Overlapping distribution of receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II in the kidney and the adrenal gland of the freshwater turtle, Amyda japonica

Renal actions of dendroaspis natriuretic peptide in rabbits

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) is one of four members of the natriuretic peptide family sharing functional and structural properties. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the physiological role of DNP on renal functions and its cellular mechanism in the rabbit kidney. DNP (5 μg/kg/min) infused intravenously increased urine volume and urinary excretion of electrolytes. These renal actions induced by DNP were more pronounced than those caused by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). We compared profiles of (125)I-ANP and (125)I-DNP by reverse-phase HPLC during incubation in rabbit plasma at 37°C for 1, 2, and 4h. While (125)I-ANP was quickly degraded within 1h, (125)I-DNP was still stable in plasma for 4h. DNP induced the greatest cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in the glomeruli in a dose-dependent manner, when compared to other renal structures including cortical tubules, outer medullary tubules, and inner medullary tubules. Affinity cross-linking analysis revealed NPR-A is selective receptor for DNP in glomeruli. Forskolin, a stimulator of adenylyl cyclase, significantly decreased cGMP production in the renal glomeruli but not in the renal medulla. In summary, DNP is a more effective activator of renal functions than ANP, possibly because of the degradation resistance of DNP against the endogenous peptidases in plasma or tissues. These findings suggest that DNP plays a pivotal role as a renal regulating peptide via specific natriuretic peptide receptors with a guanylyl cyclase domain.

Presence of dendroaspis natriuretic peptide and its binding to NPR-A receptor in rabbit kidney

Natriuretic peptides help to maintain sodium and fluid volume homeostasis in a healthy cardio-renal environment. Since the identification of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) as a new member of the natriuretic peptide family, DNP has been considered as an important regulator of natriuresis and dieresis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of immunoreactive Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) and its specific receptor in rabbit. DNP was detected in heart, kidney, liver, brain, and plasma by radioimmunoassay (RIA). DNP contents of cardiac atrium and ventricle, renal cortex and medulla, liver, and brain were 1.42 ± 0.15, 1.0 6 ± 0.08, 2.55 ± 0.21, 1.81 ± 0.16, 1.36 ± 0.22, and 0.69 ± 0.15 pg/mg of wet weight, respectively. The concentration of DNP in plasma was 235.44 ± 15.44 pg/ml. By quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography, specific ¹²⁵I-DNP binding sites were revealed in glomeruli, interlobular artery, acuate artery, vasa recta bundle, and inner medulla of the kidney with an apparent dissociation constant (K(d)) of 0.29 ± 0.05, 0.36 ± 0.03, 0.84 ± 0.19, 1.18 ± 0.23, and 10.91 ± 1.59 nM, respectively. Basal rate of 3', 5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production by particulate guanylyl cyclase (GC) activation of glomerular membranes was basally 13.40 ± 1.70 pmol/mg protein/min. DNP caused an increment of cGMP production in similar magnitude to that caused by ANP, BNP, and urodilatin, while the production of cGMP by CNP was significantly lower than that by DNP. Our results show that plasma levels of DNP were higher when compared to other tissues. DNP produces cGMP via the NPR-A receptor subtype in the kidney, similarly to ANP and BNP, suggesting that plasma DNP could have similar functions as ANP and BNP.

Natriuretic peptides are negative modulators of adrenocortical cell function of the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Elucidation of the role of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in vertebrate adrenal steroidogenesis has been facilitated by the use of freshly dispersed adrenocortical cells. Our recent characterization of lizard adrenocortical cells [Carsia, R.V., John-Alder, H.B., 2003. Seasonal alterations in adrenocortical cell function associated with stress-responsiveness and sex in the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus). Horm. Behav. 43, 408-420] provided the opportunity to examine the influence of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) and related NPs on reptilian adrenal steroidogenesis at the cellular level. In the present report, the action of NPs on lizard adrenal steroidogenesis was investigated using freshly dispersed adrenocortical cells derived from the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus). Basal production rates of aldosterone and corticosterone and maximal angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced production rates of these corticosteroids were inhibited with high efficacy (75-90%) by rat ANP at potencies of 0.4-0.7 nM. By contrast, rat ANP had no effect on maximal production rates of these corticosteroids in response to a maximal steroidogenic concentration of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH; 1 nM). However, rat ANP inhibited aldosterone and corticosterone production rates in response to a half-maximal steroidogenic concentration of ACTH (10 pM; approximately 50 pg/ml), albeit with less efficacy ( approximately 50%) and potency (approximately 6 nM) than for ANG II. Rat and eel ANP and rat and chicken brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were equally efficacious at inhibiting maximal ANG II-induced aldosterone and corticosterone production but with different potencies. The order of inhibitory potency was rat ANP = chicken BNP > eel ANP > rat BNP. However, a specific peptide ligand for the NP clearance receptor was without effect. This study indicates that ANP and related NPs are efficacious inhibitors of lizard adrenal steroidogenesis by acting directly at the level of the adrenocortical cell.

Atrial natriuretic factor: localization in the adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula and effects on pituitary-adrenal axis activity

The occurrence of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) immunoreactivity was investigated in the adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula by avidin-biotinylated peroxidase complex (ABC) immunocytochemical technique: ANF immunoreactivity was present in the chromaffin tissue, and was absent in the steroidogenic tissue. The role of ANF in the modulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis activity was investigated in vivo by intraperitoneal administration of ANF. The effects were evaluated by examination of the morphological and morphometrical features of the tissues, as well as the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, aldosterone, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. ANF (28 microg/100 g body wt) did not affect ACTH plasma levels, that remained almost unchanged; in contrast, corticosterone plasma levels increased from 6.45 +/- 0.070 ng/ml in carrier-injected lizards to 9.69 +/- 0.080 ng/ml 24 h after the injection; aldosterone levels decreased from 2.19 +/- 0.010 ng/ml in carrier-injected specimens to 0.58 +/- 0.003 ng/ml 24 h after the experimental treatment. In the chromaffin tissue, an increase in the number of epinephrine cells and a decrease in the number of norepinephrine cells were observed, decreasing the numeric norepinephrine/epinephrine cell ratio, from 1.4/1 of control specimens to 0.3/1 24 h after ANF administration. Moreover, norepinephrine plasma levels decreased from 998 +/- 4.600 pg/ml in carrier-injected specimens to 321 +/- 2.230 pg/ml 24 h after ANF administration; epinephrine plasma levels were elevated from 614 +/- 3.410 pg/ml in carrier-injected specimens to 1672 +/- 10.800 pg/ml 24 h after the experimental treatment. The presence of ANF in the adrenal gland suggests that, also in reptiles as in other vertebrates, this peptide, locally released from the chromaffin cells, may modulate the activity of the adrenal gland, probably in a paracrine manner. The effects of ANF on the adrenal gland suggest that this peptide may affect reptilian salt and fluid homeostasis.

Comparative aspects of natriuretic peptide physiology in non-mammalian vertebrates: a review

The natriuretic peptide system is a complex family of peptides and receptors that is primarily linked to the maintenance of osmotic and cardiovascular homeostasis. A natriuretic peptide system is present in each vertebrate class but there are varying degrees of complexity in the system. In agnathans and chondrichthyians, only one natriuretic peptide has been identified, while new data has revealed that multiple types of natriuretic peptides are present in bony fish. However, it seems in tetrapods that there has been a reduction in the number of natriuretic peptide genes, such that only three natriuretic peptides are present in mammals. The peptides act via a family of guanylyl cyclase receptors to generate the second messenger cGMP, which mediates a range of physiological effects at key targets such as the gills, kidney and the cardiovascular system. This review summarises the current knowledge of the natriuretic peptide system in non-mammalian vertebrates and discusses the physiological actions of the peptides.

C-type natriuretic peptide system in rabbit oviduct

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a third member of the natriuretic peptide family, is known to be distributed mainly in brain and vascular endothelium and is considered to act as a local regulator in many tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of CNP system and its biological function in rabbit oviduct. The serial dilution curve of tissue extracts was parallel to the standard curve of CNP((1-22)) and a major peak of molecular profile of tissue extracts by HPLC was CNP((1-53)). mRNA of CNP which was the same size as positive control was also detected by Southern blot analysis. CNP increased the production of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the purified membrane of oviduct, which was more in membranes derived from the isthmic portion than in the ampullar portion. The presence of mRNAs of natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) and NPR-B was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Synthetic CNP((1-22)) inhibited both frequency and amplitude of basal motility of oviduct in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of CNP on the basal motility was more potent in the isthmic portion than in the ampullar portion. These results demonstrate the presence of CNP system in the oviduct and regional differences in motility inhibition by CNP between isthmic and ampullar portions. Therefore, these findings suggest the possible existence of a CNP system that may exert a local regulator of basal motility, either alone or in concert with other hormones.

Cyclosporine impairs the guanylyl cyclase activity of the natriuretic peptide receptor in the glomerulus

In order to elucidate the involvement of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its receptor (natriuretic peptide receptor; NPR) system in cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity, we investigated the cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced changes in characteristics of the NPR/guanylyl cyclase system in the glomerulus and inner medulla of the rat kidney. CsA was administered intramuscularly to rats for 2 weeks (CsA group). Particulate guanylyl cyclase activity was measured in glomerular and inner medullary membranes. For receptor characteristics, quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography was performed. The guanylyl cyclase activity in the glomerulus from the CsA group was attenuated compared with that from the control. However, the activity in the inner medulla was not affected by CsA treatment. Direct application of CsA to normal glomerular membrane completely abolished the ANP-induced guanylyl cyclase activation. Binding studies, using(125)I-ANP, revealed that B(max)was decreased in the CsA group, while K(d)was not affected in the glomerulus. However, in the inner medulla, neither B(max)nor K(d)was affected by CsA treatment. CsA did not displace the(125)I-ANP bindings to NPRs in the normal rat kidney. Local tissue ANP as well as plasma ANP concentration in both groups was not significantly different. These results indicate that CsA impairs the guanylyl cyclase activity mainly in the glomerulus by the decrease in NPR population and/or by direct inhibition, suggesting that the ANP/NPR system might be involved in CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

Localization of receptors for natriuretic peptide and endothelin in the duct of the epididymis of the freshwater turtle

The presence of receptor subtypes for natriuretic peptides (NPs) and endothelin (ET) in the epididymis of the freshwater turtle, Amyda japonica, was examined by quantitative in vitro autoradiography using iodinated mammalian-type atrial NP ((125)I-ANP((1-28))), phylogenically conserved C-type NP ((125)I-[Tyr(0)]-CNP((1-22))), and ET-1 ((125)I-ET-1) as radiolabeled ligands. To characterize NP receptor (NPR) subtypes, we also performed an activation of particulate guanylyl cyclase (GC) in membranes of the epididymis by NPs. Specific (125)I-ANP((1-28)) and (125)I-[Tyr(0)]-CNP((1-22)) bindings were localized in surrounding smooth muscle cell layer of the duct of the epididymis with an apparent dissociation constant (K(d)) of 0.84+/-0.15 and 1.74+/-0.39 nM and a maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of 0.47+/-0.11 and 0.08+/-0.01 fmol/mm(2), respectively. Bindings of (125)I-ANP((1-28)) and (125)I-[Tyr(0)]-CNP((1-22)) to these sites were also displaced by des[Gln(18),Ser(19),Gly(20), Leu(21),Gly(22)]ANF((4-23)), a specific ligand of the NP clearance receptor. Production of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate by particulate GC in membranes of the epididymis was stimulated by ANP((1-28)), BNP((1-26)), and CNP((1-22)). Receptor subtypes for ET in the epididymis were characterized by competition with BQ 123 and BQ 788 as specific antagonists for ET receptors, type A (ET(A)) and type B (ET(B)) subtypes, respectively. Specific (125)I-ET-1 bindings were localized in the smooth muscle cell layer of the duct of the epididymis with K(d) and B(max) of 0.21+/-0.03 nM and 0.52+/-0.05 fmol/mm(2), respectively. These specific bindings were potently inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by BQ 123, whereas BQ 788 (10 microM) was not in competing for specific (125)I-ET-1 bindings in this structure. Therefore, these results indicate that specific NP and ET receptors are localized in surrounding smooth muscle cells of the duct of the epididymis of the freshwater turtle. It is also suggested that biological and clearance NPR-like subtypes coexist in these cells, and the predominant ET receptor subtype in this tissue is the ET(A)-like receptor. The localization of specific receptors for NPs and ET in the epididymis may be involved in the control of the transport of sperm in the freshwater turtle.

Structural and functional evolution of the natriuretic peptide system in vertebrates

The natriuretic peptide (NP) system consists of three types of hormones [atrial NP (ANP), brain or B-type NP (BNP), and C-type NP (CNP)] and three types of receptors [NP receptor (R)-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C]. ANP and BNP are circulating hormones secreted from the heart, whereas CNP is basically a neuropeptide. NPR-A and NPR-B are membrane-bound guanylyl cyclases, whereas NPR-C is assumed to function as a clearance-type receptor. ANP, BNP, and CNP occur commonly in all tetrapods, but ventricular NP replaces BNP in teleost fish. In elasmobranchs, only CNP is found, even in the heart, suggesting that CNP is an ancestral form. A new guanylyl cyclase-uncoupled receptor named NPR-D has been identified in the eel in addition to NPR-A, -B, and -C. The NP system plays pivotal roles in cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis. ANP is secreted in response to an increase in blood volume and acts on various organs to decrease both water and Na+, resulting in restoration of blood volume. In the eel, however, ANP is secreted in response to an increase in plasma osmolality and decreases Na+ specifically, thereby promoting seawater adaptation. Therefore, it seems that the family of NPs were originally Na(+)-extruding hormones in fishes; however, they evolved to be volume-depleting hormones promoting the excretion of both Na+ and water in tetrapods in which both are always regulated in the same direction. Vertebrates expanded their habitats from fresh water to the sea or to land during evolution. The structure and function of osmoregulatory hormones have also undergone evolution during this ecological evolution. Thus, a comparative approach to the study of the NP family affords new insights into the essential function of this osmoregulatory hormone.