Catecholamine receptor binding in rat kidney: effect of aging

Prevalence and Characteristics of Low-renin Hypertension in a Primary Care Population

Introduction

Low-renin hypertension is an underrecognized subtype of hypertension with specific treatment options. This study aims to identify the prevalence in primary care and to compare patient characteristics to those with normal-renin hypertension and primary aldosteronism (PA).

Methods

In a cohort study, patients with treatment-naïve hypertension were screened for PA with plasma aldosterone and direct renin concentrations. Patients with an elevated aldosterone-to-renin ratio [≥70 pmol/mU (≥2.5 ng/dL:mU/L)] underwent confirmatory testing. All screened patients were then classified as having (1) normal-renin hypertension, (2) low-renin hypertension (direct renin concentration <10mU/L (plasma renin activity ∼<1 ng/mL/hour) and not meeting the criteria for PA), or (3) confirmed PA.

Results

Of the 261 patients, 69 (26.4%) had low-renin hypertension, 136 (51.9%) had normal renin hypertension, and 47 (18.0%) had PA. Patients with low-renin hypertension were older and more likely to be female compared to normal-renin hypertension (57.1 ± 12.8 years vs 51.8 ± 14.0 years, P < .05 and 68.1% vs 49.3%, P < .05, respectively) but similar to PA (53.5 ± 11.5 years and 55.3%). However, in an adjusted binomial logistic regression, there was no association between increasing age or sex and low-renin hypertension. The median aldosterone concentration was lower compared to patients with normal-renin hypertension and PA: 279 pmol/L (216-355) vs 320 pmol/L (231-472), P < .05 and 419 pmol/L (360-530), P < .001.

Conclusion

At least a quarter of treatment-naïve hypertensive patients in primary care had a low direct renin concentration but did not meet the criteria for PA. Patient characteristics were similar, aside from a lower aldosterone concentration compared to patients with normal-renin hypertension and PA. Further research is needed to understand the underlying pathophysiology of low-renin hypertension and the optimal first-line treatment.

The renin-angiotensin system and cardiovascular autonomic control in aging

Aging is the greatest independent risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular-related diseases including systolic hypertension, vascular disease, ischemic events, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Age-related cardiovascular risk is associated with dysfunction of peripheral organ systems, such as the heart and vasculature, as well as an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system characterized by increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic neurotransmission. Given the increasing prevalence of aged individuals worldwide, it is critical to better understand mechanisms contributing to impaired cardiovascular autonomic control in this population. In this regard, the renin-angiotensin system has emerged as an important hormonal modulator of cardiovascular function in aging, in part through modulation of autonomic pathways controlling sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow to cardiovascular end organs. This review will summarize the role of the RAS in cardiovascular autonomic control during aging, with a focus on current knowledge of angiotensin II versus angiotensin-(1-7) pathways in both rodent models and humans, pharmacological treatment strategies targeting the renin-angiotensin system, and unanswered questions for future research.

Intrarenal Renin–Angiotensin System Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Progressive Nephropathy—Bridging the Informational Gap Between Disciplines

Chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN) is the most commonly encountered spontaneous background finding in laboratory rodents. Various theories on its pathogenesis have been proposed, but there is a paucity of data regarding specific mechanisms or physiologic pathways involved in early CPN development. The current CPN mechanism of action for tumorigenesis is largely based on its associated increase in tubular cell proliferation without regard to preceding subcellular degenerative changes. Combing through the published literature from multiple biology disciplines provided insight into the preceding cellular events. Mechanistic pathways involved in the progressive age-related decline in rodent kidney function and several key inflexion points have been identified. These critical pathway factors were then connected using data from renal models from multiple rodent strains, other species, and mechanistic work in humans to form a cohesive picture of pathways and protein interactions. Abundant data linked similar renal pathologies to local events involving hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α), altered intrarenal renin–angiotensin system (RAS), oxidative stress (nitric oxide), and pro-inflammatory pathways (transforming growth factor β), with positive feedback loops and downstream effectors amplifying the injury and promoting scarring. Intrarenal RAS alterations seem to be central to all these events and may be critical to CPN development and progression.

Pinpointing beta adrenergic receptor in ageing pathophysiology: victim or executioner? Evidence from crime scenes

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in cellular communication, allowing human cells to sense external cues or to talk each other through hormones or neurotransmitters. Research in this field has been recently awarded with the Nobel Prize in chemistry to Robert J. Lefkowitz and Brian K. Kobilka, for their pioneering work on beta adrenergic receptors (βARs), a prototype GPCR. Such receptors, and β2AR in particular, which is extensively distributed throughout the body, are involved in a number of pathophysiological processes. Moreover, a large amount of studies has demonstrated their participation in ageing process. Reciprocally, age-related changes in regulation of receptor responses have been observed in numerous tissues and include modifications of βAR responses. Impaired sympathetic nervous system function has been indeed evoked as at least a partial explanation for several modifications that occur with ageing. This article represents an updated presentation of the current knowledge in the field, summarizing in a systematic way the major findings of research on ageing in several organs and tissues (crime scenes) expressing βARs: heart, vessels, skeletal muscle, respiratory system, brain, immune system, pancreatic islets, liver, kidney and bone.

Tyrosine kinase receptor alteration of renal vasoconstriction in rats is sex- and age-related

Male rat renal blood vessels undergo reduced contraction to norepinephrine with aging. There is a greater renal vascular impairment in male compared with female rats. We investigated specific tyrosine kinase receptor inhibition of renal interlobar artery responsiveness to phenylephrine in male and female rats at specifically designated ages. Vessels from young male rats contracted much less to phenylephrine when the vessels were pretreated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors Lavendustin A, HNMPA-(AM)₃, or AG1478. Vessels from adult female rats pretreated with Lavendustin A showed no difference in contraction from control, but did demonstrate a slightly reduced contraction when pretreated with AG1478. Middle-aged male rat vessels treated with Lavendustin A demonstrated no inhibition, but the insulin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonists both induced a decline in contraction. Vessels from aged male rats demonstrated no effect related to the 3 pretreatments. Middle-aged and aged female rats pretreated with any inhibitor demonstrated no inhibitor-dependent alterations. We conclude that maximum contraction of interlobar arteries from adult male rats is reduced when tyrosine kinase receptor activity is reduced. Female rats demonstrated much less inhibitor-related change of contraction.

Vascular ?1-adrenoceptors in isolated perfused rat kidney: influence of ageing

1. The present study identifies alpha1-adrenoceptor subtype(s) involved in constrictor responses of the kidney and how ageing influences it. 2. The study was conducted on kidneys from F344BNF1 rats, which unlike F344 or Wistar rats used by many previous investigators do not exhibit glomerulonephritis at advanced age. 3. Noradrenaline (NA) and phenylephrine (PHE) (non-selective alpha1) and A61063 (selective alpha(1A)) adrenoceptor agonists elicited constriction of perfused kidneys of young and old rats. The pD2 values (index of renovascular reactivity) were significantly higher for A61603 than for either PHE or NA, and significantly decrease across age groups. 4. BMY 7378 or RS 100329, alpha(1D)- or alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively antagonized the constrictor responses and suppressed the maximal responses to all agonists in young adult rat kidneys. However, antagonism of PHE or A61063 by BMY 7378 in old rat kidneys was surmountable. 5. This study suggests that: (i) alpha(1A) and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtypes mediate vasoconstriction of perfused rat kidney; (ii) alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype appears to predominate in renal vasculature based on agonist relative potencies. (iii) Ageing significantly decreases alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction of rat kidney.

Reduced alpha adrenergic mediated contraction of renal preglomerular blood vessels as a function of gender and aging

As human males age, a decline in baroreflex-mediated elevation of blood pressure occurs due, at least in part, to a reduction in alpha-1 adrenergic vasoconstrictor function. Alpha adrenergic constriction is mediated by guanosine triphosphate binding Protein (G Protein) coupled signaling pathways. Alpha-1 A/C, B, and D adrenergic receptor expressions, measured by GeneChip array, are not reduced during aging in renal blood vessels of male or female rats. Alpha-1 A GeneChip expression is greater, at all ages studied, in females than in males. Prazosin binding by alpha-1 adrenergic receptors is greater in young adult female rats than in young adult male rats; however, it is reduced with aging in both male and female rats. G alpha q GeneChip expression declines while expression of adrenergic receptor kinase (GRK2) and tyrosine phosphatases (TyrP) increase with aging in male rats. The declines in alpha-1 adrenergic receptor binding and G alpha q expression and also the increases in GRK2 and TyrP expression likely relate to the age-related decline of vasoconstriction in male rats. The information that the expression of alpha-1 A adrenergic receptors is greater in female rats and (GRK2) expression does not increase during aging could relate to the gender differences in vasoconstrictor function with aging. Gene therapy to ameliorate the age-related decline in renal function could possibly reduce the need for renal dialysis. Signaling pathways such as those reviewed herein may provide an outline of the molecular pathways needed to move toward successful renal gene therapy for aging individuals.

Decreased alpha-adrenergic constriction of renal preglomerular arteries occurs with age and is gender-specific in the rat

Age and/or gender appear to moderate alpha-adrenergic mediated constrictor mechanisms found in the interlobar arteries of the Munich Wistar rat. We have determined the extent of constriction to alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation using norepinephrine, phenylephrine and A61603 (α1A-adrenergic receptor agonist) as a function of age and gender. Norepinephrine produced less constriction in male-derived arteries at ages greater than eight months as compared to the younger adult male (four to six months). The arteries derived from females did not demonstrate altered constriction until greater than 15 months of age. Similarly, arteries derived from the male demonstrated weaker constrictions to phenylephrine (10(-6) to 10(-3) M) at ages greater than eight months while arteries from females showed differences at greater than 15 months. In contrast, the effective concentration of norepinephrine to cause a 50% maximal constriction (EC50) was significantly less in the four to five-month-old male rats compared to the pooled data from older groups. Interestingly, four to five month old males had A61603 EC50 values similar to the 8 to 12-month and 15+ old females. These studies conclude that an age related loss of sympathetic α-adrenergic constriction of renal interlobar arteries is present in Munich Wistar rats. Furthermore, this loss, while similar along longitudinal aspects of age, is also different as a function of gender with the loss of α-adrenergic constrictor function delayed in the female when compared to the male.

Alpha 1 adrenergic receptor control of renal blood vessels during aging

Aging humans and rats have a reduced renal vascular constriction response to stress, change in posture, or exercise. In this study, renal interlobar arteries from 9- (intermediate age) to 15-month-old (aging) male Wistar rats constricted less to alpha-adrenergic agonists than those of 4-month-old (young adult) rats. The reduced contraction to A61603 (alpha 1 A agonist) was similar to that to norepinephrine and phenylephrine. Therefore, it appears that the reduction in constriction is primarily related to alpha 1 A receptor stimulation. GeneChip microarray hybridization analysis of the interlobar arteries with the RAE 230A GeneChip indicated that there were no significant differences in gene expression for alpha 1 A/C, 1B, or 1D receptors between 4-month-old (young adult) and 1-year-old (aging) male Wistar rats. Competitive binding experiments (prazosin) revealed that maximal binding (Bmax, fmol/mg protein) of the alpha 1 receptors of interlobar arteries was reduced 25% by 10 months of age and 50% by 18+ months of age. Alpha 1 receptor-induced arterial constriction and prazosin binding were both down-regulated. The loss of receptor-initiated constriction likely includes down-regulation of maximum agonist binding by alpha 1 adrenergic receptors.Key words: kidney, stress, blood flow, male vs. female, GeneChip array, prazosin.

Heart failure, aging, and renal synthesis of dopamine

The present study evaluates renal dopaminergic activity in 23 patients with heart failure (HF), 10 age-matched controls, and 10 young subjects during normal-salt (NS) intake and after 8 days of low-salt (LS) intake (patients with HF and age-matched controls only). LS intake produced a marked reduction in urine volume in patients with HF but failed to affect urine volume in age-matched controls. Urinary sodium and fractional excretion of sodium were markedly reduced by LS intake in patients with HF and age-matched controls. Daily urinary excretion of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) and dopamine was lower in patients with HF than in age-matched controls. LS intake failed to alter L-dopa and dopamine urinary excretion in control subjects. In patients with HF, LS intake produced a significant decrease in urinary L-dopa excretion, but failed to alter the urinary excretion of dopamine. No significant differences were observed in urinary L-dopa, dopamine, and dopamine metabolite levels between aged controls and young healthy subjects. Urinary dopamine-L-dopa ratios in patients with HF on LS intake (24.5 +/- 7.1) were significantly greater than those with NS intake (11.6 +/- 1.3). Urinary dopamine-L-dopa ratios in old control subjects (LS, 9.7 +/- 1.3; NS, 9.3 +/- 1.1) did not differ from those in young healthy subjects (9.2 +/- 0.8). LS intake produced a marked increase in plasma aldosterone levels in both patients with HF (84.6 +/- 14.4 to 148.2 +/- 20.4 pg/mL; P = 0.0008) and controls (102.1 +/- 13.4 to 151.6 +/- 15.7 pg/mL; P < 0.04). Plasma norepinephrine levels were not significantly affected by LS intake in controls (5.1 +/- 1.62 to 6.3 +/- 1.6 pmol/mL; P = 0.22), but were significantly increased in patients with HF (5.8 +/- 0.8 to 7.1 +/- 0.9 pmol/mL; P = 0.04). In conclusion, patients with HF are endowed with an enhanced ability to take up (or decarboxylate) filtered L-dopa, which might counterbalance the reduced renal delivery of L-dopa, contributing to a relative preservation of dopamine synthesis. This may result as a compensatory mechanism, activated by stimuli leading to sodium reabsorption. Age seems to have no influence on renal dopamine production.

D1-like dopamine receptor activation and natriuresis by nitrocatechol COMT inhibitors

BACKGROUND

In recent years, several nitrocatechol derivatives (tolcapone, entacapone, and nitecapone) have been developed and found to be highly selective and potent inhibitors of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). More recently, natriuretic properties were described for two of these compounds (entacapone and nitecapone), although this was not accompanied by enhanced urinary excretion of dopamine. We hypothesized that nitrocatechol derivatives stimulate D1-like dopamine receptors.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were treated with a nitrocatechol COMT inhibitor (entacapone, tolcapone, or nitecapone, 30 mg/kg, orally), and the urinary excretion of dopamine and sodium was quantitated. The interaction of nitrocatechol derivatives with D1-like receptors was evaluated by their ability to displace [3H]-Sch23390 binding from membranes of rat renal cortex and cAMP production in opossum kidney (OK) cells.

RESULTS

Urinary excretion of sodium (micromol/h) was markedly increased by all three nitrocatechol derivatives: vehicle, 55.0 +/- 5.6; entacapone, 98.4 +/- 9.3; tolcapone, 97.5 +/- 9.3; and nitecapone, 120.5 +/- 12.6. Pretreatment with the selective D1 antagonist Sch 23390 (60 microg/kg) completely prevented their natriuretic effects. Nitecapone and tolcapone were equipotent (IC50s of 48 and 42 micromol/L) and more potent than entacapone and dopamine (IC50s of 107 and 279 micromol/L) in displacing [3H]-Sch23390 binding. In OK cells, all three nitrocatechol derivatives significantly increased cAMP accumulation and reduced Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities, this being prevented by a blockade of D1-like receptors.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation of D1-like dopamine receptors and inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities by nitrocatechol COMT inhibitors may contribute to natriuresis produced by these compounds.

Diminished natriuretic response to dopamine in old rats is due to an impaired D1-like receptor-signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Dopamine (DA) causes natriuresis and diuresis, which results from activation of D1-like receptor (D1R) located on proximal tubules. Earlier, we reported that DA failed to inhibit Na,K-ATPase in proximal tubules of old Fischer 344 rats. The present study was designed to investigate the functional consequence of this phenomenon.

METHODS

Measurements of the functional (natriuretic and diuretic) response to intravenously infused DA and SKF 38393 (D1R agonist) in adult (6 month) and old (24 month) Fischer 344 rats were taken. Biochemical measurements were carried out to determine the potential defects in D1R and its signaling pathway in proximal tubules of old rats.

RESULTS

We found that intravenous infusion of DA and SKF 38393 caused natriuresis and diuresis in adult rats, but this response was blunted in old rats. In the isolated proximal tubules, DA and SKF 38393 inhibited Na,H-exchanger (NHE) in adult rats; however, this inhibition was attenuated in old rats. Radioligand binding revealed approximately 46% reduction in D1R binding sites in brush border membranes (BBMs) in old compared with adult rats. SKF 38393 stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in BBM in adult rats, but not in old rats, suggesting an impaired D1R-G protein coupling. DA and SKF 38393 stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in adult but not in the old rats. Forskolin and NaF stimulated AC activity in a comparable manner in adult and old rats, indicating no defect in AC and G proteins. DA and SKF 38393 failed to stimulate protein kinase A (PKA) activity in proximal tubules of old rats. Dibutyryl-cAMP-mediated PKA activation was also absent in old rats.

CONCLUSIONS

A decrease in D1R binding sites, a coupling defect with G proteins, and a defect in PKA activation lead to diminished DA-mediated inhibition of NHE in old rats, which may contribute to the blunted natriuretic response to DA in these animals.

Aging, high salt intake, and renal dopaminergic activity in Fischer 344 rats

The present study examined renal dopaminergic activity and its response to high salt (HS) intake in adult (6-month-old) and old (24-month-old) Fischer 344 rats. Daily urinary excretion of L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), dopamine, and its metabolites 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid was similar in adult and old rats; by contrast, daily urinary excretion of norepinephrine in old rats was almost twice that in adult animals. HS intake (1% NaCl) over a period of 24 hours resulted in a 2-fold increase in the urinary excretion of dopamine, DOPAC, and norepinephrine in adult animals but not in old animals. Norepinephrine and L-DOPA plasma levels did not change during HS intake and were similar in both groups of rats. The natriuretic response to an HS intake in old rats (from 4.7+/-0.4 to 10.7+/-2.0 nmol. kg(-1). d(-1); Delta=6.0+/-0.9 nmol. kg(-1). d(-1)) was less than in adult rats (from 5.2+/-0.4 to 13.5+/-2.5 nmol. kg(-1). d(-1); Delta=8.3+/-0.8 nmol. kg(-1). d(-1)). A diuretic response to HS intake was observed in adult rats (from 20.9+/-2.3 to 37.6+/-2.8 mL. kg(-1). d(-1)) but not in old rats (from 37.7+/-5.7 to 42.3+/-6. 0 mL. kg(-1). d(-1)). Dopamine levels and dopamine/L-DOPA ratios in the renal cortex of old rats were greater than in adult rats. HS intake increased both dopamine levels and dopamine/L-DOPA ratios in the renal cortex of adult rats but not in old rats. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity was higher in old rats than in adult rats; HS intake increased L-amino acid decarboxylase activity (nmol. mg protein(-1). l5 min(-1)) in adult rats (from 67+/-1 to 93+/-1) but not in old rats (from 86+/-2 to 87+/-2). Dopamine inhibited Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules obtained from adult rats, but it failed to exert such an inhibitory effect in old rats. It is concluded that renal dopaminergic tonus in old rats is higher than in adult rats but fails to respond to HS intake as observed in adult rats. This may be due in part to the inability of dopamine to inhibit Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in old rats.

Renal dopamine receptor signaling mechanisms in spontaneously hypertensive and Fischer 344 old rats

Dopamine plays an important role in the regulation of renal sodium excretion. The activation of D1-like receptors located on the proximal tubules causes inhibition of tubular sodium reabsorption by inhibiting Na,H-exchanger and Na,K-ATPase activity. The D1-like receptors are linked via G proteins to the multiple cellular signaling systems namely adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C (PLC). A defective renal dopamine receptor function exists in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the proximal tubules of SHR, the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and PLC caused by dopamine was significantly reduced in comparison with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Also unlike the effects seen in WKY, D1-like receptor activation did not inhibit Na,K-ATPase and Na,H-exchanger activities in SHR. In addition, reduced quantity of Gq/11alpha proteins was detected in the basolateral membranes of SHR compared to WKY rats. Studies revealed that there may be a primary defect in D1-like receptors leading to an altered signaling system in the proximal tubules and reduced dopamine-mediated effect on renal sodium excretion in SHR. Recently, it has been shown that the disruption of D1A receptors at the gene level causes hypertension in mice. Similar to SHR, dopamine and D1-like receptor agonist failed to inhibit Na,K-ATPase activity in the proximal tubules of old Fischer 344 rats. Unlike the observations in SHR where D1-like receptors were equal to WKY rats, there is a 50% decrease in D1-like receptor number in basolateral membranes of the old rats compared to the adult rats. Dopamine was unable to stimulate G proteins in the basolateral membranes of old rats compared to the adult rats. It is suggested that a defective dopamine receptors/signaling system may contribute to the development and maintenance of hypertension. Also, the inability of dopamine to inhibit Na,K-ATPase may lead to a reduced renal sodium excretion in response to dopamine in old rats.

No evidence for dopamine-induced relaxation in isolated human mesenteric arterial strips from elderly patients

1. We investigate the effects of dopamine in isolated mesenteric artery from elderly patients. 2. Noradrenaline (10(-11) to 10(-4) M) and dopamine (2.7 x 10(-6) to 1.4 x 10(-3) M) induced a concentration-dependent contraction that was antagonized by prazosin. Fenoldopam (10(-8) to 10(-4) M) and clonidine (10(-9) to 10(-4) M) did not produce any contractile effects. 3. Potassium chloride (80 mM) produced a well-maintained plateau contraction and dopamine-induced contraction in these conditions, which was decreased by prazosin (10(-8) M). Neither fenoldopam nor isoprenaline (10(-10) to 10(-5) M) modified the well-maintained plateau. 4. Our results suggest that post-synaptic dopamine receptors are not present in this preparation but alpha1-adrenoceptors are present.

Dietary fatty acid modulates glomerular atrial natriuretic peptide receptor

Modification of dietary fatty acid (FA) has been shown to affect the incidence of hypertension and coronary artery disease. We studied whether these effects involve changes in the receptor characteristics of vasoactive substance. Characteristics of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors were examined in glomeruli isolated from rats fed a diet containing 5% in weight omega 6, 5% omega 3, 20% omega 6, 20% omega 3 polyunsaturated FA or 20% saturated FA (SFA) for greater than 4 weeks. The FA composition of phospholipids in isolated glomeruli showed an elevation in 20:4 omega 6 (arachidonic acid, AA) in 5% omega 6, 20% omega 6 and 20% SFA, and elevations in 20:5 omega 3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) in 5% omega 3 and 20% omega 3 groups. The radioligand binding study revealed: (1) in 20% FA group, receptor density (Ro, fmol/mg prot) of ANP was significantly decreased compared to 5% group (262 +/- 13, n = 8 to 120 +/- 13, n = 12) without changes in equilibrium dissociation constant (KD), (2) among high FA (20%) groups, type of FA was essential for determining Ro; higher omega 6 was associated with a lower ANP Ro (177 +/- 11 vs. 103 +/- 3 fmol/mg prot, P less than 0.05) and KD (0.43 +/- .04 vs. 0.27 +/- .02 nM, P less than 0.05). To examine whether the alteration in receptor characteristics is mediated by FA, effects of FA were examined in vitro. In cultured mesangial cells, AA, but not EPA, decreased Ro of ANP receptors (48.7 +/- 4.8% of control, P less than 0.05) without affecting KD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Peripheral dopamine in pathophysiology of hypertension. Interaction with aging and lifestyle

Dopamine, an ancestral catecholamine, is physiologically natriuretic and vasodilating, thus essentially protecting against hypertension. Its actions are overshadowed by the opposite effects of its main biological partner, norepinephrine, and this is accentuated with aging. Clinical observations combined with molecular biology approaches to catecholamine-synthesizing and catecholamine-metabolizing enzymes and receptors permit the identification of some inborn defects. Subtle changes in the dopamine-norepinephrine balance may account for the enhanced peripheral noradrenergic activity seen in the setting of decreased dopaminergic activity in advanced age. These changes may contribute to the diminished ability of the aged kidney to excrete a salt load, as well as to the finding that systolic blood pressure increases with age in populations with a high, but not in those with a low, intake of salt. The attainment of advanced age in Western societies with adverse lifestyle changes (mental rather than physical stress, excess salt intake, overeating, sedentarism) appears to facilitate the development of hypertension. The adaptation to all the preceding lifestyle changes necessitates an increased dopamine generation, which may initially compensate to maintain appropriate natriuresis and vasodilation since many patients with initial borderline essential hypertension express their sympathetic hyperfunction, in addition to increased norepinephrine release, by excessive dopamine release. However, the progression of hypertension is accompanied by a peripheral dopaminergic deficiency and diminished ability to excrete salt. This may represent an eventual inadequacy of a phylogenetically redundant system resulting in decreased natriuresis and vasodilation and may account for the responsiveness of established chronic hypertension to salt restriction, diuretics, and dopaminomimetic medication.

A study on the renal synthesis of dopamine in aged rats

The present study has examined the synthesis of dopamine from L-DOPA in kidney slices and in kidney homogenates of 3- and 24-month-old rats. The deamination of newly-formed dopamine into 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was also studied. The assay of L-DOPA, dopamine, noradrenaline and DOPAC was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Incubation of renal slices and homogenates of whole kidney with exogenous L-DOPA (0.1-100 microM) resulted in a concentration-dependent formation of both dopamine and DOPAC. At 50 and 100 microM L-DOPA, but not at lower concentrations (10 and 25 microM), the total amounts of dopamine and DOPAC formed were significantly greater in kidney slices obtained from 3-month-old rats. By contrast, the total amount of dopamine and DOPAC formed was greater in homogenates of renal tissues from aged rats than from young animals; this was particularly evident at 5.0 and 10.0 microM L-DOPA in the incubation medium. However, the DOPAC/dopamine ratios, both in kidney slices and kidney homogenates, were found to be higher in young rats than in old rats. The present results suggest an impairment in the formation of dopamine and of its deamination into DOPAC in renal tissues of aged rats; however, the reduced synthesis of dopamine does not appear to be the result of a decreased activity of the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.

Localization of dopamine-1 receptors along the microdissected rat nephron

Dopamine exerts numerous actions on the kidney but the precise location of its receptor subtypes along the nephron is unknown. Using a microassay we determined the specific binding of 125I-Sch 23982, a specific and selective dopamine-1 (DA1) receptor antagonist, to microdissected glomeruli and tubule segments. Binding of 125I-Sch 23982 in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) was time- and concentration dependent, saturable and reversible. The linear Scatchard plot of saturation experiments suggested binding to a single site with an apparent Kd of 16.7 nM and Bmax of 0.4 fmol.mm-1 in the PCT, and 6.2 nM and 0.1 fmol.mm-1 in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT). Mapping of DA1 binding sites along the nephron revealed their presence in each of the segments examined, albeit in markedly different concentrations: the highest specific binding was measured in PCT followed by the pars recta. Binding was less in the distal nephron, and least in the medullary and cortical thick ascending limb. Modest binding was also detected in glomeruli. In cortical collecting tubules competition studies with unlabeled dopamine and probes for DA1 (Sch 23390, fenoldopam), DA2 (domperidone, S-sulpiride), serotonergic (serotonin, ketanserin, mianserin), and alpha-(phentolamine) and beta-(propranolol) adrenergic receptors indicated a rank-order potency for displacement of 125I-Sch 23982 binding, consistent with labeling of DA1 receptors. Dopamine inhibited Na/K-ATPase both in PCT and CCT, an effect duplicated in the latter segment by the DA1 agonist fenoldopam, and blocked by the DA1 antagonist Sch23390.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The noradrenergic innervation of the kidney in old Wistar rats

Age-related changes of the sympathetic (noradrenergic) innervation of the kidney were studied in young (3 months) and old (25 months) female Wistar rats by means' of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection and catecholamine histofluorescence techniques. Body and kidney weights were significantly increased in old rats. Renal noradrenaline levels were slightly but not significantly decreased in aged animals. The density of fluorescent catecholaminergic nerve fibres was significantly decreased in old rats, primarily within branches of renal artery (at the hilum) and within interlobular and cortical radial arteries. However, in old rats the number of axonal varicosities corresponding to the site of neurotransmitter release was slightly increased in interlobular and cortical radial arteries but not in hilar branches of the renal artery. The number of cortical tubules supplied with a catecholaminergic innervation remarkably decreased with age. These findings are indicative of age-dependent changes of the intrarenal noradrenergic innervation in Wistar rats. The lack of correspondence between the results obtained using HPLC and catecholamine histofluorescence techniques underscore the importance of evaluating the age-related changes of autonomic innervation using more than one methodology.

Characterization of a dopamine receptor (DA2K) in the kidney inner medulla

Dopamine (DA) produces a natriuretic/diuretic response in the kidney by mechanisms that are still not well understood. There is some indication that DA2 receptors may be involved in mediating the effects of DA, but little is known regarding the nature of this receptor in the kidney. Autoradiographic localization of [3H]spiperone, a DA2 antagonist, indicated that high-density binding was restricted to inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). [3H]Spiperone binding was saturable, high affinity (Kd, 17.2 +/- 1.65 nM), and high density (Bmax, 935 +/- 83 fmol per mg of protein). The photosensitive spiperone analogue N-(p-azido-m-[125I]iodophenethyl)spiperone labeled similar sized proteins of Mr = 120,000 in membranes prepared from the kidney inner medulla, striatum, and pituitary. However, the rank-order competition profile for the [3H]spiperone binding in the kidney inner medulla differed from the DA2 receptor in striatum and pituitary and, furthermore, RNA (Northern) blot analyses of kidney inner medullary RNA with brain DA2 receptor oligonucleotide probes were negative. Functionally, DA stimulated prostaglandin E2 production by IMCD cells, an effect that could be blocked by the DA2 antagonist domperidone. These results indicate that the kidney inner medulla expresses a functional DA receptor that may represent a newly identified DA receptor subtype (here designated DA2K). Moreover, these results suggest that the kidney inner medulla may be a significant site at which DA, either directly or indirectly, influences water and electrolyte excretion.

Characterization of the beta-adrenergic transduction system in spleen mononuclear leukocyte membranes of young and senescent rats

The effect of aging on some of the properties of the beta-adrenergic transduction system was determined in a membrane fraction of spleen mononuclear leukocytes from young (2-3 months) and old (24-25 months) rats. Receptor density was unchanged and the percentage of receptors in the high affinity configuration for isoproterenol was reduced with increasing age. Adenylate cyclase activity, either unstimulated or stimulated with forskolin, GTP or isoproterenol was not affected by aging. This suggests the presence of compensatory mechanisms in the beta-adrenergic signal transduction system of rat spleen mononuclear cells in order to ensure equal cAMP production for equal agonist stimulation.

Age-dependent changes of the sympathetic innervation of the rat kidney

The influence of aging on the sympathetic innervation of the kidney was studied in 3- (considered to be young), 12- (considered to be adult) and 24- (considered to be old) month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats by means of high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, catecholamine histofluorescence and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry. Body and kidney weights were significantly increased in adult in comparison with young rats. No further increase of either body or kidney weight was appreciated in old rats. Noradrenaline levels were increased by about 48% in adult rats and were decreased in old rats (by approx. 22% vs. young and 60% vs. adult). The density of perivascular noradrenergic fibres was significantly increased in adult rats and decreased in old animals. The percentage of kidney glomeruli supplied by AChE-positive nerve fibres is also remarkably increased in 12-month old rats and decreased in 24-month-old rats. The present data indicate that there is a striking increase in the expression of sympathetic innervation of rat kidney at 12 months of age followed by a significant decrease in the expression of innervation in old age. These changes are discussed in relation to the age-dependent impairment of renal function.

The beta-adrenergic transduction system in kidneys from young and senescent rats

beta-Adrenoceptor density, ligand affinity, high-affinity agonist binding, basal adenylate cyclase activity and cAMP synthesis upon stimulation with either forskolin, F-, guanine nucleotides (GTP or GppNHp) or isoproterenol in the presence of the nucleotides were studied in membranes prepared from kidneys of young (2-3 month) and old (24-25 month) male Wistar rats. There is a significant (P less than 0.01) 62% increase in beta-receptor density, a significant (P less than 0.05) 115% decrease in ligand affinity, a significant (P less than 0.05) 33% decrease of high-affinity binding sites for (-)-isoproterenol and a significant (P less than 0.01) 151% decrease of the affinity of the high-affinity agonist binding site. Basal adenylate cyclase activity and the activity after stimulation with guanine nucleotides and forskolin were significantly higher in old animals as compared to young (P less than 0.01). Stimulation of the system with isoproterenol in the presence of GTP was more effective in old animals, although the P less than 0.05 level of significance was barely reached. It is suggested that age-dependent changes of the beta-adrenoceptors in rat kidney are similar to those described for lungs: changes at the different levels of the beta-adrenergic transduction chain associated with age are compensatory so as to ensure equal cAMP synthesis for a given agonist stimulation.