Direct demonstration of tubular fluid flow sensing by macula densa cells

A new view of macula densa cell protein synthesis

Macula densa (MD) cells, a chief sensory cell type in the nephron, are endowed with unique microanatomic features including a high density of protein synthetic organelles and secretory vesicles in basal cell processes ("maculapodia") that suggest a so far unknown high rate of MD protein synthesis. This study aimed to explore the rate and regulation of MD protein synthesis and their effects on glomerular function using novel transgenic mouse models, newly established fluorescence cell biology techniques, and intravital microscopy. Sox2-tdTomato kidney tissue sections and an O-propargyl puromycin incorporation-based fluorescence imaging assay showed that MD cells have the highest level of protein synthesis within the kidney cortex followed by intercalated cells and podocytes. Genetic gain of function of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling specifically in MD cells (in MD-mTORgof mice) or their physiological activation by low-salt diet resulted in further significant increases in the synthesis of MD proteins. Specifically, these included both classic and recently identified MD-specific proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1, and pappalysin 2. Intravital imaging of the kidney using multiphoton microscopy showed significant increases in afferent and efferent arteriole and glomerular capillary diameters and blood flow in MD-mTORgof mice coupled with an elevated glomerular filtration rate. The presently identified high rate of MD protein synthesis that is regulated by mTOR signaling is a novel component of the physiological activation and glomerular hemodynamic regulatory functions of MD cells that remains to be fully characterized.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study discovered the high rate of protein synthesis in macula densa (MD) cells by applying direct imaging techniques with single cell resolution. Physiological activation and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling played important regulatory roles in this process. This new feature is a novel component of the tubuloglomerular cross talk and glomerular hemodynamic regulatory functions of MD cells. Future work is needed to elucidate the nature and (patho)physiological role of the specific proteins synthesized by MD cells.

Polymodal roles of TRPC3 channel in the kidney

TRPC3 is a Ca²⁺-permeable cation channel commonly activated by the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and mechanical distortion of the plasma membrane. TRPC3-mediated Ca²⁺ influx has been implicated in a variety of signaling processes in both excitable and non-excitable cells. Kidneys play a commanding role in maintaining whole-body homeostasis and setting blood pressure. TRPC3 is expressed abundantly in the renal vasculature and in epithelial cells, where it is well positioned to mediate signaling and transport functions in response to GPCR-dependent endocrine stimuli. In addition, TRPC3 could be activated by mechanical forces resulting from dynamic changes in the renal tubule fluid flow and osmolarity. This review critically analyzes the available published evidence of the physiological roles of TRPC3 in different parts of the kidney and describes the pathophysiological ramifications of TRPC3 ablation. We also speculate how this evidence could be further translated into the clinic.

A new view of macula densa cell microanatomy

Although macula densa (MD) cells are chief regulatory cells in the nephron with unique microanatomical features, they have been difficult to study in full detail due to their inaccessibility and limitations in earlier microscopy techniques. The present study used a new mouse model with a comprehensive imaging approach to visualize so far unexplored microanatomical features of MD cells, their regulation, and functional relevance. MD-GFP mice with conditional and partial induction of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, which specifically and intensely illuminated only single MD cells, were used with fluorescence microscopy of fixed tissue and live MD cells in vitro and in vivo with complementary electron microscopy of the rat, rabbit, and human kidney. An elaborate network of major and minor cell processes, here named maculapodia, were found at the cell base, projecting toward other MD cells and the glomerular vascular pole. The extent of maculapodia showed upregulation by low dietary salt intake and the female sex. Time-lapse imaging of maculapodia revealed highly dynamic features including rapid outgrowth and an extensive vesicular transport system. Electron microscopy of rat, rabbit, and human kidneys and three-dimensional volume reconstruction in optically cleared whole-mount MD-GFP mouse kidneys further confirmed the presence and projections of maculapodia into the extraglomerular mesangium and afferent and efferent arterioles. The newly identified dynamic and secretory features of MD cells suggest the presence of novel functional and molecular pathways of cell-to-cell communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus between MD cells and between MD and other target cells.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illuminated a physiologically regulated dense network of basal cell major and minor processes (maculapodia) in macula densa (MD) cells. The newly identified dynamic and secretory features of these microanatomical structures suggest the presence of novel functional and molecular pathways of cell-to-cell communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus between MD and other target cells. Detailed characterization of the function and molecular details of MD cell intercellular communications and their role in physiology and disease warrant further studies.

Stretch-Induced Increases in Intracellular Ca Stimulate Thick Ascending Limb O2- Production and Are Enhanced in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

Mechanical stretch raises intracellular Ca (Ca_i) in many cell types. Luminal flow-derived stretch stimulates O₂^- production by thick ascending limbs (THALs). Renal O₂^- is greater in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) than salt-resistant (SR) rats. We hypothesized that mechanical stretch stimulates Ca influx via TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4) which in turn raises Ca_i in THALs; these increases in Ca_i are necessary for stretch to augment O₂^- production; and stretch-stimulated, and therefore flow-induced, O₂^- production is enhanced in SS compared with SR THALs due to elevated Ca influx and increased Ca_i. Ca_i and O₂^- were measured in SS and SR THALs from rats on normal salt using Fura2-acetoxymethyl ester and dihydroethidium, respectively. Stretch raised Ca_i in SS by 270.4±48.9 nmol/L and by 123.6±27.0 nmol/L in SR THALs (P<0.02). Removing extracellular Ca eliminated the increases and differences in Ca_i between strains. Knocking down TRPV4 in SS THALs reduced stretch-induced Ca_i to SR levels (SS: 92.0±15.9 nmol/L; SR: 123.6±27.0 nmol/L). RN1734, a TRPV4 inhibitor, blunted stretch-elevated Ca_i by ≈75% and ≈66% in SS (P<0.03) and SR (P<0.04), respectively. Stretch augmented O₂^- production by 58.6±10.2 arbitrary fluorescent units/min in SS and by 24.4±2.6 arbitrary fluorescent units/min in SR THALs (P<0.05). Removal of extracellular Ca blunted stretch-induced increases in O₂^- and eliminated differences between strains. RN1734 reduced stretch-induced O₂^- by ≈70% in SS (P<0.005) and ≈60% in SR (P<0.01). Conclusions are as follows: (1) stretch activates TRPV4, which raises Ca_i in THALs; (2) the increase in Ca_i stimulates O₂^- production; and (3) stretch-induced O₂^- production is enhanced in SS THALs due to greater increases in Ca_i.

TRPC3 determines osmosensitive [Ca2+]i signaling in the collecting duct and contributes to urinary concentration

It is well-established that the kidney collecting duct (CD) plays a central role in regulation of systemic water homeostasis. Aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-dependent water reabsorption in the CD critically depends on the arginine vasopressin (AVP) antidiuretic input and the presence of a favorable osmotic gradient at the apical plasma membrane with tubular lumen being hypotonic compared to the cytosol. This osmotic difference creates a mechanical force leading to an increase in [Ca2+]i in CD cells. The significance of the osmosensitive [Ca2+]i signaling for renal water transport and urinary concentration remain unknown. To examine molecular mechanism and physiological relevance of osmosensitivity in the CD, we implemented simultaneous direct measurements of [Ca2+]i dynamics and the rate of cell swelling as a readout of the AQP2-dependent water reabsorption in freshly isolated split-opened CDs of wild type and genetically manipulated animals and combined this with immunofluorescent detection of AVP-induced AQP2 trafficking and assessment of systemic water balance. We identified the critical role of the Ca2+-permeable TRPC3 channel in osmosensitivity and water permeability in the CD. We further demonstrated that TRPC3 -/- mice exhibit impaired urinary concentration, larger urinary volume and a greater weight loss in response to water deprivation despite increased AVP levels and AQP2 abundance. TRPC3 deletion interfered with AQP2 translocation to the plasma membrane in response to water deprivation. In summary, we provide compelling multicomponent evidence in support of a critical contribution of TRPC3 in the CD for osmosensitivity and renal water handling.

Novel fluorescence techniques to quantitate renal cell biology

Fluorescence microscopy techniques are powerful tools to study tissue dynamics, cellular function and biology both in vivo and in vitro. These tools allow for functional assessment and quantification along with qualitative analysis, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of various cellular processes under normal physiological and disease conditions. The main focus of this chapter is the recently developed method of serial intravital multiphoton microscopy that has helped shed light on the dynamic alterations of the spatial distribution and fate of single renal cells or cell populations and their migration patterns in the same tissue region over several days in response to various stimuli within the living kidney. This technique is very useful for studying in vivo the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tissue remodeling and repair after injury. In addition, complementary in vitro imaging tools are also described and discussed, like tissue clearing techniques and protein synthesis measurement in tissues in situ that provide an in depth assessment of changes at the cellular level. Thus, these novel fluorescence techniques can be effectively leveraged for different tissue types, experimental conditions as well as disease models to improve our understanding of renal cell biology.

TRPV4 deletion protects against hypokalemia during systemic K+ deficiency

Tight regulation of K⁺ balance is fundamental for normal physiology. Reduced dietary K⁺ intake, which is common in Western diets, often leads to hypokalemia and associated cardiovascular- and kidney-related pathologies. The distal nephron, and, specifically, the collecting duct (CD), is the major site of controlled K⁺ reabsorption via H⁺-K⁺-ATPase in the state of dietary K⁺ deficiency. We (Mamenko MV, Boukelmoune N, Tomilin VN, Zaika OL, Jensen VB, O'Neil RG, Pochynyuk OM. Kidney Int 91: 1398-1409, 2017) have previously demonstrated that the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) Ca²⁺ channel, abundantly expressed in the CD, contributes to renal K⁺ handling by promoting flow-induced K⁺ secretion. Here, we investigated a potential role of TRPV4 in controlling H⁺-K⁺-ATPase-dependent K⁺ reabsorption in the CD. Treatment with a K⁺-deficient diet (<0.01% K⁺) for 7 days reduced serum K⁺ levels in wild-type (WT) mice from 4.3 ± 0.2 to 3.3 ± 0.2 mM but not in TRPV4^-/- mice (4.3 ± 0.1 and 4.2 ± 0.3 mM, respectively). Furthermore, we detected a significant reduction in 24-h urinary K⁺ levels in TRPV4^-/- compared with WT mice upon switching to K⁺-deficient diet. TRPV4^-/- animals also had significantly more acidic urine on a low-K⁺ diet, but not on a regular (0.9% K⁺) or high-K⁺ (5% K⁺) diet, which is consistent with increased H⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity. Moreover, we detected a greatly accelerated H⁺-K⁺-ATPase-dependent intracellular pH extrusion in freshly isolated CDs from TRPV4^-/- compared with WT mice fed a K⁺-deficient diet. Overall, our results demonstrate a novel kaliuretic role of TRPV4 by inhibiting H⁺-K⁺-ATPase-dependent K⁺ reabsorption in the CD. We propose that TRPV4 inhibition could be a novel strategy to manage certain hypokalemic states in clinical settings.

"I don't get no respect": the role of chloride in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major public health problem that complicates 10-40% of hospital admissions. Importantly, AKI is independently associated with increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular events, and increased risk of in-hospital and long-term mortality. The chloride content of intravenous fluid has garnered much attention over the last decade, as well as its association with excess use and adverse outcomes, including AKI. Numerous studies show that changes in serum chloride concentration, independent of serum sodium and bicarbonate, are associated with increased risk of AKI, morbidity, and mortality. This comprehensive review details the complex renal physiology regarding the role of chloride in regulating renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, tubuloglomerular feedback, and tubular injury, as well as the findings of clinical research related to the chloride content of intravenous fluids, changes in serum chloride concentration, and AKI. Chloride is underappreciated in both physiology and pathophysiology. Although the exact mechanism is debated, avoidance of excessive chloride administration is a reasonable treatment option for all patients and especially in those at risk for AKI. Therefore, high-risk patients and those with "incipient" AKI should receive balanced solutions rather than normal saline to minimize the risk of AKI.

Role of the Primary Cilia on the Macula Densa and Thick Ascending Limbs in Regulation of Sodium Excretion and Hemodynamics

We investigated the significance of the primary cilia on the macula densa and thick ascending limb (TAL) in regulation of renal hemodynamics, sodium excretion, and blood pressure in this study. A tissue-specific primary cilia knock-out (KO) mouse line was generated by crossing NKCC2-Cre mice with IFT88-Δ/flox mice (NKCC2^CRE; IFT88Δ^/flox), in which the primary cilia were deleted from the macula densa and TAL. NO generation was measured with a fluorescent dye (4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate) in isolated perfused juxtaglomerular apparatus. Deletion of the cilia reduced NO production by 56% and 42% in the macula densa and TAL, respectively. NO generation by the macula densa was inhibited by both a nonselective and a selective nitric oxide synthesis inhibitors, whereas TAL-produced NO was inhibited by a nonselective and not by a selective NO synthesis 1 inhibitor. The tubuloglomerular feedback response was enhanced in the KO mice both in vitro measured with isolated perfused juxtaglomerular apparatuses and in vivo measured with micropuncture. In response to an acute volume expansion, the KO mice exhibited limited glomerular filtration rate elevation and impaired sodium excretion compared with the wild-type mice. The mean arterial pressure measured with telemetry was the same for wild-type and KO mice fed a normal salt diet. After a high salt diet, the mean arterial pressure increased by 17.4±1.6 mm Hg in the KO mice. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that the primary cilia on the macula densa and TAL play an essential role in the control of sodium excretion and blood pressure.

Ovine uterine space restriction causes dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system in fetal kidneys

In ovine pregnancy, uterine space restriction (USR) resulting from decreased space for placental attachment caused intrauterine growth restriction and impaired nephrogenesis. The fetal kidney renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in nephrogenesis, fluid balance, and iron deposition. Angiotensin II exerts its effects via multiple receptors: angiotensin II 1-8 receptor type 1 (AT 1 R) and type 2 (AT 2 R), and angiotensin II 1-7 Mas receptor (MASR).

Objective

: To test the hypothesis that ovine USR is associated with dysregulation of the fetal renal RAS.

Methods

: Multiparous pregnant ewes (n = 32), 16 with surgical bifurcated disconnection of one uterine horn to further reduce placental attachment sites, were studied. USR (n = 31) ovine fetuses were compared to nonspace restricted (NSR) singleton controls (n = 22) on gestational day (GD) 120 or GD130, term GD147. Fetal plasma was collected to evaluate plasma renin activity and iron indices. Fetal kidney AT 1 R, AT 2 R, and MASR proteins were assessed by Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

: AT 1 R, AT 2 R, and MASR protein expression was higher in USR at GD130 than aged-matched NSR and USR at GD120, ( P < 0.05 all). AT 1 R and AT 2 R localization was homogenous throughout proximal and distal tubules in both USR and NSR at both gestational dates. MASR localization was punctate throughout renal cortical structures including tubules and glomeruli in both USR and NSR, shifted to intranuclear at GD130. Plasma renin activity was inversely related to plasma osmolarity ( P < 0.02) and was downregulated in USR at GD130 ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

: By late gestation, USR upregulated renal angiotensin receptor expression, an effect with potential functional implications.

A computational model for simulating solute transport and oxygen consumption along the nephrons

The goal of this study was to investigate water and solute transport, with a focus on sodium transport (T_Na) and metabolism along individual nephron segments under differing physiological and pathophysiological conditions. To accomplish this goal, we developed a computational model of solute transport and oxygen consumption (Q_O2 ) along different nephron populations of a rat kidney. The model represents detailed epithelial and paracellular transport processes along both the superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons, with the loop of Henle of each model nephron extending to differing depths of the inner medulla. We used the model to assess how changes in T_Na may alter Q_O2 in different nephron segments and how shifting the T_Na sites alters overall kidney Q_O2 Under baseline conditions, the model predicted a whole kidney T_Na/Q_O2 , which denotes the number of moles of Na⁺ reabsorbed per moles of O₂ consumed, of ∼15, with T_Na efficiency predicted to be significantly greater in cortical nephron segments than in medullary segments. The T_Na/Q_O2 ratio was generally similar among the superficial and juxtamedullary nephron segments, except for the proximal tubule, where T_Na/Q_O2 was ∼20% higher in superficial nephrons, due to the larger luminal flow along the juxtamedullary proximal tubules and the resulting higher, flow-induced transcellular transport. Moreover, the model predicted that an increase in single-nephron glomerular filtration rate does not significantly affect T_Na/Q_O2 in the proximal tubules but generally increases T_Na/Q_O2 along downstream segments. The latter result can be attributed to the generally higher luminal [Na⁺], which raises paracellular T_Na Consequently, vulnerable medullary segments, such as the S3 segment and medullary thick ascending limb, may be relatively protected from flow-induced increases in Q_O2 under pathophysiological conditions.

Shear stress blunts tubuloglomerular feedback partially mediated by primary cilia and nitric oxide at the macula densa

The present study tested whether primary cilia on macula densa serve as a flow sensor to enhance nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) activity and inhibit tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Isolated perfused macula densa was loaded with calcein red and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate to monitor cell volume and nitric oxide (NO) generation. An increase in tubular flow rate from 0 to 40 nl/min enhanced NO production by 40.0 ± 1.2%. The flow-induced NO generation was blocked by an inhibitor of NOS1 but not by inhibition of the Na/K/2Cl cotransporter or the removal of electrolytes from the perfusate. NO generation increased from 174.8 ± 21 to 276.1 ± 24 units/min in cultured MMDD1 cells when shear stress was increased from 0.5 to 5.0 dynes/cm(2). The shear stress-induced NO generation was abolished in MMDD1 cells in which the cilia were disrupted using a siRNA to ift88. Increasing the NaCl concentration of the tubular perfusate from 10 to 80 mM NaCl in the isolated perfused juxtaglomerular preparation reduced the diameter of the afferent arteriole by 3.8 ± 0.1 μm. This response was significantly blunted to 2.5 ± 0.2 μm when dextran was added to the perfusate to increase the viscosity and shear stress. Inhibition of NOS1 blocked the effect of dextran on TGF response. In vitro, the effects of raising perfusate viscosity with dextran on tubular hydraulic pressure were minimized by reducing the outflow resistance to avoid stretching of tubular cells. These results suggest that shear stress stimulates primary cilia on the macula densa to enhance NO generation and inhibit TGF responsiveness.

Reduction of Tubular Flow Rate as a Mechanism of Oliguria in the Early Phase of Endotoxemia Revealed by Intravital Imaging

Urine output is widely used as a criterion for the diagnosis of AKI. Although several potential mechanisms of septic AKI have been identified, regulation of urine flow after glomerular filtration has not been evaluated. This study evaluated changes in urine flow in mice with septic AKI. The intratubular urine flow rate was monitored in real time by intravital imaging using two-photon laser microscopy. The tubular flow rate, as measured by freely filtered dye (FITC-inulin or Lucifer yellow), time-dependently declined after LPS injection. At 2 hours, the tubular flow rate was slower in mice injected with LPS than in mice injected with saline, whereas BP and GFR were similar in the two groups. Importantly, fluorophore-conjugated LPS selectively accumulated in the proximal tubules that showed reduced tubular flow at 2 hours and luminal obstruction with cell swelling at 24 hours. Delipidation of LPS or deletion of Toll-like receptor 4 in mice abolished these effects, whereas neutralization of TNF-α had little effect on LPS-induced tubular flow retention. Rapid intravenous fluid resuscitation within 6 hours improved the tubular flow rate only when accompanied by the dilation of obstructed proximal tubules with accumulated LPS. These findings suggest that LPS reduces the intratubular urine flow rate during early phases of endotoxemia through a Toll-like receptor 4-dependent mechanism, and that the efficacy of fluid resuscitation may depend on the response of tubules with LPS accumulation.

Renal autoregulation in health and disease

Intrarenal autoregulatory mechanisms maintain renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) independent of renal perfusion pressure (RPP) over a defined range (80-180 mmHg). Such autoregulation is mediated largely by the myogenic and the macula densa-tubuloglomerular feedback (MD-TGF) responses that regulate preglomerular vasomotor tone primarily of the afferent arteriole. Differences in response times allow separation of these mechanisms in the time and frequency domains. Mechanotransduction initiating the myogenic response requires a sensing mechanism activated by stretch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and coupled to intracellular signaling pathways eliciting plasma membrane depolarization and a rise in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). Proposed mechanosensors include epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), integrins, and/or transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Increased [Ca(2+)]i occurs predominantly by Ca(2+) influx through L-type voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCC). Increased [Ca(2+)]i activates inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to mobilize Ca(2+) from sarcoplasmic reticular stores. Myogenic vasoconstriction is sustained by increased Ca(2+) sensitivity, mediated by protein kinase C and Rho/Rho-kinase that favors a positive balance between myosin light-chain kinase and phosphatase. Increased RPP activates MD-TGF by transducing a signal of epithelial MD salt reabsorption to adjust afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction. A combination of vascular and tubular mechanisms, novel to the kidney, provides for high autoregulatory efficiency that maintains RBF and GFR, stabilizes sodium excretion, and buffers transmission of RPP to sensitive glomerular capillaries, thereby protecting against hypertensive barotrauma. A unique aspect of the myogenic response in the renal vasculature is modulation of its strength and speed by the MD-TGF and by a connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CT-GF) mechanism. Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide are modulators of myogenic and MD-TGF mechanisms. Attenuated renal autoregulation contributes to renal damage in many, but not all, models of renal, diabetic, and hypertensive diseases. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding underlying mechanisms enabling renal autoregulation in health and disease and methods used for its study.

Sensing a sensor: identifying the mechanosensory function of primary cilia

Over the past decade, primary cilia have emerged as the premier means by which cells sense and transduce mechanical stimuli. Primary cilia are sensory organelles that have been shown to be vitally involved in the mechanosensation of urine in the renal nephron, bile in the hepatic biliary system, digestive fluid in the pancreatic duct, dentin in dental pulp, lacunocanalicular fluid in bone and cartilage, and blood in vasculature. The prevalence of primary cilia among mammalian cell types is matched by the tremendously varied disease states caused by both structural and functional defects in cilia. In the process of delineating the mechanisms behind these disease states, calcium fluorimetry has been widely utilized as a means of quantifying ciliary function to both fluid flow and pharmacological agents. In this review, we will discuss the approaches used in associating calcium levels to cilia function.

Intravital imaging of podocyte calcium in glomerular injury and disease

Intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]i) signaling mediates physiological and pathological processes in multiple organs, including the renal podocyte; however, in vivo podocyte [Ca²⁺]i dynamics are not fully understood. Here we developed an imaging approach that uses multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to directly visualize podocyte [Ca²⁺]i dynamics within the intact kidneys of live mice expressing a fluorescent calcium indicator only in these cells. [Ca²⁺]i was at a low steady-state level in control podocytes, while Ang II infusion caused a minor elevation. Experimental focal podocyte injury triggered a robust and sustained elevation of podocyte [Ca²⁺]i around the injury site and promoted cell-to-cell propagating podocyte [Ca²⁺]i waves along capillary loops. [Ca²⁺]i wave propagation was ameliorated by inhibitors of purinergic [Ca²⁺]i signaling as well as in animals lacking the P2Y2 purinergic receptor. Increased podocyte [Ca²⁺]i resulted in contraction of the glomerular tuft and increased capillary albumin permeability. In preclinical models of renal fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, high podocyte [Ca²⁺]i correlated with increased cell motility. Our findings provide a visual demonstration of the in vivo importance of podocyte [Ca²⁺]i in glomerular pathology and suggest that purinergic [Ca²⁺]i signaling is a robust and key pathogenic mechanism in podocyte injury. This in vivo imaging approach will allow future detailed investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of glomerular disease in the intact living kidney.

Iodinated contrast media cause direct tubular cell damage, leading to oxidative stress, low nitric oxide, and impairment of tubuloglomerular feedback

Iodinated contrast media (CM) have adverse effects that may result in contrast-induced acute kidney injury. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in CM-induced kidney injury. We test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide in tubules are consequences of CM-induced direct cell damage and that increased local oxidative stress may increase tubuloglomerular feedback. Rat thick ascending limbs (TAL) were isolated and perfused. Superoxide and nitric oxide were quantified using fluorescence techniques. Cell death rate was estimated using propidium iodide and trypan blue. The function of macula densa and tubuloglomerular feedback responsiveness were measured in isolated, perfused juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) of rabbits. The expression of genes related to oxidative stress and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated in the renal medulla of rats that received CM. CM increased superoxide concentration and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in TAL. Propidium iodide fluorescence and trypan blue uptake increased more in CM-perfused TAL than in controls, indicating increased rate of cell death. There were no marked acute changes in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress in medullary segments of Henle's loop. SOD activity did not differ between CM and control groups. The tubuloglomerular feedback in isolated JGA was increased by CM. Tubular cell damage and accompanying oxidative stress in our model are consequences of CM-induced direct cell damage, which also modifies the tubulovascular interaction at the macula densa, and may therefore contribute to disturbances of renal perfusion and filtration.

ATP releasing connexin 30 hemichannels mediate flow-induced calcium signaling in the collecting duct

ATP in the renal tubular fluid is an important regulator of salt and water reabsorption via purinergic calcium signaling that involves the P2Y₂ receptor, ENaC, and AQP2. Recently, we have shown that connexin (Cx) 30 hemichannels are localized to the non-junctional apical membrane of cells in the distal nephron-collecting duct (CD) and release ATP into the tubular fluid upon mechanical stimuli, leading to reduced salt and water reabsorption. Cx30^−/− mice show salt-dependent elevations in BP and impaired pressure-natriuresis. Thus, we hypothesized that increased tubular flow rate leads to Cx30-dependent purinergic intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) signaling in the CD. Cortical CDs (CCDs) from wild type and Cx30^−/− mice were freshly dissected and microperfused in vitro. Using confocal fluorescence imaging and the calcium-sensitive fluorophore pair Fluo-4 and Fura Red, we found that increasing tubular flow rate from 2 to 20 nl/min caused a significant 2.1-fold elevation in [Ca²⁺]_i in wild type CCDs. This response was blunted in Cx30^−/− CCDs ([Ca²⁺]_i increased only 1.2-fold, p < 0.0001 vs. WT, n = 6 each). To further test our hypothesis we performed CD [Ca²⁺]_i imaging in intact mouse kidneys in vivo using multiphoton microscopy and micropuncture delivery of the calcium-sensitive fluorophore Rhod-2. We found intrinsic, spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations in free-flowing CDs of wild type but not Cx30^−/− mice. The [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations were sensitive also to P2-receptor inhibition by suramin. Taken together, these data confirm that mechanosensitive Cx30 hemichannels mediate tubular ATP release and purinergic calcium signaling in the CD which mechanism plays an important role in the regulation of CD salt and water reabsorption.

Fluorescence imaging of intracellular calcium signals in intact kidney tissue

BACKGROUND

Intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) plays an important role in normal renal physiology and in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases; however, the study of Ca(2+) signals in intact tissue has been limited by technical difficulties, including achieving adequate loading of Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dyes. The kidney slice preparation represents a model whereby three-dimensional tissue architecture is preserved and structures in both the cortex and medulla can be imaged using confocal or multiphoton microscopy.

METHODS

Ca(2+)-sensitive dyes Rhod-2, Fura-red and Fluo-4 were loaded into tubular and vascular cells in rat kidney slices using a re-circulating perfusion system and real-time imaging of Ca(2+) signals was recorded by confocal microscopy. Kidney slices were also obtained from transgenic mice expressing the GCaMP2 Ca(2+)-sensor in their endothelial cells and real time Ca(2+) transients stimulated by physiological stimuli.

RESULTS

Wide spread loading of Ca(2+) indicators was achieved in the tubular and vascular structures of both the medulla and cortex. Real time Ca(2+) signals were successfully recorded in different intracellular compartments of both rat and mouse cortical and medullary tubules in response to physiological stimuli (ATP and angiotensin II). Glomerular Ca(2+) transients were similarly recorded in kidney slices taken from the transgenic mouse expressing the GCaMP2 Ca(2+)-sensor.

CONCLUSION

We present new approaches that can be adopted to image cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca(2+) signals within various cell types in intact kidney tissue. Moreover, techniques described in this study can be used to facilitate future detailed investigations of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis in renal health and disease.

The first decade of using multiphoton microscopy for high-power kidney imaging

In this review, we highlight the major scientific breakthroughs in kidney research achieved using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and summarize the milestones in the technological development of kidney MPM during the past 10 years. Since more and more renal laboratories invest in MPM worldwide, we discuss future directions and provide practical, useful tips and examples for the application of this still-emerging optical sectioning technology. Advantages of using MPM in various kidney preparations that range from freshly dissected individual glomeruli or the whole kidney in vitro to MPM of the intact mouse and rat kidney in vivo are reviewed. Potential combinations of MPM with micromanipulation techniques including microperfusion and micropuncture are also included. However, we emphasize the most advanced and complex, quantitative in vivo imaging applications as the ultimate use of MPM since the true mandate of this technology is to look inside intact organs in live animals and humans.

Maintained tubuloglomerular feedback responses during acute inhibition of P2 purinergic receptors in mice

Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), the change of afferent arteriolar resistance initiated by changes of luminal NaCl concentration, is thought to be related to NaCl-dependent release of ATP by macula densa cells. In the present study, we have explored the possibility that the released ATP may directly interact with vasoconstrictor P2 purinergic receptors in the vicinity of the glomerular vascular pole. In two different strains of wild-type mice (SWR/J and FVB), TGF responses were determined in vivo by measuring the stop flow pressure (P(SF)) change caused by a saturating increase in loop of Henle flow rate before and during the administration of the P2 receptor inhibitors PPADS (12 mg/kg + 35 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1) iv) or suramin (50 mg/kg + 150 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1)). Both agents significantly reduced the blood pressure response to the P2X agonist α,β-methylene ATP. In SWR/J and FVB mice, elevating flow to 30 nl/min reduced P(SF) by 16.4 ± 2.2 and 17.1 ± 1.8%. During infusion of PPADS, P(SF) fell by 18.8 ± 2 (P = 0.4) and 16.5 ± 1.5% (P = 0.82) in the two strains of mice. During suramin infusion, P(SF) decreased by 14.7 ± 2.4 (P = 0.62) and 15 ± 1.3% (P = 0.4) in SWR/J and FVB mice, respectively. Including PPADS (10(-4) M) in the loop perfusate did not significantly alter the P(SF) response (18.9 ± 1.8%; P = 0.54). Arterial blood pressure was not systematically affected by the P2 inhibitors. As measured by free-flow micropuncture, PPADS significantly reduced proximal tubular fluid reabsorption in both fractional and absolute terms. These results indicate that the direct activation of P2 purinergic receptors by ATP is not a major cause of TGF-induced vasoconstriction in vivo.