Modulation of the (Na(+)+K+)ATPase activity by Angiotensin-(1-7) in MDCK cells

Ouabain-induced activation of phospholipase C zeta and its contributions to bovine sperm capacitation

The sperm-derived oocyte activating factor, phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ), is the only PLC isoform reported in cattle. The objectives were to (1) localize PLC ζ in fresh and capacitated bovine sperm and (2) investigate the activation of PLC ζ during bull sperm capacitation and contributions of PLC activity to this process. We confirmed interaction of testis-specific isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) with PLC ζ (immunolocalization and immunoprecipitation) and tyrosine phosphorylation (immunoprecipitation) of PLC ζ (a post-translational protein modification commonly involved in activation of PLC in somatic cells) during capacitation. Furthermore, incubation of sperm under capacitating conditions upregulated PLC-mediated hyperactivated motility, tyrosine phosphoprotein content, acrosome reaction, and F-actin formation (flow cytometry), implying that PLC activity is enhanced during capacitation and contributing to these capacitation processes. In conclusion, we inferred that PLC ζ is activated during capacitation by tyrosine phosphorylation through a mechanism involving ATP1A4, contributing to capacitation-associated biochemical events.

Lactation Leads to Modifications in Maternal Renin-Angiotensin System in Later Life

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with maternal cardioprotective phenotype observed in post-lactated mice later in life. Following the delivery, CD-1 female mice were randomized to one of the following groups: lactated (nursed pups for 3 weeks, n = 10) or non-lactated (pups were removed after birth, n = 10). The mice were sacrificed 6 months after the delivery, and tissues were collected. Protein levels of angiotensinogen, angiotensin type 1 and 2 receptors (AT1R, AT2R), angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE, ACE2), and MAS receptor were determined using Western blot. Results were analyzed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate (significance: P < 0.05). Angiotensinogen levels were significantly lower in the liver (P = 0.0002), and ACE was significantly decreased in the lungs (P = 0.04) and kidney (P = 0.001) from lactated mice as compared to non-lactated. The levels of AT2R in the kidney (P = 0.02) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT, P = 0.04), the ACE 2 in the VAT (P = 0.03) and heart (P = 0.04), and MAS receptor in VAT (P = 0.02) were significantly elevated in tissues from lactated mice. No other differences were found. Lactation led to the upregulation and downregulation of selected RAS components in lactated mice as compared to non-lactated group and may be a contributing factor to maternal cardioprotective phenotype later in life. Further studies are needed to dissect the mechanisms between lactation and the long-term maternal cardiometabolic benefits, which could lead to the therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease in women.

Beneficial Effects of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Activator Dize in Renovascular Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) 2 is an important modulator of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) and the RAS plays a central role in renovascular hypertension. Very few studies investigated the role of components of the counterregulatory RAS axis (ACE2, Ang-(1-7) and Mas receptor) in renovascular hypertension and the results are controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Diminazene Aceturate (DIZE) administration on renal function and renal inflammation parameters in 2K1C hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham-operated animals, 2K1C+saline and 2K1C+DIZE orally (1 mg/kg/day). At the end of the 30 days of treatment, renal function was analyzed and kidneys from all the groups were collected and processed separately for measurement of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, cytokines, chemokines and nitric oxide levels.

RESULTS

Oral DIZE administration for 4 weeks in hypertensive rats attenuated renal dysfunction and reduced the levels of MPO and NAG, cytokines and chemokines (IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1) and increased urinary nitrate/nitrite levels in 2K1C hypertensive rats.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that ACE2 activation may effectively improve renal alterations and inflammation induced by renovascular hypertension.

Kidney dopamine D1-like receptors and angiotensin 1-7 interaction inhibits renal Na+ transporters

The role of dopamine D₁-like receptors (DR) in the regulation of renal Na⁺ transporters, natriuresis, and blood pressure is well established. However, the involvement of the angiotensin 1-7 (ANG 1-7)-Mas receptor in the regulation of Na⁺ balance and blood pressure is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that ANG 1-7 can regulate Na⁺ homeostasis by modulating the renal dopamine system. Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with saline alone (vehicle) or saline with ANG 1-7, ANG 1-7 antagonist A-779, DR agonist SKF38393, and antagonist SCH23390. Infusion of ANG 1-7 caused significant natriuresis and diuresis compared with saline alone. Both natriuresis and diuresis were blocked by A-779 and SCH23390. SKF38393 caused a significant, SCH23390-sensitive natriuresis and diuresis, and A-779 had no effect on the SKF38393 response. Concomitant infusion of ANG 1-7 and SKF38393 did not show a cumulative effect compared with either agonist alone. Treatment of renal proximal tubules with ANG 1-7 or SKF38393 caused a significant decrease in Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger isoform 3 activity. While SCH23390 blocked both ANG 1-7- and SKF38393-induced inhibition, the DR response was not sensitive to A-779. Additionally, ANG 1-7 activated PKG, enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase activity via Ser⁴⁰ phosphorylation, and increased renal dopamine production. These data suggest that ANG 1-7, via PKG, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, which increases renal dopamine production and activation of DR and subsequent natriuresis. This study provides evidence for a unidirectional functional interaction between two G protein-coupled receptors to regulate renal Na⁺ transporters and induce natriuresis.

Acute intrarenal angiotensin (1-7) infusion decreases diabetes-induced glomerular hyperfiltration but increases kidney oxygen consumption in the rat

AIM

Common kidney alterations early after the onset of insulinopenic diabetes include glomerular hyperfiltration, increased oxygen consumption and tissue hypoxia. Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been implicated in most of these early alterations. The RAAS peptide angiotensin (1-7) has the potential to modulate RAAS-mediated alterations in kidney function. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the acute effects of angiotensin (1-7) in the kidney of insulinopenic type 1 diabetic rat and the results compared to that of normoglycaemic controls.

METHODS

Renal haemodynamics and oxygen homeostasis were measured 3 weeks after administration of streptozotocin before and after acute intrarenal infusion of angiotensin (1-7) at a dose of 400 ng min^-1 .

RESULTS

Arterial pressure and renal blood flow were similar between groups and not affected by exogenous angiotensin (1-7). Diabetics presented with glomerular hyperfiltration, increased urinary sodium excretion and elevated kidney oxygen consumption. Angiotensin (1-7) infusion normalized glomerular filtration, increased urinary sodium excretion, decreased proximal tubular reabsorption, and elevated kidney oxygen consumption even further. The latter resulting in tubular electrolyte transport inefficiency. Angiotensin (1-7) did not affect tissue oxygen tension and had no significant effects in controls on any of the measured parameters.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes results in increased responsiveness to elevated levels of angiotensin (1-7) which is manifested as inhibition of tubular sodium transport and normalization of glomerular filtration. Furthermore, elevated angiotensin (1-7) levels increase kidney oxygen consumption in the diabetic kidney even further which affects tubular electrolyte transport efficiency negatively.

Bioactive lipids are altered in the kidney of chronic undernourished rats: is there any correlation with the progression of prevalent nephropathies?

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition during childhood leads to chronic diseases in adult life including hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Here we explore the hypothesis that physiological alterations in the bioactive lipids pattern within kidney tissue might be involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

Membrane fractions from kidney homogenates of undernourished rats (RBD) were submitted to lipid extraction and analysis by thin layer chromatography and cholesterol determination.

RESULTS

Kidneys from RBD rats had 25% lower cholesterol content, which disturb membrane microdomains, affecting Ca2+ homeostasis and the enzymes responsible for important lipid mediators such as phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase, sphingosine kinase, diacylglicerol kinase and phospholipase A2. We observed a decrease in phosphatidylinositol(4)-phosphate (8.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 0.7 pmol.mg-1.mim-1), and an increase in phosphatidic acid (2.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 1.3 pmol.mg-1.mim-1), being these lipid mediators involved in the regulation of key renal functions. Ceramide levels are augmented in kidney tissue from RBD rats (18.7 ± 1.4 vs. 21.7 ± 1.5 fmol.mg-1.min-1) indicating an ongoing renal lesion.

CONCLUSION

Results point to an imbalance in the bioactive lipid generation with further consequences to key events related to kidney function, thus contributing to the establishment of chronic kidney disease.

Renin-angiotensin system in the kidney: What is new?

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been known for more than a century as a cascade that regulates body fluid balance and blood pressure. Angiotensin II(Ang II) has many functions in different tissues; however it is on the kidney that this peptide exerts its main functions. New enzymes, alternative routes for Ang IIformation or even active Ang II-derived peptides have now been described acting on Ang II AT₁ or AT₂ receptors, or in receptors which have recently been cloned, such as Mas and AT₄. Another interesting observation was that old members of the RAS, such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), renin and prorenin, well known by its enzymatic activity, can also activate intracellular signaling pathways, acting as an outside-in signal transduction molecule or on the renin/(Pro)renin receptor. Moreover, the endocrine RAS, now is also known to have paracrine, autocrine and intracrine action on different tissues, expressing necessary components for local Ang II formation. This in situ formation, especially in the kidney, increases Ang II levels to regulate blood pressure and renal functions. These discoveries, such as the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis and its antangonistic effect rather than classical deleterious Ang II effects, improves the development of new drugs for treating hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Modulation of the action of insulin by angiotensin-(1-7)

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is predicted to increase dramatically over the coming years and the clinical implications and healthcare costs from this disease are overwhelming. In many cases, this pathological condition is linked to a cluster of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, systemic hypertension and dyslipidaemia, defined as the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance has been proposed as the key mediator of all of these features and contributes to the associated high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the molecular mechanisms behind insulin resistance are not completely understood, a negative cross-talk between AngII (angiotensin II) and the insulin signalling pathway has been the focus of great interest in the last decade. Indeed, substantial evidence has shown that anti-hypertensive drugs that block the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) may also act to prevent diabetes. Despite its long history, new components within the RAS continue to be discovered. Among them, Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] has gained special attention as a counter-regulatory hormone opposing many of the AngII-related deleterious effects. Specifically, we and others have demonstrated that Ang-(1-7) improves the action of insulin and opposes the negative effect that AngII exerts at this level. In the present review, we provide evidence showing that insulin and Ang-(1-7) share a common intracellular signalling pathway. We also address the molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Ang-(1-7) on AngII-mediated insulin resistance. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches leading to modulation of the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis as a very attractive strategy in the therapy of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes-associated diseases.

Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with upregulation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis and promotes increased circulating angiotensin-(1-7)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its product angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor Mas may counteract the adverse effects of the ACE-angiotensin receptor II-AT(1) axis in many diseases. We examined the expression of these novel components of the rennin-angiotensin system in an experimental mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

SAP was induced by six intraperitoneal injections of caerulein, and mice were sacrificed at 2, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post disease-induction (normal control group mice were sacrificed at 2 h post disease-induction). Tissue and blood were collected for biochemical detection, gene and protein expression by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistology detection.

RESULTS

Pancreatic ACE2 gene and protein expression, plasma and pancreatic angiotensin-(1-7) levels and Mas receptor gene and protein expression were significantly increased (p < 0.05) following SAP induction compared with the normal control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with upregulation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis and promotes increased circulating angiotensin-(1-7). These results support the presence of an ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis in pancreatitis.

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2, Angiotensin-(1-7), and receptor MAS axis in the kidney

In the past few years the understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has improved, helping to better define the role of this system in physiological conditions and in human diseases. Besides Angiotensin (Ang) II, the biological importance of other Ang fragments was progressively evidenced. In this regard, Angiotensin- (Ang-) (1-7) was recognized as a biologically active product of the RAS cascade with a specific receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas, and that is mainly formed by the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) homolog enzyme, ACE2, which converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7). Taking into account the biological effects of these two mediators, Ang II and Ang-(1-7), the RAS can be envisioned as a dual function system in which the vasoconstrictor/proliferative or vasodilator/antiproliferative actions are primarily driven by the balance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7), respectively. In this paper, we will discuss our current understanding of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis of the RAS in renal physiology and in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Atrial natriuretic peptides and urodilatin modulate proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase activity through activation of the NPR-A/cGMP/PKG pathway

The signaling pathway mediating modulation of Na(+)-ATPase of proximal tubule cells by atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and urodilatin through receptors located in luminal and basolateral membranes (BLM) is investigated. In isolated BLM, 10(-11)M ANP or 10(-11)M urodilatin inhibited the enzyme activity (50%). Immunodetection revealed the presence of NPR-A in BLM and LLC-PK1 cells. Both compounds increased protein kinase G (PKG) activity (80%) and this effect did not occur with 10(-6)M LY83583, a specific inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase. The inhibitory effect of these peptides on Na(+)-ATPase activity did not occur after addition of 10(-6)M KT5823, a specific inhibitor of PKG. LLC-PK1 cells were used to investigate if ANP and urodilatin change the activity of sodium pumps by luminal receptor interaction. ANP and urodilatin inhibited Na(+)-ATPase activity (50%), with maximal effect at 10(-10)M, similar to 10(-7)M db-cGMP, and did not occur with 10(-7)M LY83583, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. ANP and urodilatin specifically inhibit Na(+)-ATPase activity by activation of the cGMP/PKG pathway through NPR-A located in luminal membrane and BLM, increasing understanding of the mechanism of natriuretic peptides on renal sodium excretion, with proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase one possible target.

PKA-mediated effect of MAS receptor in counteracting angiotensin II-stimulated renal Na+-ATPase

We showed previously that angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] reversed stimulation of proximal tubule Na+-ATPase promoted by angiotensin II (Ang II) through a D-ala(7)-Ang-(1-7) (A779)-sensitive receptor. Here we investigated the signaling pathway coupled to this receptor. According to our data, Ang-(1-7) produces a MAS-mediated reversal of Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase by a Gs/PKA pathway because: (1) the Ang-(1-7) effect is reversed by GDPbetaS, an inhibitor of trimeric G protein and Gs polyclonal antibody. Cholera toxin, an activator of Gs protein, mimicked it; (2) in the presence of Ang II, Ang-(1-7) increased the PKA activity 10-fold; (3) the peptide inhibitor of PKA blocked the Ang-(1-7) effect on Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase; (4) Ang-(1-7) reverses the Ang II-stimulated PKC activity; (5) cAMP mimicked the Ang-(1-7) effect on the Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase. Our results provide new understanding about the signaling mechanisms coupled to MAS receptor-mediated renal Ang-(1-7) effects.

Advances in the renin angiotensin system focus on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7)

The contribution of the renin angiotensin system to physiology and pathology is undergoing a rapid reconsideration of its mechanisms from emerging new concepts implicating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7) as new elements negatively influencing the vasoconstrictor, trophic, and pro-inflammatory actions of angiotensin II. This component of the system acts to oppose the vasoconstrictor and proliferative effects on angiotensin II through signaling mechanisms mediated by the mas receptor. In addition, a reduced expression of the vasodepressor axis composed by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7) may contribute to the expression of essential hypertension, the remodeling of heart and renal function associated with this disease, and even the physiology of pregnancy and the development of eclampsia.

Differential regulation of H+-ATPases in MDCK-C11 cells by aldosterone and vasopressin

The objective of the present work was to characterize the biochemical activity of the proton pumps present in the C11 clone of Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, akin to intercalated cells of the collecting duct, as well as to study their regulation by hormones like aldosterone and vasopressin. MDCK-C11 cells from passages 78 to 86 were utilized. The reaction to determine H+-ATPase activity was started by addition of cell homogenates to tubes contained the assay medium. The inorganic phosphate (Pi) released was determined by a colorimetric method modified from that described by Fiske and Subbarow. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration in the cells was determined using the Ca2+-sensing dye fluo-4 AM. Homogenates of MDCK-C11 cells present a bafilomycin-sensitive activity (vacuolar H+-ATPase), and a vanadate-sensitive activity (H+/K+-ATPase). The bafilomycin-sensitive activity showed a pH optimum of 6.12. ATPase activity was also stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion as K+ concentration was increased between 0 and 50 mmol·L–1, with an apparent Km for the release of Pi of 0.13 mmol·L–1 and Vmax of 22.01 nmol·mg–1·min–1. Incubation of cell monolayers with 10−8 mol·L–1 aldosterone for 24 h significantly increased vacuolar H+-ATPase activity, an effect prevented by 10−5 mol·L–1 spironolactone. Vacuolar H+-ATPase activity was also stimulated by 10−11 mol·L–1 vasopressin, an effect prevented by a V1 receptor-specific antagonist. This dose of vasopressin determined a sustained rise of cytosolic ionized calcium. We conclude that (i) homogenates of MDCK-C11 cells present a bafilomycin-sensitive (H+-ATPase) activity and a vanadate-sensitive (H+/K+-ATPase) activity, and (ii) vacuolar H+-ATPase activity is activated by aldosterone through a genomic pathway and by vasopressin through V1 receptors.

The angiotensin receptor type 1-Gq protein-phosphatidyl inositol phospholipase Cbeta-protein kinase C pathway is involved in activation of proximal tubule Na+-ATPase activity by angiotensin(1-7) in pig kidneys

In a previous study, we observed that angiotensin(1-7) (Ang(1-7)) stimulates proximal tubule Na+-ATPase activity through the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R). Here we aimed to study the signalling pathways involved. Our results show that the stimulatory effect of Ang(1-7) on Na+-ATPase activity through AT1R involves a Gq protein-phosphatidyl inositol-phospholipase Cbeta (PI-PLCbeta) pathway because: (1) the effect was reversed by GDPbetaS, a non-hydrolysable GDP analogue, and by a monoclonal Gq protein antibody; (2) the effect was similar and not additive to that of GTPgammaS, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue; (3) Ang(1-7) induced a rapid decrease (30 s) in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate levels, a PI-PLCbeta substrate; and (4) U73122, a specific inhibitor of PI-PLCbeta, abolished Ang(1-7)-induced stimulation of Na+-ATPase activity. Angiotensin(1-7) increased the protein kinase C (PKC) activity similarly to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC. This effect was reversed by losartan, a specific antagonist of AT1R. The stimulatory effects of Ang(1-7) and PMA on Na+-ATPase activity are similar, non-additive and reversed by calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC. A catalytic subunit of PKC (PKC-M) increased the Na+-ATPase activity. These data show that Ang(1-7) stimulates Na+-ATPase activity through the AT1R-Gq protein-PI-PLCbeta-PKC pathway. This effect is similar to that described for angiotensin II, showing for the first time that these compounds could have similar effects in the renal system.

Renal function in transgenic rats expressing an angiotensin-(1-7)-producing fusion protein

Transgenic rats [TGR(A1-7)3292] present a chronic 2.5-fold increase in plasma Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] concentration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of this chronic elevation on renal function, vasopressin levels, kidney morphology, expression of Ang-(1-7) and vasopressin receptors in TGR(A1-7)3292. Urine volume and water intake were measured for 24 h. At the end of this period, plasma and urine samples were collected to evaluate renal function parameters and circulating vasopressin levels. Expression of renal V2 receptors and Mas was assessed by ribonuclease protection assay. Renal slices were processed for histological analysis. The urine flow of TGR(A1-7)3292 was significantly lower in comparison with Sprague-Dawley rats. The reduced urine volume of TGR(A1-7)3292 was accompanied by a significant increase in urinary osmolality and decrease free water clearance. Glomerular filtration rate, urinary sodium and potassium excretion were similar in both strains. No significant changes were observed in vasopressin levels as well as in V2 receptor and Mas mRNA expression in renal tissue. No changes in kidney structure of TGR(A1-7)3292 were detected. These data suggest that changes in circulating renin-angiotensin system produced by chronic increase of Ang-(1-7) levels can lead to adjustments in the water balance that are independent of vasopressin release and V2 receptor expression.