Characterization and localization of human renal kininogen

BNP as a Major Player in the Heart-Kidney Connection

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an important biomarker for patients with heart failure, hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Although it is known that BNP levels are relatively higher in patients with chronic kidney disease and no heart disease, the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we review the functions and the roles of BNP in the heart-kidney interaction. In addition, we discuss the relevant molecular mechanisms that suggest BNP is protective against chronic kidney diseases and heart failure, especially in terms of the counterparts of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The renal medulla has been reported to express depressor substances. The extract of the papillary tips from kidneys may induce the expression and secretion of BNP from cardiomyocytes. A better understanding of these processes will help accelerate pharmacological treatments for heart-kidney disease.

Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT plays a role in the regulation of renal K+ excretion

The aim of this mini review is to provide an overview regarding the role of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1)/Kir5.1 in regulating renal K+ excretion. Deletion of Kir4.1 in the kidney inhibited thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) activity in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and slightly suppressed Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) function in the thick ascending limb (TAL). Moreover, increased dietary K+ intake inhibited, whereas decreased dietary K+ intake stimulated, the basolateral potassium channel (a Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer) in the DCT. The alteration of basolateral potassium conductance is essential for the effect of dietary K+ intake on NCC because deletion of Kir4.1 in the DCT abolished the effect of dietary K+ intake on NCC. Since potassium intake-mediated regulation of NCC plays a key role in regulating renal K+ excretion and potassium homeostasis, the deletion of Kir4.1 caused severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis under control conditions and even during increased dietary K+ intake. Finally, recent studies have suggested that the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) and bradykinin-B2 receptor (BK2R) are involved in mediating the effect of high dietary K+ intake on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT.

Bradykinin mediates the association of collecting duct cells to form migratory colonies, through B2 receptor activation

It is known that bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor (B2R) is expressed in the collecting duct (CD) cells of the newborn rat kidney, but little is known about its role during early postnatal life. Therefore, we hypothesize that BK could participate in the mechanisms that mediate CD formation during the postnatal renal development. Performing primary cultures, combined with biochemical, immunocytochemical, and time-lapse analysis, we studied the role of BK in CD cell behavior isolated from renal papilla of neonatal rats. A reverse relationship was observed between B2R expression and the degree of CD epithelial cell sheet maturation. BK stimulation induced CD cell association upon B2R activation. The lack of B2R expression in cells showing mature adherens junctions suggested that BK is mostly involved in early adhesive events, thus favoring the initial formation of CD during development. Time-lapse analysis revealed that BK induced a high protrusive activity of CD cells, denoted by ruffle formation and lamellipodia extension. PI3K was involved in the BK-induced CD cell-cell association and the acquisition of the migratory phenotype since, when inhibited, membrane ruffles, and filopodia between cells diminished. Results indicate that the actions of BK mediated by PI3K activation were due to the downstream Akt and Rac pathways. This study, performed with CD cells that were not genetically manipulated, provides new experimental evidence supporting a novel role of BK in rat renal CD organization. As B2R blockade results in abnormal tubular differentiation, our results contribute to better understanding the etiology of human congenital renal malformation and diseases.

Changes in bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor during estrous cycle of mouse

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the abundance of bradykinin and bradykinin B2-receptor in the ovary of mice during its estrous cycle. Changes in the abundance of bradykinin were correlated with changes in bradykinin B(2)-receptor in order to determine the functional significance of this peptide for follicular development, ovulation and luteinization. Bradykinin immunoreactivity was mainly observed in the granulosa cells of antral follicles, especially around the oocytes and lining the antral cavity during proestrus and estrus phases of the cycle. Recently formed corpora lutea showed mild immunoreactivity for both bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor. During diestrus 1 and diestrus 2, bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor immunostaining was mainly found in the corpora lutea and mildly in the antral follicles. Immunoblot analysis for bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor attained a peak during late evening in proestrus, which may be the time of the LH surge. Thereafter bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor declined sharply during the estrus phase. When the concentration of bradykinin was correlated with bradykinin B(2)-receptor throughout the estrous cycle, they showed strong positive correlation. Thus, this study indicates that the levels of bradykinin and bradykinin B(2)-receptor both simultaneously regulate estrous cycle and are important components for the reproductive process.

Blockade of renal medullary bradykinin B2 receptors increases tubular sodium reabsorption in rats fed a normal-salt diet

The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that under normal physiological conditions and/or during augmentation of kinin levels, intrarenal kinins act on medullary bradykinin B(2) (BKB(2)) receptors to acutely increase papillary blood flow (PBF) and therefore Na(+) excretion. We determined the effect of acute inner medullary interstitial (IMI) BKB(2) receptor blockade on renal hemodynamics and excretory function in rats fed either a normal (0.23%)- or a low (0.08%)-NaCl diet. For each NaCl diet, two groups of rats were studied. Baseline renal hemodynamic and excretory function were determined during IMI infusion of 0.9% NaCl into the left kidney. The infusion was then either changed to HOE-140 (100 microg.kg(-1).h(-1), treated group) or maintained with 0.9% NaCl (time control group), and the parameters were again determined. In rats fed a normal-salt diet, HOE-140 infusion decreased left kidney Na(+) excretion (urinary Na(+) extraction rate) and fractional Na(+) excretion by 40 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 4%, respectively (P < 0.01), but did not alter glomerular filtration rate, inner medullary blood flow (PBF), or cortical blood flow. In rats fed a low-salt diet, HOE-140 infusion did not alter renal regional hemodynamics or excretory function. We conclude that in rats fed a normal-salt diet, kinins act tonically via medullary BKB(2) receptors to increase Na(+) excretion independent of changes in inner medullary blood flow.

A missing link between a high salt intake and blood pressure increase

It is widely accepted that a high sodium intake triggers blood pressure rise. However, only one-third of the normotensive subjects were reported to show salt-sensitivity in their blood pressure. Many factors have been proposed as causes of salt-sensitive hypertension, but none of them provides a satisfactory explanation. We propose, on the basis of accumulated data, that the reduced activity of the kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney may provide this link. Renal kallikrein is secreted by the distal connecting tubular cells and all kallikrein-kinin system components are distributed along the collecting ducts in the distal nephron. Bradykinin generated is immediately destroyed by carboxypeptidase Y-like exopeptidase and neutral endopeptidase, both quite independent from the kininases in plasma, such as angiotensin converting enzyme. The salt-sensitivity of the blood pressure depends largely upon ethnicity and potassium intake. Interestingly, potassium and ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel blockers accelerate renal kallikrein secretion and suppress blood pressure rises in animal hypertension models. Measurement of urinary kallikrein may become necessary in salt-sensitive normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Furthermore, pharmaceutical development of renal kallikrein releasers, such as K(ATP) channel blockers, and renal kininase inhibitors, such as ebelactone B, may lead to the development of novel antihypertensive drugs.

The renal kallikrein-kinin system: its role as a safety valve for excess sodium intake, and its attenuation as a possible etiologic factor in salt-sensitive hypertension

The distal tubules of the kidney express the full set of the components of the kallikrein-kinin system, which works independently from the plasma kallikrein-kinin system. Studies on the role of the renal kallikrein-kinin system, using congenitally kininogen-deficient Brown-Norway Katholiek rats and also bradykinin B2 receptor knockout mice, revealed that this system starts to function and to induce natriuresis and diuresis when sodium accumulates in the body as a result of excess sodium intake or aldosterone release, for example, by angiotensin II. Thus, it can be hypothesized that the system works as a safety valve for sodium accumulation. The large numbers of studies on hypertensive animal models and on essential hypertensive patients, particularly those with salt sensitivity, indicate a tendency toward the reduced excretion of urinary kallikrein, although this reduction is modified by potassium intake and impaired renal function. We hypothesize that the reduced excretion of the renal kallikrein may be attributable to a genetic defect of factor(s) in renal kallikrein secretion process and may cause salt-sensitive hypertension after salt intake.

Endopeptidases (kininases) are able to hydrolyze kinins in tubular fluid along the rat nephron

The activities of serine endopeptidase, prolyl endopeptidase and neutral endopeptidase were determined in tubular fluid collected from several portions of the rat nephron as well as in urine. The enzyme activities were measured by HPLC using bradykinin (BK) as substrate. Free residual peptides of BK obtained by the action of these enzymes on the locally produced BK were also determined. The endopeptidase activities were found to be present throughout the nephron. Equimolar fragments of BK were detected in the early proximal tubule (Arg(1)-Pro(7), Phe(8)-Arg(9), Arg(1)-Gly(4), Phe(5)-Arg(9), and BK), late proximal tubule (Arg(1)-Phe(5), Arg(1)-Pro(7), Gly(4)-Pro(7), Gly(4)-Arg(9), and BK), late distal tubule (Arg(1)-Gly(4), Phe(5)-Arg(9), Arg(1)-Phe(5), Ser(6)-Arg(9), Gly(4)-Arg(9), BK, and [des-Arg(9)]BK) and urine (Phe(8)-Arg(9), Phe(5)-Arg(9), Arg(1)-Phe(5), Ser(6)-Arg(9), Arg(1)-Pro(7), Gly(4)-Pro(7), Gly(4)-Arg(9), BK, and [des-Arg(9)]BK). Our data suggest that the endopeptidases and exopeptidases are secreted by the nephron. Early proximal tubules secrete angiotensin converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase, differing from late distal tubules that produce prolyl endopeptidase, serine endopeptidase, carboxypeptidase, and also neutral endopeptidase. All enzymes detected along the rat nephron were found in the urine. The existence of endopeptidases and carboxypeptidase in the distal nephron may have a potential physiological role in the inactivation of the kinins formed by kallikrein in the kidney and also in the inactivation of additional peptides other than BK.

The pharmacokinetics of the kininogens

Recent evidence has shown that plasma high molecular weight kininogen and both kininogens have the ability to modulate prekallikrein activation and thrombin-induced platelet activation, respectively. However, nothing is known about the plasma clearance and tissue distribution of these proteins. We examined the in vivo pharmacokinetics of high (HK) and low (LK) molecular weight kininogens in rats. 125I-HK and -LK molecular weight kininogens' clearance in rats best-fitted a biexponential model. For HK, the t1/2alpha and t1/2beta were 0.6 and 9.5 h and for LK, 0.78 and 7.4 h, respectively. 125I-kinin-free HK (cleaved HK) was cleared with a t1/2alpha and t1/2beta of 0.45 and 9.9 h, respectively. 125I-Domain 3 of kininogens was cleared with a t1/2beta and t1/2c of 0.99 and 13.3 h, respectively. HK was mostly concentrated in lung; LK, domain 3, and cleaved HK were mostly concentrated in kidney. The kininogens were also concentrated in liver, spleen, and skin. These studies indicate that protein size rather than form is the major determinant of its clearance. Furthermore, the distribution of the kininogens is where bradykinin metabolism and activity are well described.

Localization of bradykinin B2 binding sites in rat kidney following chronic ACE inhibitor treatment

Bradykinin exerts important influences on renal hemodynamics and tubular function by acting on renal bradykinin B2 receptors. However, the precise sites and mechanisms of its actions on the kidney are not known. To help elucidate the mechanisms of renal actions of bradykinin in vivo, we have employed high resolution electron microscopic autoradiography to localize bradykinin B2 binding sites in the rat kidney following intravenous administration of a radiolabeled ligand, 125I-HPP-Hoe140 (3-4-Hydroxyphenyl-propionyl-DArg0-[Hyp3-Thi5-D-Tic 7-Oic8]-bradykinin), a derivative of the highly selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, Hoe140. In non-treated rats, bradykinin B2 binding sites were localized to the cell bodies and the luminal brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules in the cortex. In the medulla (except for the outer stripe of the outer medulla), binding occurred in the distal tubules, thin limbs of the loop of Henle, collecting ducts, peritubular capillary endothelium and renomedullary interstitial cells. To exclude the possibility that the radioligand may bind to angiotensin converting enzyme, rats were pretreated with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, perindopril. In these rats, binding to the cell bodies and the luminal brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules in the cortex was completely abolished, while binding remained unaltered in the medulla. Further studies using high performance liquid chromatography revealed that while the radioligand was degraded following systemic administration in nontreated rats, the degradation was significantly reduced in the rats pretreated chronically with perindopril. These results indicate that binding detected in the proximal tubules in the normal rats is due primarily to the tubular uptake of the degraded radioligand, and that bradykinin B2 binding sites occur predominantly in the renal tubules, vascular endothelium, and renomedullary interstitial cells of the renal medulla.

Renal bradykinin and vasopressin receptors: ligand selectivity and classification

We studied the specific binding of radiolabeled bradykinin ([3H]BK) and vasopressin ([3H]AVP) to membrane preparations of bovine and porcine kidney medulla. [3H]BK reversibly labeled a single site (Kd = 1.06 nM) in bovine kidney medulla independently of [Mg2+]. The number of BK receptors in bovine kidney medulla, Bmax = 122 fmol/mg protein, is markedly (2- to 3-fold) higher than that reported in other tissues. Further characterization by ligand binding indicated that the bovine bradykinin receptor was the B2a subtype, pharmacologically related to B2a receptors expressed by human and rabbit tissues. In contrast, the specific binding of [3H]BK, but not [3H]AVP, to porcine kidney medulla (Kd = 0.32 nM, Bmax = 45 fmol/mg) was dependent upon the presence of enzyme inhibitors to prevent the rapid and selective degradation of bradykinin. Interspecies differences were revealed for renal medulla V2 vasopressin receptors with respect to their abundance and their affinity for several V2-selective ligands. In summary, (i) bovine kidney medulla is a convenient source of tissue for studying the B2a bradykinin receptor subtype; (ii) there are significant species-dependent differences in both the abundance of renal medulla B2a and V2 receptors and the ligand selectivity of V2 receptors; and (iii) these findings are significant in relation to the physiological and pathological roles of renal kinins and their interaction with the neurohypophysial peptide hormone system.

Expression and cellular localization of kininogens in the human kidney

Human high (H) and low (L) molecular weight kininogens are encoded by distinct mRNAs derived by alternative splicing from a single kininogen gene. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of L-kininogen but not of H-kininogen in the distal nephron structures of the kidney. Using the highly sensitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) we have been able to demonstrate the expression of both H-kininogen mRNA and L-kininogen mRNA in kidney and liver. The presence of H- and L-kininogen antigen was shown immunohistochemically by applying specific antibodies that discriminate between the two types of kininogens. Immunoreactive kininogens were localized in the cortical and medullary collecting ducts. Our results indicate that both types of kinin-bearing kallikrein substrates are expressed in the human kidney where they might contribute to the suggested roles of the kallikrein-kinin system in the regulation of renal blood flow and electrolyte excretion.

Pivotal role of renal kallikrein-kinin system in the development of hypertension and approaches to new drugs based on this relationship

Renal kallikrein is one of the tissue kallikreins, and the distal nephron is fully equipped as an element of the kallikrein-kinin system. Although a low excretion of urinary kallikrein has been reported in essential hypertension, the results from studies on patients with hypertension are not consistent. Congenitally hypertensive animals also excrete lowered levels of urinary kallikrein, but the effects of this are yet unknown. Extensive genetic and environmental studies on large Utah pedigrees suggest that the causes of hypertension are closely related to the combination of low kallikrein excretion and the potassium intake. Mutant kininogen-deficient Brown Norway-Katholiek rats, which cannot generate kinin in the urine, are very sensitive to salt loading and to sodium retention by aldosterone released by a non-pressor dose of angiotensin II, which results in hypertension. The major function of renal kallikrein-kinin system is to excrete sodium and water when excess sodium is present in the body. Failure of this function causes accumulation of sodium in the cerebrospinal fluid and erythrocytes, and probably in the vascular smooth muscle, which become sensitive to vasoconstrictors. We hypothesize that impaired function of the renal kallikrein-kinin system may play a pivotal role in the early development of hypertension. Inhibitors of kinin degradation in renal tubules and agents, which accelerate the secretion of urinary kallikrein from the connecting tubules and increase the generation of urinary kinin, may be novel drugs against hypertension.

Cellular localization of tissue kallikrein and kallistatin mRNAs in human kidney

The renal kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in the regulation of blood pressure and sodium/water excretion. The activity of renal kallikrein is controlled by a number of factors in vivo. Kallistatin is a newly identified serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) which binds to tissue kallikrein and inhibits its enzymatic activity in vitro. To understand the role of kallistatin in modulating tissue kallikrein's function in vivo, we examined the anatomical relationship between human tissue kallikrein and kallistatin in the kidney by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Tissue kallikrein and kallistatin gene transcripts were identified using digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes at the cellular level. Antisense and sense riboprobes corresponding to the 3' region of the human kallikrein and kallistatin mRNAs were synthesized by in vitro transcription and used for hybridization. Using an antisense kallikrein riboprobe, sites of kallikrein synthesis were localized in the distal tubules, collecting ducts and Henle's loops of the kidney. To a lesser degree, juxtaglomerular cells were also stained. Kallistatin mRNA was found at the same sites where kallikrein mRNA was localized. The most intense signals of both kallikrein and kallistatin were seen in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Hybridization was specific for the target mRNA since sense kallikrein or kallistatin riboprobe did not bind to the sections. Immunoreactive human renal kallikrein and kallistatin levels were measured in the kidney and urine by immunoassays using specific antibodies. Co-localization of kallikrein and kallistatin mRNA in the kidney suggests a potential role of kallistatin in regulating tissue kallikrein's function.

Development biology of the renal kallikrein-kinin system

Kinins are endothelium-dependent vasodilators and natriuretic paracrine peptides that participate in the regulation of blood pressure, renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion. Several lines of evidence suggest an important role for intrarenal kinins and their receptors in kidney growth and development. (1) The developing rat kidney expresses all the components of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system: tissue kallikrein, low molecular weight (LMW) kininogen, kininase II and kinin receptors. Also, the developing liver expresses high molecular weight and LMW kininogens. Thus, a complete kinin-generating system exists in the developing kidney. (2) Gene transcription, mRNA and protein abundance, and enzymatic activity of renal kallikrein are all markedly up-regulated during postnatal kidney growth, and a positive correlation exists between renal kallikrein synthesis and the maturational rise in renal blood flow. (3) Rat glomerular mesangial cells in culture express the kinin receptors and proliferate in response to bradykinin, suggesting that endogenous kinins and their receptors modulate glomerular growth. (4) The newborn period is characterized by an activation of kinin receptor gene expression, and chronic pharmacological blockade of kinin receptors suppresses DNA synthesis in the developing but not adult kidney. Collectively, these data provide the basis for the hypothesis that endogenous kinins and the kinin receptors play an important role in the developmental biology of the metanephric kidney.

Evidence that intrarenal bradykinin plays a role in regulation of renal function

Bradykinin (BK) is produced by the kidney, but the role of the renal kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in the control of renal function is not understood. We studied the effects of intrarenal infusion of the BK antagonist, D-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-D-Phe-Thi-Arg-trifluoroacetic acid (BKA, n = 5) and BK (n = 4) alone or combined with antagonist (BKA 0.025 ng.kg-1 x min-1 + BK 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1, n = 4) in uninephrectomized conscious dogs in sodium balance at 10 and 80 meq/day. During low sodium intake, administration of BKA (infusions from 0.025 to 2.5 ng.kg-1 x min-1) caused a significant antidiuresis (P < 0.0001) and antinatriuresis (P < 0.0001) and a decrease in fractional sodium excretion (P < 0.0001). There were no changes in estimated renal plasma flow (RPF) or glomerular filtration rate during intrarenal administration of BKA at 0.025 and 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1. A dose of 2.5 ng.kg-1 x min-1 BKA caused a significant decrease in RPF. There were no changes in plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, or systemic arterial pressure during intrarenal BKA administration. At 80 meq/day sodium balance (n = 5), intrarenal administration of BKA did not cause any systemic or renal effects. Intrarenal administration of BK at 0.25 ng.kg-1 x min-1 during low sodium balance caused an increase in urine flow rate and urinary sodium excretion. Coinfusion of BK with BKA completely abrogated the renal excretory changes induced by BKA. These data suggest that intrarenal KKS plays a role in control of renal function largely by a tubular mechanism during low sodium intake.

Molecular aspects of kallikrein and kininogen in the maturing kidney

Kinins are vasoactive paracrine peptides which participate in a wide range of functions, including the regulation of local organ blood flow, systemic blood pressure, transepithelial water and electrolyte transport, cellular growth, capillary permeability and inflammatory response, and pain. The recent introduction of specific bradykinin receptor subtype antagonists has greatly advanced our understanding of the role of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in various physiological and disease states. However, a major gap remains in our knowledge of the role of kinins in early development. In this review, evidence is presented that the developing nephron expresses both tissue kallikrein and kininogen, and that the genes encoding the components of the KKS are subject to considerable developmental regulation. The activity of the intrarenal kinin-generating system is lowest in the developing kidney and increases with age. Completion of nephrogenesis is characterized by a marked surge in intrarenal kallikrein synthesis and gene transcription. Maturation is associated with redistribution of intrarenal kallikrein and its messenger RNA from the inner to outer cortical nephrons following the centrifugal pattern of nephron development. Challenges for the future include delineation of the direct role of kinins in the maturation of renal functions and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental expression of the KKS.

Cellular localization of human kininogens

An immunocytochemical screening using polyclonal and monoclonal antikininogen antibodies was performed in various human tissues including blood cells. By comparing the spatial relationship between the cellular localizations of tissue kallikrein and kininogens it was evident that in some tissues both enzyme and substrate were present establishing a close anatomical relationship whereas in others only one of the components could be detected. This pattern of distribution suggests that within various tissues (cells) the major function of either tissue kallikrein (kininogenase, processing enzyme) or kininogen (kinin precursor, cysteine protease inhibitor, kallikrein acceptor molecule) could be different and probably specific to each cell type.

Renal kinin and kallikrein excretion in cirrhotic patients

Urinary kinin and urinary kallikrein activity were measured in 33 liver cirrhotics, and the values were correlated with the severity of the liver disease. A significant relationship was observed between urinary kinin excretion and urinary kallikrein excretion (r = 0.53; p less than 0.01). Both urinary kinin and kallikrein excretion were significantly lower in Child's group C than in Child's groups A and B (p less than 0.05) and showed positive correlations with serum albumin (r = 0.47, p less than 0.01 and r = 0.46, p less than 0.01, respectively). Increases in urinary kinin and kallikrein excretion after endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy were observed in 18 patients (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that the renal kallikrein-kinin system in suppressed in severe liver disease in proportion to the severity of the underlying liver disease. In this study possible activation of this system after sclerotherapy was also demonstrated.

Bradykinin receptor antagonists

Bradykinin and its active metabolites are produced at the sites of their actions by kallikreins. They potently elicit a variety of biological effects: hypotension, bronchoconstriction, gut and uterine contraction, epithelial secretion in airway, gut, and exocrine glands, vascular permeability, pain, connective tissue proliferation, and eicosanoid formation. These effects are mediated by at least two broad classes of receptors. The most common is the B2 subtype. The Stewart and Vavrek peptides characterized by a DPhe7 substitution have provided powerful tools for study of bradykinin's actions by competitively and specifically blocking bradykinin B2 receptors. The significance of kinins in certain human diseases is being explored using these new tools and potential therapeutic agents. At present, human clinical trials are underway to test the usefulness of bradykinin receptor antagonists in the symptoms of the common cold and in the pain associated with severe burns. Trials for use in asthma will be initiated in 1990.

Localization and regulation of the renal kallikrein kinin system: possible relations to renal transport functions

The complete renal kallikrein kinin system has recently been localized in defined nephron segments. Kallikrein was found to be formed and secreted by connecting tubule cells in the late distal convoluted tubule, whereas kininogen and a novel kininase were located in collecting tubules. Kinins were shown to act on collecting tubule as well as medullary interstitial cells and the renal vasculature. The literature on interactions of this system with renal sodium transport is conflicting. Renal and urinary kallikrein was found to be increased under sodium restricted conditions, whereas kinin has a diuretic and natriuretic effect in the collecting tubule, when added from the basolateral surface. On the other hand renal kallikrein activity and connecting tubule cell morphology change in parallel with dietary potassium load indicating a coupling to potassium secretion. The possible role of the renal kallikrein kinin system in regulating collecting tubule function by tubular and vascular effects is outlined in spite of many open questions which remain to be answered.

A new direct radioimmunoassay of rat urinary kininogen

A protein-binding radioimmunoassay (RIA) of rat low molecular weight (LMW) kininogen with the following characteristics has been developed: sensitivity, 2.5 ng/tube; inter-assay coefficient of variation, 12.4% (N = 28); and intra-assay coefficient of variation, 9.4% (N = 11). The new assay correlated (r = 1) with the determination of kinin equivalence of kininogen after trypsinization. The cross-reactivity of rabbit anti-rat LMW kininogen antibody was 2.5% with bovine LMW kininogen, 5.8% with rat plasma high molecular weight (HMW) kininogen, and none with kinin. Although the antibody appears to partially recognize des-kinin-kininogen, the low degree of cross-reactivity and the extremely low levels of kinin-free-kininogen allow accurate determination of total LMW kininogen in rat urines. The LMW kininogen formed 20% kinins with salivary kallikrein when compared with trypsin, suggesting that the preparation consists of both K- and T-kininogens (K = kallikrein susceptible; T = trypsin susceptible). The newly developed protein-binding RIA recognizes LMW kininogen of rat urine which consists of both K- and T-kininogens.

Non-enzymatic glycation of antithrombin III in vitro

Non-enzymatic glycation of antithrombin III (AT-III) has been proposed as a significant contributor to the increased incidence of thrombo-occlusive events in diabetics. AT-III, isolated from normal human plasma by means of heparin affinity and ion-exchange chromatography, was incubated with 0-0.5 M glucose in neutral phosphate buffer at 37 degrees C. The extent of non-enzymatic glycation could be monitored by uptake of radioactivity as well as by binding to a phenylboronate affinity resin, which effectively retards AT-III containing ketoamine-linked glucose. Non-enzymatically glycated AT-III (approx. 1 mol glucose/mol protein) bound heparin nearly as efficiently as non-glycated AT-III. The two AT-III preparations were equally active in inhibiting thrombin cleavage of chromogenic substrate. Following incubation with [14C]glucose, structural analyses of cyanogen-bromide-cleaved peptides of enzymatically glycated AT-III showed that the [14C]glucose adducts were distributed over many sites on the molecule. This lack of specificity contrasts with the restricted sites of modification on hemoglobin, albumin and ribonuclease A, and explains why non-enzymatic glycation of AT-III has little if any effect on its function.

Localisation of immunoreactive kininogen and tissue kallikrein in the human nephron

The cellular localisation of kininogen and its relationships with tissue kallikrein containing cells was studied in the human kidney by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method using antisera to human LMW kininogen and to human tissue kallikrein. Immunoreactive kininogen was localised in the principal cells of collecting ducts. Immunoreactive tissue kallikrein was detected in the connecting tubule cells, segment of the nephron preceding the cortical collecting ducts. The co-existence of tissue kallikrein and kininogen in the same transitional tubule, but in different cells, was established by the use of serial sections and double immunostaining. This anatomical relationship is in accordance with known studies that describe intermingling of principal cells and connecting tubule cells where connecting tubules merge into cortical collecting ducts in the human nephron. The close relationship between cells that contain tissue kallikrein and its substrate, kininogen, suggests that kinins could be generated in the lumen of distal cortical segments of the human nephron.

Rat urinary kallikrein localization in kidney: effects of fixation

The influence of fixation on the immunocytochemical localization of tissue kallikrein in the kidney has been evaluated using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. These studies have provided several results relevant to kallikrein localization in kidney: (1) the intensity and distribution of immunostaining with both polyclonal and monoclonal anti-kallikrein antibodies is fixation-dependent; (2) the most intense and consistent localizations of kallikrein are in the connecting tubule and the cortical collecting duct of the nephron; (3) kallikrein-like immunoreactivity is seen in proximal tubules with polyclonal but not with non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies; and (4) fixatives which disrupt membranes reveal a kallikrein-like antigen in straight tubules of the outer medulla. However, immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies indicates that much of the observed immunostaining at this site probably represents cross-reactivity with another member of the kallikrein family of enzymes.

Identification of T-kininogen in rat urine

Studies were carried out in order to characterize the kininogen in rat urine. Rat urine contained a component which was cross-reactive with antibody to rat plasma T-kininogen. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of rat urine revealed a single antigenic band corresponding to the molecular weight of plasma T-kininogen. Induction of acute inflammation in rats by an injection of lipopolysaccharide caused an increase in the urinary excretion of immunoreactive T-kininogen in parallel with an elevation of plasma T-kininogen. Kininogen partially purified from rat urine by affinity chromatography using S-carboxymethylated papain-agarose liberated only T-kinin upon trypsinization, but not upon treatment with rat glandular kallikreins. From these results, we conclude that T-kininogen is the major kininogen present in rat urine.

Quantification of kininogen in human renal medulla

Renal kininogen was detected in human medullary tissue as well as human medullary tubule suspensions. After treatment with pig pancreatic kallikrein or human renal cortical homogenate liberated kinin was measured by bradykinin radioimmunoassay. In the absence of inhibitors kinins were degraded by kininases located in the same part of the kidney. Several known inhibitors of kininase I and II did not inhibit this activity. Endogenous medullary kininase was inhibited by preincubation of homogenates at 56 degrees C for one hour or by addition of 0.25 mmol/l HgCl2. Under these conditions endogenous medullary kinin release amounted to 9-26 nmol/g protein. The action of renal cortical kininogenase on kinin formation from papillary kininogen was completely inhibited by addition of 1 mumol/l aprotinin. Kininogen examined in renal tubule suspensions revealed an increase in amount per g protein compared to homogenates, confirming the tubular localization of renal kininogen.

Augmentation by aprotinin of the renal response to vasopressin

We contrasted the renal effects of vasopressin in Brattleboro rats with and without pretreatment with aprotinin (20,000 KIU kg-1). In both treatment groups, vasopressin injected at 3 mU kg-1 sec caused in conscious rats elevation of urine osmolality and reduction of urine flow and urinary excretion of total solutes. However, these effects of vasopressin were significantly greater in aprotinin pretreated rats than in rats without aprotinin treatment. In ketamine-pentobarbital-anesthetized rats without aprotinin pretreatment, vasopressin infused at 2 mU kg-1 hr-1 elevated urinary kinin excretion but did not affect urine flow rate or osmolality; in contrast, in aprotinin-pretreated rats, the same dose of vasopressin did not increase urinary kinins but caused elevation of urinary osmolality and reduction of urine flow, solute excretion, and glomerular filtration rate. Aprotinin pretreatment in anesthetized rats also blunted the rise in kinin excretion elicited by vasopressin at a higher dosage, 5 mU kg-1 hr-1, but did not potentiate the vasopressin-induced antidiuresis. We conclude that aprotinin facilitates the expression of the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin at a low, but not at a high dosage. This effect of aprotinin may be a consequence of: renal kallikrein inhibition which prevents augmentation of renal kinins in response to increased vasopressin levels, or other unrecognized properties of aprotinin.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme and kinin-hydrolyzing enzymes along the rabbit nephron

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) and kininase activities were measured in various segments of the rabbit nephron. ACE was determined with tritiated hippuryl-glycylglycine as substrate. Lysyl-bradykinin (LBK) hydrolysis (kininase activity) was measured by radioimmunoassay. ACE was only found in the glomerulus and in the two parts of proximal tubule: the convoluted proximal tubule and the pars recta (PR). It was distributed along a concentration gradient which increased from the glomerulus to PR. Kininase activity was found in both proximal and distal parts of the nephron. Besides intense LBK-hydrolyzing activity in the proximal tubule, a kininase activity was also found in the medullary collecting tubule (MCT). Kininase activity in the glomerulus and the proximal tubule was completely inhibited by chelating agents. Captopril inhibited this activity only in the PR and at high concentrations (above 10(-7) M). These results indicate that several types of enzymes other than ACE hydrolyze kinins in the glomerulus and in the proximal tubule. The contribution of ACE to kinin hydrolysis appears only minimal. The kininase activity found in MCT was different from ACE and other proximal tubule kininases because it was not inhibited by chelating agents. This kininase may play a physiological role in inactivating the kinins formed by kallikrein at or beyond the connecting tubule.

Effects of changing salt and water balance on renal kallikrein, kininogen and kinin

The kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system (KKK) has been implicated in the renal sodium excretion response to changes in dietary sodium. However, both increases and decreases in the activity of this system have been observed when urinary sodium excretion is augmented by a variety of maneuvers. To further evaluate the potential physiologic role of this system, we measured three components of the KKK system in urine. Total kallikrein, intact kininogen, and kinin were measured twice in normal individuals during balance on both a high (250 mEq/day) or low (10 mEq/day) sodium intake. A consistent and significant reduction in the activity of all three components of the KKK system was noted during the high salt intake. Furthermore, during the high sodium intake, further acute reductions in components of this system were observed when an acute saline but not water load was administered. The consistent response of the various components of the KKK system to both acute and chronic sodium loading suggests that the system is physiologically linked to the regulation of sodium balance. However, the directional changes argue against a primary natriuretic effect of this system.

Absolute stereochemistry of flavins in enzyme-catalyzed reactions

The 8-demethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deaza-5-carba analogues of FMN and FAD have been synthesized. Several apoproteins of flavoenzymes were successfully reconstituted with these analogues. This and further tests established that these analogues could serve as general probes for flavin stereospecificity in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The method used by us involved stereoselective introduction of label on one enzyme combined with transfer to and analysis on a second enzyme. Using as a reference glutathione reductase from human erythrocytes for which the absolute stereochemistry of catalysis is known from X-ray studies [Pai, E. F., & Schulz, G. E. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1752-1758], we were able to determine the absolute stereospecificities of other flavoenzymes. We found that glutathione reductase (NADPH), general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (acyl-CoA), mercuric reductase (NADPH), thioredoxin reductase (NADPH), p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (NADPH), melilotate hydroxylase (NADH), anthranilate hydroxylase (NADPH), and glucose oxidase (glucose) all use the re face of the flavin ring when interacting with the substrates given in parentheses.

Renal kallikrein-kinin system

In the last decade, our knowledge of the renal kallikrein-kinin system has been advanced significantly. More specific and sensitive methods for assessing its activity have been developed. Further, it has been found that in the kidney this system is localized in the distal nephron, where it appears to be linked to processes that control water and electrolyte excretion. Data indicate that the kallikrein-kinin system interacts with other renal hormonal systems such as the prostaglandin and renin-angiotension-kinin system may participate in the control of renal function and the pathophysiology of renal diseases. An increase in kallikrein excretion has been observed after administration of antihypertensive drugs. The kallikrein-kinin system may therefore participate in their mechanism(s) of action. Our current knowledge suggests that the renal kallikrein-kinin system is an integral part of the intrarenal hormonal system that controls water and electrolyte excretion and participates in the regulation of blood pressure.

Urinary kininogen: a possible regulator of kinin formation in normal individuals and subjects with essential hypertension, end-stage renal and liver disease

Most previous studies have not significantly correlated urinary kallikrein to urinary kinins. We investigated whether urinary kininogen might influence kinin formation within the urine. On an ad-lib diet the 24 hour excretion of total and intact kininogen, kinins and kallikrein was determined in 24 control subjects, 20 untreated essential hypertensives, 12 with end-stage renal disease and 8 subjects with liver disease. Kallikrein and kinins were measured by a direct radioimmunoassay. Total kininogen was determined from the sum of preformed kinins and kinins generated after trypsin (intact kininogen). Cross reactivity between purified human low molecular weight kininogen and bradykinin antiserum was 3%. Total and intact kininogen were significantly correlated with kinins in controls, essential hypertension and liver disease. In essential hypertension, end-stage renal and liver diseases kinins were significantly decreased. This was associated with a reduction in kininogen but not kallikrein in essential hypertension and liver disease, and a reduction in kallikrein but not kininogen in end-stage renal disease. Thus, renal kinin generation in various states may be affected by either or both kininogen and kallikrein.

Kininogens in nasal secretions after allergen challenge

Allergic individuals and nonallergic controls were subjected to nasal challenge with allergen; and nasal washes, obtained before and after challenge, were assayed for high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), total kininogen (TK), albumin and kinins. Following challenge of allergic individuals, HMWK, TK, kinin and albumin all increased dramatically, correlating (p less than 0.001) with the onset of clinical symptoms and with increases in histamine and TAME-esterase activity. No such increases were seen upon challenge of nonallergics. The time course of appearance and disappearance of the kininogens, kinins and albumin were all highly correlated (p less than 0.001 in each case) by linear regression analysis, as were the increases in kinin and each of the proteins during antigen titrations. For each individual, the plasma ratio of HMWK/TK was similar to the ratio of these two proteins in post-challenge nasal washes from the same individual. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that, during the allergic reaction, vascular permeability increases, allowing a transudation of kininogens from plasma into nasal secretions, where they can provide substrate for kinin-forming enzymes.

3H-bradykinin binding site localization in guinea pig urinary system

Bradykinin (BK) causes vasodilation and increases free water and sodium excretion in the kidney and stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the ureter and bladder. Several proposed sites of action for BK include the renal medullary collecting duct, renal blood vessels and the ureter and bladder smooth muscle. This study employs 3H-BK autoradiography to localize the sites of BK action. 3H-BK binding sites in the kidney are localized in the medullary interstitium where BK may produce prostaglandins which mediate its blood flow, natriuretic and diuretic effects. 3H-BK binding sites in the ureter and bladder are localized in the lamina propria below the basal epithelial layer and absent over the muscle layers suggesting an indirect action on urinary tract smooth muscle.

Mediator release during nasal provocation. A model to investigate the pathophysiology of rhinitis

The pathogenesis of rhinitis was investigated using a model of nasal provocation with different types of stimuli. Allergic subjects had an immediate response to antigenic challenge with symptoms of rhinitis highly correlated with increments in the concentrations of histamine, prostaglandin D2, kinins and kininogens, leukotrienes, and toluene sulfonyl arginine methyl ester esterase activity in their nasal secretions. This reaction was abated by a tricyclic antihistamine also capable of inhibiting mediator release from human mast cells in vitro and, in some subjects, by disodium cromoglycate. In a number of patients, symptoms reappeared three to 12 hours after nasal provocation. This late reaction also involves release of all of the aforementioned mediators except for prostaglandin D2, and preliminary data suggest that it can be inhibited by oral or topical steroids. Cold, dry air can induce rhinitis with mast cell mediator release from selected subjects. The pathogenesis of this reaction is unclear, but there are indications that osmolarity changes are responsible for mast cell activation. Thus, mast cells can be induced to release mediators and cause nasal symptoms by both immunologic and physical mechanisms, which may account for the pathophysiology of several types of rhinitis.

The role of urinary kininogen in the regulation of kinin generation

The kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system has been postulated to play a role in the regulation of blood pressure and modulation of renal salt and water transport. The activity of this system has usually been determined by measurements of urinary kallikrein excretion. However, urinary kallikrein rarely correlates with simultaneously measured urinary kinins. To further evaluate the factors influencing urinary kinin excretion, we evaluated the role of urinary kininogen in this system. Urines were analyzed from normal subjects and individuals with untreated essential hypertension and end-stage renal disease. Intact urinary kininogen was significantly correlated with urinary kinins in normal subjects (r = 0.65, P = 0.003) and essential hypertensives (r = 0.52, P = 0.026). In both essential hypertension and end-stage renal disease, urinary kinins were significantly decreased (8.00 +/- 1.93, 0.90 +/- 0.18, P less than 0.05, respectively) compared to controls (23.73 +/- 5.20). In essential hypertensives, the reduction in urinary kinins was paralleled by a reduction in intact kininogen with a normal excretion of kallikrein. In end-stage renal disease, the reduction in kinins was paralleled by a reduction in kallikrein with a normal excretion of intact kininogen. This data suggests that kininogen may be an important determinant of urinary kinin excretion in various disease states.

Mechanistic studies with general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase: evidence for the transfer of the beta-hydrogen to the flavin N(5)-position as a hydride

Butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase from Megasphera elsdenii catalyzes the exchange of the alpha- and beta-hydrogens of substrate with solvent [Gomes, B., Fendrich, G., & Abeles, R. H. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 1481-1490]. The stoichiometry of this exchange was determined by using 3H2O label as 1.94 +/- 0.1 per substrate molecule. The rate of 3H label incorporation into substrate under anaerobic conditions is monophasic, indicating that both the alpha- and beta-hydrogens exchange at the same rate. The exchange in 2H2O leads to incorporation of one 2H each into the alpha- and the beta-positions of butyryl-CoA, as determined by companion 1H NMR experiments and confirmed by mass spectroscopic analysis. In contrast, with general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase from pig kidney, only exchange of the alpha-hydrogen was found. The beta-hydrogen is the one that is transferred (reversibly) to the flavin 5-position during substrate dehydrogenation. This was demonstrated by reacting 5-3H- and 5-2H-reduced 5-deaza-FAD-general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase with crotonyl-CoA. Only one face of the reduced flavin analogue is capable of transferring hydrogen to substrate. The rate of this reaction is 11.1 s-1 for 5-deaza-FAD-enzyme and 2.2 s-1 for [5-2H]deaza-FAD-enzyme, yielding an isotope effect of 5. These values compare with a rate of 2.6 s-1 for the reaction of native reduced enzyme with crotonyl-CoA. The two reduced enzymes (normal vs. 5-deaza-FAD-enzyme) thus react at similar rates, indicating a similar mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kallikrein-kinin and renin-angiotensin systems in rat renal lymph

Rat renal lymph contains 254 +/- 17 ng/ml (means +/- SEM, N = 20) of immunoreactive glandular kallikrein. Like the immunoreactive glandular kallikrein in plasma, it is biologically inactive. Gel filtration of renal lymph reveals profiles for immunoreactive glandular kallikrein, protein, and inhibition of trypsin and kallikrein which resemble those seen for plasma except that high molecular weight plasma components are reduced or missing in renal lymph. In contrast, gel filtration of thoracic lymph reveals immunoreactive glandular kallikrein and protein profiles which are indistinguishable from those seen with plasma. Renin levels are 170-fold higher in renal lymph than in thoracic lymph while angiotensin-converting enzyme levels are only 16% those of thoracic lymph. In keeping with the high renin and low converting enzyme activities, renal lymph contains high levels of angiotensin I. Immunoreactive glandular kallikrein levels in renal lymph, thoracic lymph and plasma do not show the striking differences observed for renin.

Components of the kallikrein-kinin system in rat urine

Using a direct radioimmunoassay and a kininogenase assay, we determined that 68% of rat urinary kallikrein was enzymatically active while 32% was in an inactive form which was activated by trypsin. Inorganic cations, at concentrations found in rat urine, were inhibitory in an amidase assay but appeared to potentiate kininogenase activity of pure rat urinary kallikrein. In random urines, kinin concentration was 4.2 +/- 0.7 ng/ml. Trypsinization of the urines generated 52.9 +/- 25.8 ng kinin/ml, indicating that kininogen was present. The rate of kinin formation in vivo may depend on the availability of kininogen and the concentration of inorganic cations in urine, as well as on other well-recognized factors, such as the kallikrein activity of the urine.