 +/- 10, respectively, and Pu of 121 +/- 10 and 76 +/- 11, respectively. PNa and Pu in papillary vasa recta were always nearly identical and highly correlated. Transport of [14C] urea in OMVR was reversibly inhibited by addition of unlabeled urea or phloretin to the bath and lumen, providing evidence for carrier-mediated transport. These data suggest that sodium and urea might traverse the wall of inner medullary vasa recta by a paracellular pathway while urea also crosses by a transcellular route in OMVR. Electron microscopic examination of seven in vitro perfused OMVR revealed no fenestrations and exposure of these vessels to 10 microM calcium ionophore A23187 or 1 nM angiotensin II resulted in reversible contraction, suggesting that in vitro perfused OMVR are DVR only.

Countercurrent system

Urinary concentration is achieved by countercurrent multiplication in the inner medulla. The single effect in the outer medulla is active NaCl absorption from the thick ascending limb. While the single effect in the inner medulla is not definitively established, the majority of experimental data favors passive NaCl absorption from the thin ascending limb. Continued experimental studies in inner medullary nephron segments will be needed to elucidate fully the process of urinary concentration.

The role of the kidney in the maintenance of water balance

This chapter shows how the mammalian kidney is able to regulate the excretion of water independently from that of solutes. For this function, which derives from several evolutionary steps among vertebrates, it takes advantage of the diluting ability of the thick ascending limb to produce osmotic energy which is then used to concentrate solutes in the urine. This concentration is permitted by a highly sophisticated architecture of nephrons and vessels in the renal medulla, combined with special permeability characteristics of the different nephron segments and specific hormonal regulation. Two different types of loops of Henle and several well-insulated vascular compartments contribute to this process. The major nitrogenous waste product, urea, is concentrated by an indirect process involving a transfer of osmotic energy from the outer to the inner medulla. As known for several decades, concentrating function is primarily regulated by the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on water permeability of the collecting duct. However, as discovered more recently, it is also largely dependent upon the effect of the same hormone on urea permeability in the terminal collecting duct. In addition, recent investigations have revealed a much more complex hormonal regulation of the concentrating process than previously thought. ADH itself acts on many other structures in the kidney, and many other hormones and mediators, the secretion of which is not thought to be influenced by the water status, do affect urine concentration either directly or by their interaction with ADH. Rodents display a wide spectrum of morphological and functional renal adaptations improving water conservation. Their study has brought a better understanding of the significant steps and anatomical structures that contribute to the concentrating process. Finally, it is also apparent that the capacity to concentrate urine is influenced in individual animals of a given species by the availability of water, by specific feeding patterns, and by the protein content of the diet.

Lectin-gold labeling of glycoconjugates in normal and Brattleboro rat papilla: effect of vasopressin

Some reports suggest that the plasma membrane glycocalyx of collecting duct epithelial cells, as well as interstitial glycoconjugates, may be involved in vasopressin action and urinary concentration. In view of this, we have used the lectin-gold technique to map and quantify Helix pomatia lectin (HPL)-binding sites in the inner medulla of kidneys from normal Long-Evans rats, vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats, and Brattleboro rats treated for up to 5 wk with exogenous vasopressin. The results show that the labeling of epithelial cell plasma membranes from collecting ducts and thin limbs of Henle is not different between normal and Brattleboro rats, and the labeling is not modified by chronic vasopressin treatment. In contrast, the heavy interstitial labeling seen in normal rats is virtually absent from Brattleboro rats, but it is progressively restored by chronic vasopressin treatment of Brattleboro rats. These results show that vasopressin does not modify HPL-binding glycoconjugates on epithelial cell plasma membranes, but that vasopressin treatment has a major effect on HPL-binding glycoconjugates in the medullary interstitium.