alpha(1)-Adrenergic receptors activate NHE1 and NHE3 through distinct signaling pathways in epithelial cells

Renal sympathetic activity: A key modulator of pressure natriuresis in hypertension

Hypertension is a complex disorder ensuing necessarily from alterations in the pressure-natriuresis relationship, the main determinant of long-term control of blood pressure. This mechanism sets natriuresis to the level of blood pressure, so that increasing pressure translates into higher osmotically driven diuresis to reduce volemia and control blood pressure. External factors affecting the renal handling of sodium regulate the pressure-natriuresis relationship so that more or less natriuresis is attained for each level of blood pressure. Hypertension can thus only develop following primary alterations in the pressure to natriuresis balance, or by abnormal activity of the regulation network. On the other hand, increased sympathetic tone is a very frequent finding in most forms of hypertension, long regarded as a key element in the pathophysiological scenario. In this article, we critically analyze the interplay of the renal component of the sympathetic nervous system and the pressure-natriuresis mechanism in the development of hypertension. A special focus is placed on discussing recent findings supporting a role of baroreceptors as a component, along with the afference of reno-renal reflex, of the input to the nucleus tractus solitarius, the central structure governing the long-term regulation of renal sympathetic efferent tone.

Kidney physiology and pathophysiology during heat stress and the modification by exercise, dehydration, heat acclimation and aging

The kidneys' integrative responses to heat stress aid thermoregulation, cardiovascular control, and water and electrolyte regulation. Recent evidence suggests the kidneys are at increased risk of pathological events during heat stress, namely acute kidney injury (AKI), and that this risk is compounded by dehydration and exercise. This heat stress related AKI is believed to contribute to the epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurring in occupational settings. It is estimated that AKI and CKD affect upwards of 45 million individuals in the global workforce. Water and electrolyte disturbances and AKI, both of which are representative of kidney-related pathology, are the two leading causes of hospitalizations during heat waves in older adults. Structural and physiological alterations in aging kidneys likely contribute to this increased risk. With this background, this comprehensive narrative review will provide the first aggregation of research into the integrative physiological response of the kidneys to heat stress. While the focus of this review is on the human kidneys, we will utilize both human and animal data to describe these responses to passive and exercise heat stress, and how they are altered with heat acclimation. Additionally, we will discuss recent studies that indicate an increased risk of AKI due to exercise in the heat. Lastly, we will introduce the emerging public health crisis of older adults during extreme heat events and how the aging kidneys may be more susceptible to injury during heat stress.

Zebrafish as a Model System for Investigating the Compensatory Regulation of Ionic Balance during Metabolic Acidosis

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an important model for integrative physiological research. Zebrafish inhabit a hypo-osmotic environment; to maintain ionic and acid-base homeostasis, they must actively take up ions and secrete acid to the water. The gills in the adult and the skin at larval stage are the primary sites of ionic regulation in zebrafish. The uptake of ions in zebrafish is mediated by specific ion transporting cells termed ionocytes. Similarly, in mammals, ion reabsorption and acid excretion occur in specific cell types in the terminal region of the renal tubules (distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct). Previous studies have suggested that functional regulation of several ion transporters/channels in the zebrafish ionocytes resembles that in the mammalian renal cells. Additionally, several mechanisms involved in regulating the epithelial ion transport during metabolic acidosis are found to be similar between zebrafish and mammals. In this article, we systemically review the similarities and differences in ionic regulation between zebrafish and mammals during metabolic acidosis. We summarize the available information on the regulation of epithelial ion transporters during acidosis, with a focus on epithelial Na⁺, Cl- and Ca2+ transporters in zebrafish ionocytes and mammalian renal cells. We also discuss the neuroendocrine responses to acid exposure, and their potential role in ionic compensation. Finally, we identify several knowledge gaps that would benefit from further study.

Activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger in isolated cardiomyocytes through β-Raf dependent pathways. Role of Thr653 of the cytosolic tail

The mammalian Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is a ubiquitous plasma membrane protein that is a key regulator of intracellular pH in isolated cardiomyocytes. A 500 amino acid membrane domain removes protons and is regulated by a 315 amino acid cytosolic domain. In the myocardium, aberrant regulation of NHE1 contributes to ischemia reperfusion damage and to heart hypertrophy. We examined mechanisms of regulation of NHE1 in the myocardium by endothelin and β-Raf. Endothelin stimulated NHE1 activity and activated Erk-dependent pathways. Inhibition of β-Raf reduced NHE1 activity and Erk-pathway activation. We demonstrated that myocardial β-Raf binds to the C-terminal 182 amino acids of the NHE1 protein and that β-Raf is associated with NHE1 in intact cardiomyocytes. NHE1 was phosphorylated in vivo and the protein kinase inhibitor sorafenib reduced NHE1 phosphorylation levels. Immunoprecipitates of β-Raf from cardiomyocytes phosphorylated the C-terminal 182 amino acids of NHE1 and mass spectrometry analysis showed that amino acid Thr⁶⁵³ was phosphorylated. Mutation of this amino acid to Ala resulted in defective activity while mutation to Asp restored the activity. The results demonstrate that Thr⁶⁵³ is an important regulatory amino acid of NHE1 that is activated through β-Raf dependent pathways by phosphorylation either directly or indirectly by β-Raf, and this affects NHE1 activity.

Molecular mechanisms and regulation of urinary acidification

The H(+) concentration in human blood is kept within very narrow limits, ~40 nmol/L, despite the fact that dietary metabolism generates acid and base loads that are added to the systemic circulation throughout the life of mammals. One of the primary functions of the kidney is to maintain the constancy of systemic acid-base chemistry. The kidney has evolved the capacity to regulate blood acidity by performing three key functions: (i) reabsorb HCO3(-) that is filtered through the glomeruli to prevent its excretion in the urine; (ii) generate a sufficient quantity of new HCO3(-) to compensate for the loss of HCO3(-) resulting from dietary metabolic H(+) loads and loss of HCO3(-) in the urea cycle; and (iii) excrete HCO3(-) (or metabolizable organic anions) following a systemic base load. The ability of the kidney to perform these functions requires that various cell types throughout the nephron respond to changes in acid-base chemistry by modulating specific ion transport and/or metabolic processes in a coordinated fashion such that the urine and renal vein chemistry is altered appropriately. The purpose of the article is to provide the interested reader with a broad review of a field that began historically ~60 years ago with whole animal studies, and has evolved to where we are currently addressing questions related to kidney acid-base regulation at the single protein structure/function level.

Dopamine D₁-like receptors regulate the α₁A-adrenergic receptor in human renal proximal tubule cells and D₁-like dopamine receptor knockout mice

The homeostatic control of blood pressure hinges upon the delicate balance between prohypertensinogenic and antihypertensinogenic systems. D₁-like dopamine receptors [dopamine D₁ and D₅ receptors (D₁Rs and D₅Rs, respectively)] and the α₁A-adrenergic receptor (α₁A-AR) are expressed in the renal proximal tubule and engender opposing effects on Na(+) transport, i.e., natriuresis (via D₁Rs and D5Rs) or antinatriuresis (via α₁A-ARs). We tested the hypothesis that the D₁R/D₅R regulates the α₁A-AR. D₁-like dopamine receptors coimmunoprecipitated, colocalized, and cofractionated with α₁A-ARs in lipid rafts in immortalized human renal proximal tubule cells. Long-term treatment with the D₁R/D₅R agonist fenoldopam resulted in decreased D₁R and D₅R expression but increased α₁A-AR abundance in the plasma membrane. Short-term fenoldopam treatment stimulated the translocation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase from the plasma membrane to the cytosol that was partially reversed by an α₁A-AR agonist, which by itself induced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. The α₁A-AR-specific agonist A610603 also minimized the ability of fenoldopam to inhibit Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. To determine the interaction among D₁Rs, D₅Rs, and α₁A-ARs in vivo, we used phenylephrine and A610603 to decrease Na(+) excretion in several D1-like dopamine receptor knockout mouse strains. Phenylephrine and A61603 treatment resulted in a partial reduction of urinary Na(+) excretion in wild-type mice and its abolition in D1R knockout, D₅R knockout, and D₁R-D₅R double-knockout mice. Our results demonstrate the ability of the D₁-like dopamine receptors to regulate the expression and activity of α₁A-AR. Elucidating the intricacies of the interaction among these receptors is crucial for a better understanding of the crosstalk between anti- and pro-hypertensive systems.

Expression of adrenergic and cholinergic receptors in murine renal intercalated cells

Neurons influence renal function and help to regulate fluid homeostasis, blood pressure and ion excretion. Intercalated cells (ICCs) are distributed throughout the renal collecting ducts and help regulate acid/base equilibration. Because ICCs are located among principal cells, it has been difficult to determine the effects that efferent nerve fibers have on this cell population. In this study, we examined the expression of neurotransmitter receptors on the murine renal epithelial M-1 cell line. We found that M-1 cells express a2 and b2 adrenergic receptor mRNA and the b2 receptor protein. Further, b2 receptor-positive cells in the murine cortical collecting ducts also express AQP6, indicating that these cells are ICCs. M-1 cells were found to express m1, m4 and m5 muscarinic receptor mRNAs and the m1 receptor protein. Cells in the collecting ducts also express the m1 receptor protein, and some m1-positive cells express AQP6. Acetylcholinesterase was detected in cortical collecting duct cells. Interestingly, acetylcholinesterase-positive cells neighbored AQP6-positive cells, suggesting that principal cells may regulate the availability of acetylcholine. In conclusion, our data suggest that ICCs in murine renal collecting ducts may be regulated by the adrenergic and cholinergic systems.

The adrenergic regulation of proximal tubular Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 3 in the rat

AIM

This study in the anaesthetized rat investigated how renal sympathetic nerve activity and catecholamine release influenced NHE3 abundance and activity in proximal tubular brush border membranes using both in vivo and in vitro approaches.

METHODS

Renal excretory function and brush border NHE3 abundance and activity were measured in rat kidneys which underwent renal denervation, renal nerve electrical stimulation and renal infusion of phenylephrine and the NHE3 inhibitor S1661. NHE3 activity and cell surface abundance were also measured in primary cultures of proximal tubular cells treated with noradrenaline and prazosin.

RESULTS

Acute renal denervation caused a natriuresis and diuresis, which occurred with a reduction in NHE3 abundance and activity in the brush border membranes. By contrast, low-level electrical stimulation of the renal innervation causing an antinatriuresis and antidiuresis increased NHE3 activity in the brush border membranes. Intrarenal infusion of phenylephrine caused an antinatriuresis and antidiuresis, while blockade of NHE3 activity, using local infusion of the blocker S1661, caused a natriuresis and diuresis. Exposure of primary cultures of proximal tubular cells to noradrenaline increased brush border NHE3 abundance and activity which was blocked by prior exposure to prazosin, indicating it as an α1 -adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Together, these findings demonstrate that the renal sympathetic nerves not only have a direct action to modulate tubular sodium reabsorption via stimulation of the NHE transporter, but also have an indirect effect, whereby NHE3 abundance is increased within the brush border membrane, thereby increasing the capacity for fluid reabsorption.

Mechanisms underlying rapid aldosterone effects in the kidney

The steroid hormone aldosterone is a key regulator of electrolyte transport in the kidney and contributes to both homeostatic whole-body electrolyte balance and the development of renal and cardiovascular pathologies. Aldosterone exerts its action principally through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor in target tissues. Aldosterone also stimulates the activation of protein kinases and secondary messenger signaling cascades that act independently on specific molecular targets in the cell membrane and also modulate the transcriptional action of aldosterone through MR. This review describes current knowledge regarding the mechanisms and targets of rapid aldosterone action in the nephron and how aldosterone integrates these responses into the regulation of renal physiology.

Activated NHE1 is required to induce early cardiac hypertrophy in mice

The Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) has been implicated as being causal in cardiac hypertrophy and the protein level and activity are elevated in the diseased myocardium. However, it is unclear whether mere elevation of the protein is sufficient for cardiac pathology, or whether activation of the protein is required. In this study, we examined the comparative effects of elevation of wild type and activated NHE1. Two mouse transgenic models that expressed either a wild type NHE1 protein or an activated NHE1 protein were characterized. Expression of activated NHE1 caused significant increases in heart weight to body weight, apoptosis, cross-sectional area, interstitial fibrosis and decreased cardiac performance. Expression of wild type NHE1 caused a much milder pathology. When we examined 2 or 10-week-old mouse hearts, there was neither elevation of calcineurin levels nor increased phosphorylation of ERK or p38 in either NHE1 transgenic mouse line. Expression of activated NHE1 in intact mice caused an increased sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy. Our results show that expression of activated NHE1 promotes cardiac hypertrophy to a much greater degree than elevated levels of wild type NHE1 alone. In addition, expression of activated NHE1 promotes greater sensitivity to neurohormonal stimulation. The results suggest that activation of NHE1 is a key component that accentuates NHE1-induced myocardial pathology.

Novel phorbol ester-binding motif mediates hormonal activation of Na+/H+ exchanger

Protein kinase C (PKC) is considered crucial for hormonal Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE1) activation because phorbol esters (PEs) strongly activate NHE1. However, here we report that rather than PKC, direct binding of PEs/diacylglycerol to the NHE1 lipid-interacting domain (LID) and the subsequent tighter association of LID with the plasma membrane mainly underlies NHE1 activation. We show that (i) PEs directly interact with the LID of NHE1 in vitro, (ii) like PKC, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled LID translocates to the plasma membrane in response to PEs and receptor agonists, (iii) LID mutations markedly inhibit these interactions and PE/receptor agonist-induced NHE1 activation, and (iv) PKC inhibitors ineffectively block NHE1 activation, except staurosporin, which itself inhibits NHE1 via LID. Thus, we propose a PKC-independent mechanism of NHE1 regulation via a PE-binding motif previously unrecognized.

Luminal Na(+)/H (+) exchange in the proximal tubule

The proximal tubule is critical for whole-organism volume and acid-base homeostasis by reabsorbing filtered water, NaCl, bicarbonate, and citrate, as well as by excreting acid in the form of hydrogen and ammonium ions and producing new bicarbonate in the process. Filtered organic solutes such as amino acids, oligopeptides, and proteins are also retrieved by the proximal tubule. Luminal membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchangers either directly mediate or indirectly contribute to each of these processes. Na(+)/H(+) exchangers are a family of secondary active transporters with diverse tissue and subcellular distributions. Two isoforms, NHE3 and NHE8, are expressed at the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule. NHE3 is the prevalent isoform in adults, is the most extensively studied, and is tightly regulated by a large number of agonists and physiological conditions acting via partially defined molecular mechanisms. Comparatively little is known about NHE8, which is highly expressed at the lumen of the neonatal proximal tubule and is mostly intracellular in adults. This article discusses the physiology of proximal Na(+)/H(+) exchange, the multiple mechanisms of NHE3 regulation, and the reciprocal relationship between NHE3 and NHE8 at the lumen of the proximal tubule.

Oxidative stress and alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated stimulation of the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in immortalized SHR proximal tubular epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study evaluated the signalling coupled to the alpha1-adrenoceptor-induced stimulation of the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in hypertension.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The Na+ -independent HCO3- transport system activity was assayed as the initial rate of pHi recovery after an alkaline load (CO2/HCO3 removal) in immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and their normotensive control (Wistar Kyoto rat; WKY).

KEY RESULTS

Noradrenaline increased Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity with EC50 values of 0.6 and 5.3 microM in SHR and WKY cells, respectively. These effects were abolished by prazosin, but not by yohimbine. Phenylephrine increased Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity in SHR and WKY cells (EC50 of 2.6 and 4.9 microM, respectively). Phenylephrine-mediated increase in Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity in WKY and SHR cells was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC), MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitors. The expression of alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors was identical in WKY and SHR cells. SHR cells generated more H2O2 than WKY cells. In SHR cells, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin reduced their increased ability to generate H2O2 and abolished their hypersensitivity to phenylephrine, but failed to affect basal Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity. H2O2-dependent stimulation of Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Differences between WKY and SHR cells on their sensitivity to alpha1-adrenoceptor stimulation did not correlate with the abundance of alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors and may be related to the increased generation of H2O2, which may amplify the response downstream of alpha1-adrenoceptor activation.

Arrestins and spinophilin competitively regulate Na+,K+-ATPase trafficking through association with a large cytoplasmic loop of the Na+,K+-ATPase

The activity and trafficking of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase are regulated by several hormones, including dopamine, vasopressin, and adrenergic hormones through the action of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Arrestins, GPCR kinases (GRKs), 14-3-3 proteins, and spinophilin interact with GPCRs and modulate the duration and magnitude of receptor signaling. We have found that arrestin 2 and 3, GRK 2 and 3, 14-3-3 epsilon, and spinophilin directly associate with the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and that the associations with arrestins, GRKs, or 14-3-3 epsilon are blocked in the presence of spinophilin. In COS cells that overexpressed arrestin, the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was redistributed to intracellular compartments. This effect was not seen in mock-transfected cells or in cells expressing spinophilin. Furthermore, expression of spinophilin appeared to slow, whereas overexpression of beta-arrestins accelerated internalization of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase endocytosis. We also find that GRKs phosphorylate the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in vitro on its large cytoplasmic loop. Taken together, it appears that association with arrestins, GRKs, 14-3-3 epsilon, and spinophilin may be important modulators of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase trafficking.

Role of MAPK and PKA in regulation of rbOCT2-mediated renal organic cation transport

The effects of protein kinases MAPK and PKA on the regulation of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) were investigated both in a heterologous cell system [Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells stably transfected with rabbit (rb)OCT2] and in native intact rabbit renal proximal S2 segments. Inhibition of MEK (by U-0126) or PKA (by H-89) reduced transport activity of rbOCT2 in CHO-K1 cells. The inhibitory effect of U-0126 combined with H-89 produced no additive effect, indicating that the action of PKA and MAPK in the regulation of rbOCT2 is in a common pathway. Activation of PKA by forskolin stimulated rbOCT2 activity, and this stimulatory effect was eliminated by H-89, indicating that the stimulation required PKA activation. In S2 segments of rabbit renal proximal tubules, activation of MAPK (by EGF) and PKA (by forskolin) stimulated activity of rbOCT2, and this activation was abolished by U-0126 and H-89, respectively. This is the first study to show that MAPK and PKA are involved, apparently in a common pathway, in the regulation of OCT2 activity in both a heterologous cell system and intact renal proximal tubules.

Na+/H+ exchangers in renal regulation of acid-base balance

The kidney plays key roles in extracellular fluid pH homeostasis by reclaiming bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) filtered at the glomerulus and generating the consumed HCO(3)(-) by secreting protons (H(+)) into the urine (renal acidification). Sodium-proton exchangers (NHEs) are ubiquitous transmembrane proteins mediating the countertransport of Na(+) and H(+) across lipid bilayers. In mammals, NHEs participate in the regulation of cell pH, volume, and intracellular sodium concentration, as well as in transepithelial ion transport. Five of the 10 isoforms (NHE1-4 and NHE8) are expressed at the plasma membrane of renal epithelial cells. The best-studied isoform for acid-base homeostasis is NHE3, which mediates both HCO(3)(-) absorption and H(+) excretion in the renal tubule. This article reviews some important aspects of NHEs in the kidney, with special emphasis on the role of renal NHE3 in the maintenance of acid-base balance.

Aldosterone inhibits apical NHE3 and HCO3- absorption via a nongenomic ERK-dependent pathway in medullary thick ascending limb

Although aldosterone influences a variety of cellular processes through nongenomic mechanisms, the significance of nongenomic pathways for aldosterone-induced regulation of epithelial function is not understood. Recently, we demonstrated that aldosterone inhibits transepithelial HCO(3)(-) absorption in the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) through a nongenomic pathway. This inhibition is mediated through a direct cellular action of aldosterone to inhibit the apical membrane NHE3 Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. The present study was designed to identify the intracellular signaling pathway(s) responsible for this aldosterone-induced transport regulation. In rat MTALs perfused in vitro, addition of 1 nM aldosterone to the bath decreased HCO(3)(-) absorption by 30%. This inhibition was not mediated by cAMP/PKA and was not prevented by inhibitors of PKC or PI3-K, pertussis toxin, or rapamycin. The inhibition of HCO(3)(-) absorption by aldosterone was largely eliminated by the MEK/ERK inhibitors U-0126 and PD-98059. Aldosterone increased ERK activity 1.8-fold in microdissected MTALs. This ERK activation is rapid (</=5 min) and is blocked by U-0126 or PD-98059 but is unaffected by spironolactone or actinomycin D. Pretreatment with U-0126 to block ERK activation prevented the effect of aldosterone to inhibit apical NHE3. These data demonstrate that aldosterone inhibits NHE3 and HCO(3)(-) absorption in the MTAL through rapid activation of the ERK signaling pathway. The results identify NHE3 as a target for nongenomic regulation by aldosterone and establish a role for ERK in the acute regulation of NHE3 and its epithelial absorptive functions.

Na+/H+ exchangers and the regulation of volume

The regulation of volume is fundamental to life. There exist numerous conditions that can produce perturbations of cell volume. The cell has developed mechanisms to directly counteract these perturbations so as to maintain its physiological volume. Directed influx of the major extracellular cation, sodium, serves to counteract a decreased cell volume through the subsequent osmotically coupled movement of water to the intracellular space. This process, termed regulatory volume increase is often mediated by the ubiquitous sodium/hydrogen ion exchanger, NHE1. Similarly, the maintenance of intravascular volume is essential for the maintenance of blood pressure and consequently the proper perfusion of vital organs. Numerous mechanisms exist to counterbalance alterations in intravascular volume, not the least of which is the renal absorption of sodium filtered at the glomerulus. Two-thirds of filtered sodium and water are absorbed in the renal proximal tubule, a mechanism that intimately involves the apical sodium/hydrogen ion exchanger, NHE3. This isoform is fundamental to the maintenance and regulation of intravascular volume and blood pressure. In this article, the effects of cell volume on the activity of these different isoforms, NHE1 and NHE3, will be described and the consequences of their activity on intracellular and intravascular volume will be explored.

Regulation of taurocholate transport in freshly isolated proximal tubular cells of the rat kidney by protein kinases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The bile acids filtered through the glomeruli nearly completely escape urinary excretion due to an efficient tubular reabsorption process. Reabsorption is mediated mainly by the sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) which is located in the brush border membranes of proximal tubular cells. The present study addresses the question whether this transporter is subject to short-term regulation by protein kinases.

METHODS

The effects of specific activators or inhibitors of eight different protein kinases (PKs) on 3H-taurocholate uptake of proximal tubular cells were investigated. The cells were freshly isolated from rat kidneys by nycodenz density gradient centrifugation.

RESULTS

Activation of the cAMP/PKA system by forskolin, 8-Br-cAMP, or the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine significantly diminished cellular 3H-taurocholate uptake whereas 8-Br-cGMP had no effect. Also the MEK1/2 inhibitors PD98059 and U0126, and the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor SB203580 decreased 3H-taurocholate uptake. Phorbol myristate acetate and dioctanolglycerol, activators of PKC, and chelerythrine, a selective inhibitor of PKC, did not affect 3H-taurocholate uptake. Likewise the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein induced no significant change of cellular 3H-taurocholate uptake. In a sodium-free medium forskolin and PD98059 did not affect 3H-taurocholate uptake but SB203580 significantly decreased it.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that PKA and MAP kinases are involved in the regulation of the ASBT-mediated taurocholate uptake into proximal tubular cells. p38 MAP kinase may have an additional effect on a sodium-independent tubular taurocholate transporter.

Phenol injury-induced hypertension stimulates proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger activity

Injection of 50 microl 10% phenol into rat renal cortex activates renal sympathetic nerve activity which provokes acute hypertension that persists for weeks. We have previously shown with membrane fractionation that phenol injury caused a redistribution of the main proximal tubule (PT) apical transporter NHE3 (Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3) to low density membranes enriched in apical microvilli. The aim of this study was to determine whether phenol injury increases PT apical Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity. NHE activity was measured in vivo as the initial rate of change in intracellular pH (dpH(i)/dt) during luminal Na+ removal in PT preloaded with the pH-sensitive fluorescence dye BCECF. Injection of 50 microl 10% phenol increased blood pressure from 113 +/- 5.2 to 130 +/- 4.6 mmHg without changing glomerular filtration rate or urine output. NHE activity increased 2.6-fold by 70 min after phenol injury. The increase of NHE activity was accompanied with an increase of tubular reabsorption. Total NHE activity/NHE3 protein in cortical brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicles, measured by acridine orange quench and immunoblot, respectively, was unchanged by phenol injury. In conclusion, acute phenol injury provokes coincident increases in PT apical NHE activity, redistribution of NHE3 into low density apical membranes, and hypertension. The increase in NHE activity may contribute to the lack of pressure-diuresis and the maintenance of chronic hypertension in this model.

Phospholipase C-β1mediates α1-adrenergic receptor-stimulated activation of the sodium–hydrogen exchanger in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL39)

The activation of the Na+–H+exchanger 1 (NHE1) and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) phospho rylation in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL39) was characterized in response to the specific α1-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (PE). Addition of 100 µmol PE/L increased the steady-state intracellular pH (pHi) by 0.16 ± 0.03 pH units, as well as increasing the phosphorylation of ERK. The response of NHE1 to PE in CCL39 cells was determined by the use of specific antagonists. Use of 2 specific chemical inhibitors of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) reduced the ability of PE to activate either the exchanger or ERK. Studies were conducted in PLCβ-deficient cell lines derived from parental CCL39 cells. NHE1 activity in both mutant cell lines was increased in response to phorbal esters or lysophosphatidic acid, whereas the addition of PE only caused a minimal change in either pHior ERK phosphorylation. These results, combined with reconstitution experiments with exogenously expressed PLCβ1, PLCβ2, or PLCβ3, revealed that stimulation of NHE1 activity by PE in CCL39 cells is a PLCβ1-coupled event. Furthermore, the data indicate that α1-adrenergic signaling of PLCβ is upstream of ERK activation. These data demonstrate that PLCβ1is primarily involved in the activation of NHE1 in CCL39 fibroblasts.Key words: CCL39, sodium hydrogen exchanger, ERK, α1-adrenergic receptor, phospholipase Cβ.

Gialpha3 protein-coupled dopamine D3 receptor-mediated inhibition of renal NHE3 activity in SHR proximal tubular cells is a PLC-PKC-mediated event

This study evaluated the transduction pathway associated with type 3 Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE3) activity-induced inhibition during dopamine D(3) receptor activation in immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from the spontaneously hypertensive rat. The dopamine D(3) receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT decreased NHE3 activity, which was prevented by the D(2)-like receptor antagonist S-sulpiride, pertussis toxin (PTX; overnight treatment), and the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, but not by cholera toxin (overnight treatment), the MAPK inhibitor PD-098059, or the p38 inhibitor SB-203580. The PKA inhibitor H-89 abolished the inhibitory effects of forskolin on NHE3 activity, but not that of 7-OH-DPAT. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 prevented the inhibitory effects of 7-OH-DPAT, whereas PDBu and 7-OH-DPAT increased PLC activity and reduced NHE3 activity; downregulation of PKC abolished the inhibitory effects of both PDBu and 7-OH-DPAT on NHE activity. The inhibition of NHE3 activity by GTPgammaS and the prevention of the effect of 7-OH-DPAT by PTX suggest an involvement of a G(i/o) protein coupled to the dopamine D(3) receptor. Indeed, the 7-OH-DPAT-induced decrease in NHE3 activity was abolished in cells treated overnight with the anti-G(i)alpha3 antibody, but not in cells treated with antibodies against G(q/11), G(s)alpha, G(beta), and G(i)alpha1,2 proteins. The calcium ionophore A-23187 and the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin increased intracellular Ca(2+) but did not affect NHE3 activity. However, the inhibitory effects of PDBu and 7-OH-DPAT on NHE3 activity were completely abolished by A-23287 and thapsigargin. It is concluded that inhibition of NHE3 activity by dopamine D(3) receptors coupled to G(i)alpha3 proteins is a PLC-PKC-mediated event, modulated by intracellular Ca(2+).

ERK Is Regulated by Sodium-Proton Exchanger in Rat Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The purposes of this study were to test 1) the relationship between two widely studied mitogenic effector pathways, and 2) the hypothesis that sodium-proton exchanger type 1 (NHE-1) is a regulator of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) activation in rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) stimulated both ERK and NHE-1 activities, with activation of NHE-1 preceding that of ERK. The concentration-response curves for 5-HT and Ang II were superimposable for both processes. Inhibition of NHE-1 with pharmacological agents or by isotonic replacement of sodium in the perfusate with choline or tetramethylammonium greatly attenuated ERK activation by 5-HT or Ang II. Similar maneuvers significantly attenuated 5-HT- or Ang II-mediated activation of MEK and Ras but not transphosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. EGF receptor blockade attenuated ERK activation, but not NHE-1 activation by 5-HT and Ang II, suggesting that the EGF receptor and NHE-1 work in parallel to stimulate ERK activity in RASM cells, converging distal to the EGF receptor but at or above the level of Ras in the Ras-MEK-ERK pathway. Receptor-independent activation of NHE-1 by acute acid loading of RASM cells resulted in the rapid phosphorylation of ERK, which could be blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of NHE-1 or by isotonic replacement of sodium, closely linking the proton transport function of NHE-1 to ERK activation. These studies identify NHE as a new regulator of ERK activity in RASM cells.

Modulation of the Na(+)-H(+) antiport activity by adrenaline on erythrocytes from normal and obese individuals

The effect of adrenaline on normal and obese human Na(+)-H(+) antiport (NHE 1) erythrocyte activity has been studied. Adrenaline increased both intracellular pH (pHi) and Na(+) influx in erythrocyte suspensions. This effect of adrenaline was inhibited by amiloride or EIPA, indicating that adrenaline stimulated NHE 1. Phorbol myristicate ester (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) stimulator, increased the activity of NHE 1 whereas calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, partially inhibited NHE 1 activation induced by adrenaline. The effect of adrenaline to NHE 1 was counteracted by prazocin and by propranolol as well indicating the involvement of both alpha and beta 2 adrenergic receptors. The effect of adrenaline on erythrocyte NHE 1 activity was significantly more profound in obese compared to normal subjects. These data indicate that adrenaline induces an increase of pHi and Na(+) uptake of human erythrocytes through stimulation of NHE 1 activity. The significantly more profound stimulation of NHE 1 activity by adrenaline in obese as compared to normal subjects is discussed.

Responses of proximal tubule sodium transporters to acute injury-induced hypertension

Renal injury-induced by phenol injection activates renal sympathetic afferent pathways, increases norepinephrine release from the posterior hypothalamus, activates renal efferent pathways, and provokes a rapid and persistent hypertension. This study aimed to determine whether phenol injury provoked a redistribution of proximal Na(+) transporters from internal stores to the apical cell surface mediated by sympathetic activation, a response that could contribute to generation or maintenance of hypertension. Anesthetized rats were cannulated for arterial blood pressure tracing and saline infusion and then 50 microl 10% phenol or saline was injected into one renal cortex (n = 7 each). Fifty minutes after injection, kidneys were removed and renal cortex membranes from injected kidneys were fractionated on sorbitol gradients and pooled into three windows (WI-WIII) that contained enriched apical brush border (WI); mixed apical, intermicrovillar cleft and dense apical tubules (WII); and intracellular membranes (WIII). Na(+) transporter distributions were determined by immunoblot and expressed as percentage of total in gradient. Acute phenol injury increased blood pressure 20-30 mmHg and led to redistribution of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger type 3 (NHE3) out of WIII (from 22.79 +/- 4.75 to 10.79 +/- 2.01% of total) to WI (13.07 +/- 1.97 to 27.15 +/- 4.08%), Na(+)-P(i) cotransporter 2 out of WII (68.72 +/- 1.95 to 59.76 +/- 2.21%) into WI (9.5 +/- 1.62 to 18.7 +/- 1.45%), and a similar realignment of dipeptidyl-peptidase IV immunoreactivity and alkaline phosphatase activity to WI. Renal denervation before phenol injection prevented the NHE3 redistribution. By confocal microscopy, NHE3 localized to the brush border after phenol injection. The results indicate that phenol injury provokes redistribution of Na(+) transporters from intermicrovillar cleft/intracellular membrane pools to apical membranes associated with sympathetic nervous system activation, which may contribute to phenol injury-induced hypertension.

Electrolyte transport in the mammalian colon: mechanisms and implications for disease

The colonic epithelium has both absorptive and secretory functions. The transport is characterized by a net absorption of NaCl, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and water, allowing extrusion of a feces with very little water and salt content. In addition, the epithelium does secret mucus, bicarbonate, and KCl. Polarized distribution of transport proteins in both luminal and basolateral membranes enables efficient salt transport in both directions, probably even within an individual cell. Meanwhile, most of the participating transport proteins have been identified, and their function has been studied in detail. Absorption of NaCl is a rather steady process that is controlled by steroid hormones regulating the expression of epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC), the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and additional modulating factors such as the serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase SGK. Acute regulation of absorption may occur by a Na(+) feedback mechanism and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Cl(-) secretion in the adult colon relies on luminal CFTR, which is a cAMP-regulated Cl(-) channel and a regulator of other transport proteins. As a consequence, mutations in CFTR result in both impaired Cl(-) secretion and enhanced Na(+) absorption in the colon of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Ca(2+)- and cAMP-activated basolateral K(+) channels support both secretion and absorption of electrolytes and work in concert with additional regulatory proteins, which determine their functional and pharmacological profile. Knowledge of the mechanisms of electrolyte transport in the colon enables the development of new strategies for the treatment of CF and secretory diarrhea. It will also lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological events during inflammatory bowel disease and development of colonic carcinoma.

Neural control of renal function

The renal nerves are the communication link between the central nervous system and the kidney. In response to multiple peripheral and central inputs, efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity is altered so as to convey information to the major structural and functional components of the kidney, the vessels, glomeruli, and tubules, each of which is innervated. At the level of each of these individual components, information transfer occurs via interaction of the neurotransmitter released at the sympathetic nerve terminal-neuroeffector junction with specific postjunctional receptors coupled to defined intracellular signaling and effector systems. In response to normal physiological stimuli, changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity contribute importantly to homeostatic regulation of renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, renal tubular epithelial cell solute and water transport, and hormonal release. Afferent input from sensory receptors located in the kidney participates in this reflex control system via renorenal reflexes that enable total renal function to be self-regulated and balanced between the two kidneys. In pathophysiological conditions, abnormal regulation of efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity contributes significantly to the associated abnormalities of renal function which, in turn, are of importance in the pathogenesis of the disease.