Role of platelet-derived growth factor in glomerular disease

PDGF signal transduction inhibition ameliorates experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been consistently implicated in the cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation, which characterize progressive glomerular disease. In the present study, the effects of a potent and selective inhibitor of PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase, STI 571, were examined in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Cultured mesangial cells were incubated with PDGF (50 ng/mL) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2; 50 ng/mL) and treated with STI 571 (0.13 to 2.0 micromol/L). Experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was induced in male Wistar rats with monoclonal OX-7, anti-rat Thy-1.1 antibody with rats randomized to receive either STI 571 (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily) or vehicle. Animals were examined six days later.

RESULTS

In vitro, both PDGF and FGF-2 induced a threefold increase in mesangial cell 3H-thymidine incorporation. STI 571 reduced PDGF but not FGF-2-stimulated mesangial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, with complete abolition at 0.4 micromol/L. In animals with Thy-1.1 glomerulonephritis, PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase blockade was associated with significant reductions in mesangial cell proliferation (P < 0.001), the number of activated (alpha-smooth muscle positive) mesangial cells, and glomerular type IV collagen deposition (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The amelioration of the pathological findings of experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis by blockade of PDGF receptor activity suggests the potential clinical utility of this approach as a therapeutic strategy in glomerular disease.

The two PDGF receptors maintain conserved signaling in vivo despite divergent embryological functions

Gene targeting studies have indicated that the two receptors for PDGF, alpha and beta, direct unique functions during development. Distinct ligand affinities, patterns of gene expression, and/or mechanisms of signal relay may account for functional specificity of the two PDGF receptor isoforms. To distinguish between these factors, we have created two complementary lines of knockin mice in which the intracellular signaling domains of one PDGFR have been removed and replaced by those of the other PDGFR. While both lines demonstrated substantial rescue of normal development, substitution of the PDGFbetaR signaling domains with those of the PDGFalphaR resulted in varying degrees of vascular disease. This observation provides a framework for discussing the evolution of receptor tyrosine kinase functional specificity.

Retention of PDGFR-beta function in mice in the absence of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase and phospholipase Cgamma signaling pathways

Signal transduction by the platelet-derived growth-factor receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) tyrosine kinase is required for proper formation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the importance of individual PDGFR-beta signal transduction pathways in vivo is not known. To investigate the role of two of the pathways believed to be critical for PDGF signal transduction, we have generated mice that bear a PDGFR-beta that can no longer activate PI3kinase or PLCgamma. Although these mutant mice have normal vasculature, we provide multiple lines of evidence in vivo and from cells derived from the mutant mice that suggest that the mutant PDGFR-beta operates at suboptimal levels. Our observations indicate that although loss of these pathways can lead to attenuated PDGF-dependent cellular function, certain PDGFR-beta-induced signal cascades are not essential for survival in mice.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression is regulated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor in vivo

BACKGROUND

The fibrinolytic system plays an important role in degrading fibrin-rich thrombi and in vascular and tissue remodeling. Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) can reduce the efficiency of the endogenous fibrinolytic system. Angiotensin (Ang) has been shown to regulate PAI-1 expression via the Ang type 1 (AT1) receptor in some tissues and via the AT4 receptor in cultured endothelium. The purpose of this study was to examine the tissue-specific pattern of PAI-1 expression in response to infusion of Ang II in vivo.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 5 in each group) were treated with four hours of intravenous infusions of Ang II or vehicle control while mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored: group 1, 600 ng/kg/min Ang II; group 2, Ang II + 10 mg/kg of the AT1 receptor antagonist (AT1RA) L158-809 q2 hour; group 3, Ang II + 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg hydralazine as required to maintain normal blood pressure; and group 4, saline-infused controls. After infusion, tissue was harvested for Northern blotting, immunohistochemical analysis, and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

In group 1, Ang II infusion increased MAP from 105 +/- 8 to 160 +/- 9 mm Hg (mean +/- SE, P < 0. 01). Ang II induced increased expression of PAI-1 mRNA in all tissues examined from 5.1-fold in the heart, 9.7-fold in the kidney, 10.0-fold in the aorta, and up to 30.0-fold in the liver (all P < 0. 01 vs. control). While both AT1RA (group 3) and hydralazine (group 4) prevented Ang II-induced elevation in blood pressure, the Ang II-dependent expression of PAI-1 mRNA was reduced by only AT1 receptor blockade.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in the rat, PAI-1 is induced in a variety of tissues by Ang II directly through the AT1 receptor, independent of its effects on blood pressure.

Connective tissue growth factor expression in the rat remnant kidney model and association with tubular epithelial cells undergoing transdifferentiation

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been shown to mediate many actions of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the fibrotic response in several diseases. We compared expression of CTGF, TGF-beta, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), TNF-alpha, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) by in situ hybridization in Sprague-Dawley rats euthanized at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy using the rat remnant kidney model of renal failure. Collagen was evaluated by trichrome stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. We compared expression patterns to cells undergoing metaplasia. Tubular epithelial regeneration and transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts were assessed morphologically and by proliferating cell nuclear antigen, smooth muscle actin, desmin, and vimentin immunohistochemistry. CTGF expression was minimal in controls, mild at 2 weeks and marked by 4 to 8 weeks in interstitial fibroblasts, coinciding with damage, regeneration, and fibrosis. TGF-beta expression was increased in many cell types at 2 weeks, increased further by 4 weeks, then remained constant. PDGF-B messenger RNA was found in many stromal cells at 2-4 weeks, but expression decreased at 8 weeks. No significant IL-1 or TNF-alpha staining was detected. We conclude that CTGF and interacting factors are associated with development or progression of chronic interstitial fibrosis. Proximity of CTGF, TGF-beta, and PDGF mRNA expression to regenerative epithelial cells and those transdifferentiating to myofibroblasts suggests that growth factors may modulate renal tubular epithelial differentiation.

The role of angiotensin II and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in progressive glomerulosclerosis

Regardless of the primary cause, progressive renal deterioration with sclerosis is a hallmark of many renal diseases. Several studies have shown the superiority of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors compared with other antihypertensive agents in providing protection from progressive renal deterioration. Furthermore, animal studies have shown that angiotensin II antagonists in excess of antihypertensive doses can also ameliorate or reverse glomerulosclerosis, leading to the hypothesis that angiotensin II has nonhemodynamic effects that mediate the renoprotective effects shown in these investigations. Although historically angiotensin II has been associated with salt and fluid homeostasis, recent data show that angiotensin II induces cell growth and matrix accumulation in glomerular cells. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 has been shown to be the major inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase-like plasminogen activator, with potentially important effects not only on thrombosis/fibrinolysis, but also on matrix degradation because of the proteolytic actions of these substances. Angiotensin II has been shown to influence the actions of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and, consequently, its thrombotic and sclerotic effects. Various studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have shown that direct hemodynamic actions, modulation of endothelial injury, and growth factor actions also may be important in the development of sclerosis. These factors can be directly modulated by angiotensin II inhibition. Sclerosis may even be reversed when therapies augment matrix degradation processes, both by directly increasing proteolytic activity and by downregulating inhibitors of matrix degradation. These observations indicate that angiotensin II is important in fibrotic as well as thrombotic renal injuries that lead to progressive renal disease and also in the development of therapies such as specific angiotensin receptor antagonists to prevent or reverse these conditions.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is expressed by mesangial cells and is involved in mesangial proliferation in glomerulonephritis

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a new member of the EGF family, is mitogenic for several types of cells, through binding to cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycans. This study has attempted to delineate HB-EGF expression by mesangial cells and to identify its role in experimental and human glomerulonephritis. Rat mesangial cells, cultured in the presence of phorbol acetate, hydrogen peroxide, interleukin-1beta, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, expressed HB-EGF mRNA. Recombinant HB-EGF stimulated rat mesangial cells to proliferate and to express types I and III collagen. In the rat anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis, glomerular HB-EGF mRNA was up-regulated and peaked at days 5-7; its expression at the protein level in the glomerulus was prominent at days 5-10. By immunofluorescence, HB-EGF was positive predominantly in the mesangial area of renal tissues from 23 of 45 patients with various types of human glomerulonephritis, showing a significant correlation with the grade of mesangial proliferation; there was no staining in tissues from patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome and normal kidney tissues. These data provide the evidence that HB-EGF is synthesized and expressed by mesangial cells and stimulates mesangial cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro. HB-EGF is a potential mediator in mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion in experimental and human glomerulonephritis.

Role of PDGF B-chain and PDGF receptors in rat tubular regeneration after acute injury

Various polypeptide growth factors are generally considered to be involved in the regulation of the nephrogenic process both after acute renal injury and during renal development. Because platelet-derived growth factor B-chain (PDGF-B) has been reported to be expressed in immature tubulus of the developing kidney, PDGF-B could play a role in the process of tubulogenesis. We examined the expression of PDGF-B and PDGF receptors alpha and beta and their localization in kidneys after ischemia/reperfusion injury. The mRNA expressions of PDGF-B, PDGFR-alpha, and PDGFR-beta were enhanced after injury. In the immunohistochemical analysis and/or in situ hybridization, PDGF-B and PDGFR-alpha, beta were expressed after reperfusion in the S3 segment of the proximal tubuli, where they were not expressed normally. The expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vimentin were concomitantly observed with PDGF-B and PDGFRs in the tubular cells of injured S3 segment at 48 hours after injury. Next, the inhibition of the PDGF-B/PDGFRs axis with either Trapidil or Ki6896, which was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of PDGFR-beta selectively, resulted in a rise of serum creatinine, higher mortality rate, abnormal regenerating process, and suppressed proliferation of tubular epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the PDGF-B/PDGFRs axis is involved in the proliferation of injured tubular cells and plays an important role in the regeneration of tubular cells from acute ischemic injury.

Dissociation of mesangial cell migration and proliferation in experimental glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

Recently, we documented that following in vivo mesangial cell (MC) ablation in the Thy1 model, reconstitution of the mesangium occurs by a coordinated proliferation and migration of Thy1 (OX-7)-positive cells originating from the hilus and extraglomerular mesangium. We investigated the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the mediation of these events.

METHODS

Rats were injected with antithymocyte serum and 48 hours later were pulsed with 3H-thymidine to label proliferating cells. Ninety minutes later, a baseline renal biopsy was obtained, and rats were injected with neutralizing anti-bFGF antibodies or control IgG. Sacrificial biopsies were obtained at 96 hours of disease. Using computer image analysis, biopsies from both time points were quantitated for the number of radiolabeled MC (proliferation) and their mean distance from the hilus (migration). The effect of bFGF on the migration of MCs in culture was examined using a chemotactic assay.

RESULTS

At sacrifice, autoradiographs of rats receiving anti-bFGF had significantly fewer radiolabeled MCs as compared with rats receiving control IgG (8.7+/-1.9 vs. 14.7+/-3.5, P = 0.0001), yielding an overall 40% reduction in proliferation. There was no difference, however, in the final distance of radiolabeled MCs from the glomerular hilus in the two groups, indicating that the administration of anti-bFGF did not effect MC migration in this model. In an in vitro chemotactic assay, MCs migrated in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB (20 ng/ml), but did not migrate in response to bFGF at a wide range of concentrations (0.5 to 50 ng/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that bFGF is an important mediator of MC proliferation but that it does not significantly influence MC migration. This is the first demonstration showing that the mediators effecting proliferation can be dissociated from those mediating migration in renal injury.

The concept of glomerular self-defense

The balance between local offense factors and defense machinery determines the fate of tissue injury: progression or resolution. In glomerular research, the most interest has been on the offensive side, for example, the roles of leukocytes, platelets, complement, cytokines, eicosanoids, and oxygen radical intermediates. There has been little focus on the defensive side, which is responsible for the attenuation and resolution of disease. The aim of this review is to address possible mechanisms of local defense that may be exerted during glomerular injury. Cytokine inhibitors, proteinase inhibitors, complement regulatory proteins, anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, antithrombotic molecules, and extracellular matrix proteins can participate in the extracellular and/or cell surface defense. Heat shock proteins, antioxidants, protein phosphatases, and cyclin kinase inhibitors may contribute to the intracellular defense. This article outlines how the glomerulus, when faced with injurious cells or exposed to pathogenic mediators, defends itself via the intrinsic machinery that is brought into play in resident glomerular cells.

Long-term observation of glomerulonephritis induced by multiple injections with anti-Thy-1 antibody in rats

Multiple injections with a mouse monoclonal anti-rat Thy-1 antibody (five times, at weekly intervals) induced marked glomerular sclerotic lesions which are characterized by adhesion of glomerular capillaries to Bowman's capsule and persistent proteinuria in rats. Abnormal production of type I collagen and increased accumulation of type IV collagen and fibronectin were observed in these glomeruli. The glomerular expression of mRNA for these matrix components and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were markedly increased at 4 days after the last injections with anti-Thy-1 antibody, but decreased to below the levels of control rats at 5 weeks. This may be down-regulation of mRNA in mesangial cells. The glomerular sclerotic lesions were not progressive but the process of glomerular healing seemed to be retarded. The proteinuria and the glomerular adhesion were irreversible.

Three-dimensional matrix primes mesangial cells to down-regulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin via deactivation of CArG box elements

Prolonged culture of mesangial cells forms multifocal nodular structures, termed "hillocks," composed of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), which may mimic the situation in the glomerular mesangium. Mesangial cells incorporated in hillocks show repressed expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker of mesangial cell activation/dedifferentiation. The aim of this study is to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in this phenomenon, focusing on the activity of CArG box elements located in 5'-flanking region of the alpha-smooth muscle actin gene. Reporter mesangial cells were created to monitor the activity of CArG elements. These clones expressed beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ) under the control of CArG boxes. Within the hillocks, reporter cells showed repressed expression of lacZ as well as alpha-smooth muscle actin compared to the cells in two-dimensional cultures. Consistent with this result, the reporter cells embedded in collagen gel exhibited down-regulation of lacZ and alpha-smooth muscle actin transcripts. Deactivation of CArG box elements by transfection with either a dominant negative mutant of serum response factor or a dominant negative form of ternary complex factor Elk-1 led to depressed expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin gene. These data suggested that three-dimensional ECM primes mesangial cells to down-regulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin via deactivation of CArG box elements.

Platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor differentially regulate interleukin 1beta- and cAMP-induced nitric oxide synthase expression in rat renal mesangial cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulate mesangial cell proliferation and matrix production in vitro and in vivo and crucially participate in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. We investigated whether PDGF-BB and bFGF influence nitric oxide (NO) production, another important effector molecule in inflammatory glomerular injury. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) induction in rat glomerular mesangial cells has been described in response to two principal classes of activating signals comprising inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) or elevation of cyclic AMP (cAMP). Treatment of mesangial cells with IL-1beta induces iNOS activity measured as nitrite levels in cell culture supernatants. Coincubation of mesangial cells with PDGF-BB inhibits production of nitrite by approximately 95%. This effect can be reversed by the simultaneous incubation of PDGF-BB in the presence of calphostin C, a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C. In contrast, incubation of cells in the presence of bFGF potentiates IL-1beta-induced production of NO and is functionally associated with an increased rate of apoptosis of mesangial cells. Western blot analyses reveal that PDGF-BB causes a decrease in the formation of iNOS protein which is preceded by decreases in iNOS mRNA steady state levels. bFGF drastically increases iNOS protein levels as well as the corresponding iNOS mRNA steady state levels. Nuclear run-on experiments reveal that PDGF-BB decreases the IL-1beta-induced transcription rate of the iNOS gene, whereas bFGF potentiates the transcriptional activity of the iNOS gene. Northern blot analyses demonstrate that bFGF strongly potentiates the formation of IL-1beta-induced IL-1 type I receptor mRNA levels, whereas PDGF-BB has no effect. Treatment of mesangial cells with the membrane-permeable cAMP analogue N6, O-2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-phosphate (Bt2cAMP) markedly increases the production of nitrite. Whereas PDGF-BB does not affect cAMP-induced nitrite levels, bFGF strongly potentiates them. PDGF-BB alters neither cAMP-induced iNOS protein levels nor the corresponding iNOS mRNA steady state levels. By contrast, bFGF superinduces cAMP-stimulated iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA levels. These changes by bFGF are due to an increase in cAMP-induced transcriptional activity of the iNOS gene which is not affected by PDGF-BB. In summary, the results show that PDGF and bFGF differentially regulate iNOS expression in mesangial cells in a stimulus-specific way. The timely sequence of expression of PDGF and bFGF and of cytokines like IL-1 will crucially determine the amounts of NO produced and the functional consequences thereof in the course of progressive glomerular diseases.

Creation of an In vivo cytosensor using engineered mesangial cells. Automatic sensing of glomerular inflammation controls transgene activity

Automatic control over exogenous gene expression in response to the activity of disease is a crucial hurdle for gene transfer-based therapies. Towards achieving this goal, we created a "cytosensor" that perceives local inflammatory states and subsequently regulates foreign gene expression. alpha-Smooth muscle actin is known to be expressed in glomerular mesangial cells exclusively in pathologic situations. CArG box element, the crucial regulatory sequence of the alpha-smooth muscle actin promoter, was used as a sensor for glomerular inflammation. Rat mesangial cells were stably transfected with an expression plasmid that introduces a beta-galactosidase gene under the control of CArG box elements. In vitro, the established cells expressed beta-galactosidase exclusively after stimulation with serum. To examine whether the cells are able to automatically control transgene activity in vivo, serum-stimulated or unstimulated cells were transferred into normal rat glomeruli or glomeruli subjected to anti-Thy 1 glomerulonephritis. When stimulated cells were transferred into the normal glomeruli, beta-galactosidase expression was switched off in vivo within 3 d. In contrast, when unstimulated cells were transferred into the nephritic glomeruli, transgene expression was substantially induced. These data indicate the feasibility of using the CArG box element as a molecular sensor for glomerular injury. In the context of advanced forms of gene therapy, this approach provides a novel concept for automatic regulation of local transgene expression where the transgene is required to be activated during inflammation and deactivated when the inflammation has subsided.

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in proliferative glomerulonephritis in rats

Multiple extracellular mitogens are involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative forms of glomerulonephritis (GN). In vitro studies demonstrate the pivotal role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the regulation of cellular proliferation in response to extracellular mitogens. In this study, we examined whether this kinase, as a convergence point of mitogenic stimuli, is activated in proliferative GN in vivo. Two different proliferative forms of anti-glomerular basal membrane (GBM) GN in rats were induced and whole cortical tissue as well as isolated glomeruli examined using kinase activity assays and Western blot analysis. Administration of rabbit anti-rat GBM serum to rats, preimmunized with rabbit IgG, induced an accelerated crescentic anti-GBM GN. A significant increase in cortical, and more dramatically glomerular ERK activity was detected at 1, 3, and 7 d after induction of GN. Immunization of Wistar-Kyoto rats with bovine GBM also induced a crescentic anti-GBM GN with an increase of renal cortical ERK activity after 4, 6, and 8 wk. ERK is phosphorylated and activated by the MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK). We detected a significant increase in the expression of glomerular MEK in the accelerated form of anti-GBM GN, providing a possible mechanism of long-term activation of ERK in this disease model. In contrast to ERK, activation of stress-activated protein kinase was only detectable at early stages of proliferative GN, indicating these related kinases to serve distinct roles in the pathogenesis of GN. Our observations point to ERK as a putative mediator of the proliferative response to immune injury in GN and suggest that upregulation of MEK is involved in the long-term regulation of ERK in vivo.

Selective inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation and PDGF-mediated cellular events by a quinoline derivative

This report describes the biological effects of our original compound, Ki6783 ((3,4-dimethoxy)-4-phenoxy-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline), a potent and selective inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation. This compound strongly inhibited autophosphorylation of the PDGF beta-receptor in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (MC) bearing this receptor (IC50 0.1 microM), although it did not inhibit autophosphorylation of other growth factor receptors even at 100 microM. In a cell-free kinase experiment, it showed selective inhibition of PDGF beta-receptor tyrosine kinase. A kinetic study of the compound to this tyrosine kinase revealed a competitive mode of action to ATP. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation of MC were inhibited by Ki6783 in a dose-dependent manner after Ki6783 and PDGF-BB were added to the culture medium. Furthermore, this compound normalized the fibrotic cell shape of v-sis-transformed NIH3T3 cells, which grow in an autocrine manner via the PDGF receptor. These effects could be explained by the inhibition of intracellular signal transduction triggered by PDGF receptor autophosphorylation, in which activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase occurs. These results suggest that Ki6783 is one of the more potent and selective inhibitors of PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and that it may be useful in ameliorating cell abnormalities due to excess action of PDGF and its receptor systems in several diseases.

Therapeutic approaches to organ fibrosis

Scarring of superficial tissues and chronic fibroses of major organs present major medical problems ranging from disfigurement to progressive disability and death. Growing understanding of the cellular and molecular events, which are common to these intractable disorders, now provides a favourable basis for the development of effective drug therapies. Much attention is focussed on the roles of the many cytokines and growth factors, which contribute to the fibrogenic process. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 and 2 isoforms are among the most significant of these and approaches to control their activity include blocking the activation of latent TGF-beta, preventing the ligand-receptor interactions and the inhibition of down-stream signal transduction. Concerns regarding possible risks of the long-term suppression of TGF-beta function point to connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a possible alternative target. CTGF is induced by and appears to mediate at least some of the fibrogenic actions of TGF-beta, although not its important antimitogenic activity on epithelial cells. The fibrogenic effects of endothelins and angiotensin II have aroused considerable interest in the anti-fibrotic potential of antihypertensive agents designed primarily to limit the vasoconstrictive activities of these peptides. Polypeptides including interferons alpha and gamma, relaxin, TGF-beta 3 and hepatocyte growth factor, all show an ability to limit fibrogenesis in either clinical or experimental situations. Finally, inhibitors of the enzymes required for the post-translational processing of collagens, including prolyl 4-hydroxylase, C-proteinase and lysyl oxidase provide a more direct means of reducing the deposition of fibrillar collagens into the extracellular matrix although the potentially adverse effects of sustained manipulation of collagen metabolism remain to be investigated.

Altered expression of fibrogenic growth factors in IgA nephropathy and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis

The profile of fibrogenic growth factor expression was assessed in biopsies from 27 patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), 14 focal and segmental glomerulsclerosis (FSGS) patients and 8 controls, by immunohistochemistry. Increased platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A and PDGF-B expression was detected in glomeruli and in vascular structures and collapsed tubules in the interstitium. Computer assisted image analysis demonstrated increased glomerular PDGF-A in IgAN (P < 0.05), but not FSGS patients, compared to controls, suggesting an association with mesangial proliferation. PDGF receptors were prominent in areas of mesangial expansion and intertubular fibrosis. Significant increases in interstitial PDGF Receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) were detected for both IgAN (P < 0.01) and FSGS (P < 0.05) patients. Interstitial PDGFR-beta expression was significantly correlated to monocyte/macrophage infiltrate (P < 0.0001). Increased basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression was observed segmentally in glomeruli, and in areas of tubulointerstitial damage. Higher proportions of patients with FSGS than IgAN had elevated interstitial bFGF (P < 0.005) and PDGF, reflecting the more severe degree of vascular and tubulointerstitial injury in FSGS patients. This study demonstrates distinct patterns of fibrinogenic growth factors in IgAN and FSGS, strongly associated with the severity and type of injury.

Ca2+ channel activation by platelet-derived growth factor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and Ras guanine triphosphate-binding proteins in rat glomerular mesangial cells

We investigated the signaling pathways mediating 1-pS Ca2+ channel activation by PDGF in cultured rat mesangial cells. In cell-attached patches, intrapipette PDGF-BB (PDGF B chain homodimer isoform) (50 ng/ml) dramatically stimulates channel activity (P < 0.003, n = 6). Tyrosine kinase inhibition (100 microM genistein or 10 microM tryphostin 9) abolished PDGF-induced channel activation (P < 0.02, n = 6). In excised patches, the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibition could be reversed by 200 microM GTPgammaS (P < 0.02, n = 4). In contrast, 200 microM GDPbetaS inhibited PDGF-induced channel activity (P < 0.04, n = 6). Pertussis toxin (250 ng/ml) had no effect on PDGF-induced channel activity (P = 0.45, n = 6). When excised patches were exposed to anti-Ras antibody (5 microg/ml), PDGF-induced channel activity was abolished (P < 0.002, n = 11). Western immunoblots revealed that PDGF-BB binding stimulates the formation of a membrane-bound complex consisting of growth factor receptor-binding protein 2, son of sevenless, and the PDGF-beta receptor. Complex formation was abolished by genistein. In mesangial cells, the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the PDGF-beta receptor stimulates the formation of a membrane-bound growth factor receptor-binding protein 2/son of sevenless/PDGF-beta receptor complex and activation of the pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding protein, p21-Ras, which leads to the opening of 1-pS Ca2+ channels.

Dietary supplementation with L-arginine limits cell proliferation in the remnant glomerulus

One effect of L-arginine is to increase nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells. NO directly reduces endothelin-1 production by endothelial cells and also inhibits platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced cell proliferation. Since subtotal renal ablation is associated with an early phase of cell proliferation in the glomerulus that precedes injury, we examined the effect of dietary supplementation with L-arginine on glomerular cell proliferation and expression of the cytokine endothelin-1 (ET-1). A first group of renal-ablated rats was untreated. A second group of renal-ablated rats received L-arginine (1%) in the drinking water. Two weeks after subtotal ablation renal cortical tissue was snap frozen for immunohistochemical analysis for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and ET-1. Protein and total RNA was extracted from sieved glomeruli. mRNA levels were quantitated by co-amplification RT-PCR utilizing specific 5' and 3' primers for rat ET-1 and beta-actin. L-arginine reduced the number of PCNA positive nuclei in remnant glomeruli, and Western blot Analysis of glomerular proteins also showed that L-arginine reduced PCNA expression. Glomerular ET-1 mRNA levels and protein immunostaining declined in the rats receiving L-arginine. We conclude that dietary supplementation with L-arginine reduces early cell proliferation in the remnant glomerulus, an effect that may be mediated, in part, by a decrease in ET-1 production.

Thrombospondin 1 is expressed by proliferating mesangial cells and is up-regulated by PDGF and bFGF in vivo

Thrombospondin 1 has been shown to be linked to PDGF-mediated mesangial cell proliferation and migration in vitro, but little is known regarding its expression or regulation in glomerular disease. Experimental mesangial proliferative nephritis was induced in rats by injection of anti-Thy1 antibody. Mesangial cell proliferation was associated with de novo expression of thrombospondin 1 mRNA (detected by Northern blot and in situ hybridization) and protein (by Western blot and immunostaining). Although some thrombospondin 1 was expressed by platelets and macrophages, double labeling showed that most thrombospondin 1 mRNA and protein were expressed by proliferating alpha-actin-positive mesangial cells. Thrombospondin 1 expression in anti-Thy1 nephritis was complement-dependent and could be reduced by treatment with anti-PDGF or anti-bFGF antibodies. Thrombospondin 1 could also be induced in normal rats by infusion of PDGF and in rats which were primed with low dose anti-Thy1 antibody by infusion of PDGF of bFGF. Thus, this study demonstrates that proliferating mesangial cells express thrombospondin 1 de novo in disease and that thrombospondin 1 expression in vivo is regulated by PDGF and bFGF.

Effects of glycosaminoglycans on the glomerular changes induced by Adriamycin

Glycosaminoglycans can stimulate the synthesis of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) proteins by glomerular cells and correct biochemical alterations of the GBM. In this study we examine the effects of heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on glomerular permeability to proteins and glomerular structure in Adriamycin-treated rats. One Adriamycin dose of 5 mg/kg body weight was administered i.v. to 38 female Wistar rats. Eleven animals were also treated with heparin (250 U) administered s.c. twice daily and 7 with LMWH 6 mg/kg body weight administered s.c. twice daily. Urine samples were collected before and 30 and 60 days after the beginning of treatment to quantify albumin excretion and to characterize urinary proteins by gel filtration and electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Blood samples were also collected on day 60 from these rats to estimate renal permeability by gel filtration; the rats were then killed and the kidneys removed for histological analysis. Heparin administration caused a reduction in urinary albumin excretion and in the incidence of segmental glomerulosclerosis in Adriamycin-treated rats. However, heparin did not modify the selectivity of the GBM to proteins of different molecular weights. These data suggest that the effect of heparin on albuminuria may be due to changes in the negative GBM charges induced by this drug.

Inhibition of MAP kinase by prostaglandin E2 and forskolin in rat renal mesangial cells

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is believed to play a critical role in normal and pathophysiological proliferation of mesangial cells. Recent studies have shown that MAP kinase activation by growth factors in other cell types involves activation of the low-molecular-weight G protein Ras and the protooncogene serine kinase c-Raf-1. In this study, the role of this pathway in rat renal mesangial cells was assessed. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), as well as phorbol esters (PMA) rapidly activated MAP kinase three- to fourfold in these cells. PDGF and EGF, but not PMA, were able to activate c-Raf-1 and Ras activity. Stimulation of mesangial cells with the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or elevation of intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) by treatment with forskolin markedly blunted activation of MAP kinase induced by PDGF and EGF, but not by PMA. Consistent with this observation, PGE2 abolished growth factor-induced activation of c-Raf-1. However, Ras activation induced by growth factors was not affected by PGE2 and forskolin. These results suggest that MAP kinase activation can occur by at least two separate pathways in mesangial cells. Tyrosine kinase receptors activate MAP kinase through activation of Ras and Raf. This pathway can be blocked by PGE2 and elevation of cAMP, presumably by interfering with the ability of Ras to activate Raf. In addition, activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters can activate MAP kinase in a Ras/Raf-independent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of growth factors in mesangial cell ion channel regulation

Our single channel work has characterized two ion channels capable of depolarizing mesangial cells and activating classic, voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in response to growth-stimulatory peptides (such as Ang II, ET and insulin): (1) Ca(2+)-dependent, 4 pS Cl- channel promoting Cl- efflux; and (2) Ca(2+)-dependent, 27 pS nonselective cation channels promoting cation influx. We have also characterized a third channel which provides an alternative, receptor-operated pathway for Ca2+ entry in response to the growth factor, PDGF: (3) Ca(2+)-permeable, 1 pS cation channel. Consistent with our model of mesangial cell signal transduction (Fig. 1), these three mesangial cell ion channels are activated by binding of growth factors to membrane receptors (Fig. 8). Defective channel regulation, such as occurs in early diabetes mellitus, would promote mesangial cell relaxation and pathogenic glomerular hyperfiltration. Glomerular hyperfiltration and hypertension have been proposed to be major pathogenic factors in renal disease progression [4, 29, 38, 39]. Compensatory renal growth factor responses initially provide adaptive changes in glomerular hemodynamics after loss of functional renal mass. However, chronic stimulation of these mesangial cell ion channels by renal growth factors would promote sustained extracellular Ca2+ entry, resulting in mesangial cell contraction and growth, and progressive decreases in Kf and GFR. Eventually, this process leads to irreversible renal damage due to the development of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis.

Platelet-derived growth factor A-chain expression in developing and mature human kidneys and in Wilms' tumor

Regulated expression of PDGF A-chain may be important in kidney development. We employed two polyclonal antisera to detect expression of PDGF A-chain in fetal and normal adult kidneys by immunohistochemistry. Specificity of the antisera was demonstrated by Western blots of fetal and adult kidneys, demonstrating monospecific bands at 10 to 15 kD, and by absorption studies with PDGF-A peptide. PDGF A-chain is uniformly expressed by visceral glomerular epithelial cells and the epithelial cells of the distal nephron, including collecting ducts and contiguous urothelium lining the renal pelvis, in both fetal and adult kidneys. Fetal kidneys also demonstrate expression of PDGF A-chain at the earliest stages of vesicle formation from the metanephric blastema; this expression is then only intermittently detectable in developing glomeruli until differentiation of visceral epithelial cells occurs. Fetal and mature arterial smooth muscle cells, and some express PDGF A-chain. In situ hybridization with a riboprobe made from PDGF A-chain cDNA showed close correlation of mRNA expression with protein immunohistochemistry. PDGF A-chain expression was also identified in epithelial elements of 5/6 Wilms' tumors studied. These are the first studies to localize PDGF A-chain expression in human kidney and suggest sites of activity for PDGF A-chain in development, neoplasia, and in the renal arterial sclerosis of aging.

Increased glomerular capillary pressure alters glomerular cytokine expression

Increased glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (PGC) is an important hemodynamic determinant of glomerular injury, but the molecular events responsible for this association are poorly understood. PGC is normal in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), but uninephrectomy leads to an increase in PGC and accelerated glomerulosclerosis. Since recent studies have implicated transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and platelet-derived growth factor sought to determine if uninephrectomy increased mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 and PDGF in glomeruli of SHR. Since treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril lowers PGC and prevents glomerulosclerosis in uninephrectomized SHR, we also sought to determine if ACE inhibitor lowered mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 and PDGF in the glomeruli of uninephrectomized SHR. PGC increased from 53 +/- 1 to 64 +/- 1 mm Hg 1 week after uninephrectomy in SHR (P < .05). The increase in PGC was associated with a sixfold rise in mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 and a twofold rise in mRNA levels for PDGF in glomeruli. mRNA levels for PDGF returned to normal 2 weeks after nephrectomy, but the increase in mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 was sustained. An increase in TGF-beta 1 immunostaining was detectable in glomeruli 4 weeks after nephrectomy. Treatment with ACE inhibitor normalized PGC (51 +/- 1 mm Hg) and prevented the rise in glomerular mRNA levels for TGF-beta 1 and PDGF. We conclude that an acute increase in PGC leads to increased TGF-beta 1 and PDGF expression in the glomerulus, thus linking changes in PGC to cytokine gene expression.

Fibrinogen mediates platelet-polymorphonuclear leukocyte cooperation during immune-complex glomerulonephritis in rats

The metabolic and functional alterations which occur during the acute phase of nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN) in rats, a model of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis, result from a cooperative interaction between PMNs and platelets (PLTs). In consequence, we hypothesized that fibrinogen (Fg) might play a critical role in this process and, accordingly, we found that defibrination of animals decreased both the acute phase proteinuria in NTN (approximately 70%) as well as the influx of PLTs and PMNs into the glomerulus (approximately 40-50%). In contrast, blockade of the PLT Fg receptor, alpha IIb beta 3, with the RGD peptidomimetic SC-49992 decreased proteinuria (approximately 90%) without substantially altering the influx of PMNs or PLTs. Immunocytochemistry showed a marked increase in beta 3 integrin expression in inflamed glomeruli which was prevented either by PMN or PLT depletion before disease induction. FACS and immunocytochemical analysis of glomerular cell dissociates demonstrated that beta 3 integrin expression was predominantly on intraglomerular PLTs. In vitro, activated PLTs stimulated the PMN respiratory burst, an interaction which could be inhibited by Fg receptor blockade. In sum, acute NTN is accompanied by a marked increase in glomerular beta 3 integrin expression predominantly due to the influx of PLTs which localize to the glomerulus in a PMN-dependent fashion. Fg appears to serve a major role as a coactivating stimulus for PLT-PMNs in situ via alpha IIb beta 3, potentially mediating the PMN respiratory burst which contributes to proteinuria. Fg may also play a subsidiary role in PMN/PLT comigration.

Ca(2+)-permeable channel associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor in mesangial cells

We used patch-clamp methods to study the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on Ca2+ entry in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells. In cell-attached patches, application of 50 ng/ml PDGF-BB inside, but not outside, the pipette frequently induced channel openings. The unitary conductance was 0.67 +/- 0.09 pS (n = 8) with 110 mM Mn2+ and 1.03 +/- 0.19 pS (n = 11) with 110 mM Ca2+ as the charge carrier. Number of channels times open probability was 0.515 +/- 0.144 (n = 14) with intrapipette PDGF and 0.037 +/- 0.022 (n = 12) without. Channel kinetics were only slightly voltage dependent. There was no effect of replacing chloride with gluconate in excised inside-out patches, showing that the channel was cation selective. The permeability (P) ratio for PMn/PNa was 1.65 and for PCa/PNa was 1.24. With the use of amphotericin B " perforated" whole cell patches, PDGF induced a small inward current (-16.1 +/- 4.33 pA; n = 11, membrane potential = -70 mV) consistent with 3,000-4,000 channels/cell. In summary, we have described a very-low-conductance Ca(2+)-permeable channel in rat mesangial cells with the following properties. 1) Activation by PDGF-BB occurs only when applied in close proximity to the channel. 2) Once activated, open probability is only slightly voltage dependent. 3) Under normal circumstances, the channel would probably appear to be cation nonselective, but with a permeability to divalent more than monovalent cations. 4) This PDGF-induced channel could provide a ligand-gated pathway for Ca2+ entry into mesangial cells that does not require membrane depolarization.

[Clinico-anatomical forms of primary glomerulonephritis]

The various clinicopathological forms of primary glomerulonephritis (GN) in humans include lipoid nephrosis with its histological variants (minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, diffuse mesangial proliferation), membranous GN, IgA nephropathy, membranoproliferative GN (type I and type II) and crescentic GN. Each of these entities is characterised by pathological, clinical, and immunological features. Although the precise etiology of primary GN remains unknown, important progress from experimental models has been recently obtained in the understanding of the mechanisms of the glomerular lesions and their progression. Such investigations may afford possibility for preventing glomerular destruction.

Infusion of platelet-derived growth factor or basic fibroblast growth factor induces selective glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and matrix accumulation in rats

Mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and extracellular matrix expansion are involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis and renal failure. In vitro, PDGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulate MC proliferation and/or matrix production. To elucidate the role of PDGF and bFGF in vivo, equimolar concentrations of recombinant PDGF-BB or bFGF or vehicle were infused intravenously into rats over a 7-d period. Rats were either nonmanipulated ("normals") or had received a subnephritogenic dose of anti-MC antibody ("anti-Thy 1.1 rats") before the infusion period. Glomerular cell proliferation (anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining) on days 2, 4, and 7 was unchanged in vehicle-infused normals or anti-Thy 1.1 rats. PDGF infusion increased glomerular cell proliferation 32-fold in anti-Thy 1.1 rats and an 11-fold in normals on day 2. bFGF increased glomerular cell proliferation fourfold in anti-Thy 1.1 rats but was ineffective in normals. Induction of cell proliferation in all kidneys was limited to the glomerulus. The majority of proliferating cells were identified as MC by double immunolabeling. No significant proteinuria, glomerular leukocyte, or platelet influx developed in any group. Glomerular matrix expansion with increased deposition of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, as well as upregulated laminin and collagen IV mRNA expression was confined to PDGF-infused anti-Thy 1.1 rats. These results show that PDGF and, to a lesser degree, bFGF are selective MC mitogens in vivo and that previous subclinical injury can enhance this MC response. The data thereby support a role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis.