A novel mouse model of podocyte depletion

AIM

The goal of this study was to examine the capacity for glomerular repair after a podocyte-depleting injury.

METHODS

We created transgenic (TG) mice expressing the yeast enzyme cytosine deaminase specifically in glomerular podocytes. In these TG animals, the prodrug 5-flucytosine (5-FC) is converted to 5-fluorouracil and promotes cell death.

RESULTS

Treatment with increasing dosages of 5-FC caused graded increases in proteinuria 1-2 weeks after treatment, which returned to control levels by the 10-week time point. Light microscopic examination revealed minimal pathology at the 2-week time point, but electron microscopy revealed found foot process effacement as well as focal areas of glomerular basement membrane duplication, and immunohistochemical studies detected podocyte apoptosis and a decrease in the number of Wilms' tumor protein 1 (WT1)-positive cells. By the 10-week time point, however, the number of WT1-positive cells was similar to controls and a few mice had developed focal areas of glomerulosclerosis. Consistent with the effects of 5-FC on podocyte number, expression of the podocyte mRNAs for nephrin, podocin, synaptopodin and podocalyxin were altered in a similar temporal fashion.

CONCLUSION

The glomerulus has a significant capacity for repair after a podocyte-depleting injury.

Lambda Light Chain Deposition Disease in a Renal Allograft

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) of the kidney is characterized by deposition of monoclonal light chains predominantly in glomeruli and in tubular basement membranes. The disease is frequently associated with a lymphoproliferative disorder, and the majority of cases are caused by deposition of kappa light chains. Although the occurrence of de novo multiple myeloma after renal transplantation is uncommon, there are several reports of LCDD involving renal allografts, either de novo or in patients with a diagnosis of LCDD prior to transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, all previously described cases in allografts have been in patients with kappa chain deposition. The relative importance of intrinsic properties of the kidney in predisposing to either kappa or lambda light chain deposition is not known. We present a case of LCDD caused by deposition of lambda light chains in a patient who received a cadaveric renal transplant.

Regulated expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK's) and beta-arrestins in osteoblasts

Desensitization of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR's) is largely mediated by a family of enzymes and protein co-factors termed GRKs and arrestins, respectively. In the present studies, we investigated expression of GRKs and arrestins in osteoblastic cell lines concentrating on the enzymes (GRK2 and GRK3) and protein co-factors (beta-arrestint 1 and beta-arrestin 2) that play dominant roles in regulating GPCR responsiveness in most tissues and cell types. We found that osteoblastic cells express similar amounts of GRK2 with either undetectable or lesser amounts of GRK3. In contrast, expression of beta-arrestin 1 and beta-arrestin 2 by osteoblastic cells varied between cell lines. To determine if GRK2 or beta-arrestin expression is modulated during osteoblast development, we assessed expression of GRK2 and beta-arrestin proteins during differentiation of the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 cells over a 21-day period. We found that expression of GRK2 and beta-arrestin 2 increased to maximal levels by day 7 and then decreased 4-fold by day 21. In contrast, expression of beta-arrestin 1 increased to maximal levels by day 14 and then decreased 2-fold by day 21. Over this same time period (days 7-21), PTH/PTHrP receptor number decreased to a greater extent than the decrease in PTH(1-34)-induced cAMP generation, suggesting that responsiveness of individual PTH/PTHrP receptors was enhanced in differentiated cells. We conclude that (1) osteoblastic cell lines differentially express the enzymes and protein co-factors that modulate GPCR responsiveness and (2) expression of both GRK2 and beta-arrestins is temporally regulated during osteoblast development. These data are consistent with the notion that GPCR responsiveness may be differentially regulated in osteoblastic cell lines and during osteoblast development.

Domains of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor required for regulation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs)

To investigate the domains of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor required for regulation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), we created mutant PTH receptors lacking potential GRK-phosphorylation sites. Mutant #1 was truncated at amino acid 544 and, therefore, lacked nine hydroxyl group-containing amino acids at the C-terminus. In mutant #2, we replaced threonines 392 and 399 in the third intracellular loop with glycines. Co-transfection of HEK293 cells with the wild-type receptor and either GRK2, GRK3, or GRK5 inhibited PTH-induced cyclic (cAMP) generation; co-transfection of GRK4 or GRK6 had no effect on PTH receptor responsiveness. GRK2-mediated inhibition of PTH receptor signaling was associated with enhanced phosphorylation receptor proteins. Co-expression of GRK2 similarly reduced PTH-induced cAMP generation by the wild-type receptor and mutant #1, and caused phosphorylation of receptor proteins to a similar extent. Co-expression of GRK2 had little effect on PTH-induced cAMP generation by mutant #2 but enhanced agonist-induced phosphorylation of mutant #2 compared with that of either the wild-type receptor or mutant #1. Enhanced phosphorylation of mutant #2 was associated with a reduction in agonist-induced internalization of mutant #2 compared with the wild-type receptor. Thus, phosphorylation of mutant #2 failed to cause receptor desensitization and inhibited receptor internalization. These data are consistent with the notion that: (a) GRKs contribute to regulating PTH receptor responsiveness, and (b) domains in the third intracellular loop are not required for agonist-induced phosphorylation of PTH receptors, but are critical for both agonist-induced internalization of PTH receptors and GRK2-mediated regulation of PTH receptor signaling.

Analysis of recombinant Phex: an endopeptidase in search of a substrate

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is caused by inactivating mutations of Phex, a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase. Further advances in our knowledge of the pathogenesis of XLH require identification of the biological function of Phex and its physiologically relevant substrates. We evaluated several potential substrates using mouse recombinant wild-type Phex proteins (rPhex-WT) and inactive mutant Phex proteins (rPhex-3'M) lacking the COOH-terminal catalytic domain as controls. By Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that Phex is a membrane-bound 100-kDa glycosylated monomer. Neither casein, a substrate for the related endopeptidase thermolysin, human stanniocalcin 1 (hSTC-1), an osteoblast-derived phosphate-regulating factor, nor FGF-23 peptide (amino acid 172-186), comprising the region mutated in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia, was cleaved by rPhex-WT. In addition, membranes expressing rPhex-WT, rPhex-3'M, and the empty vector hydrolyzed parathyroid hormone-(1-34), indicating the lack of Phex-specific cleavage of parathyroid hormone. In contrast, rPhex-WT did display an EDTA-dependent cleavage of the neutral endopeptidase substrate [Leu]enkephalin. Further studies with wild-type and mutant rPhex proteins should permit the identification of physiologically relevant substrates involved in the pathogenesis of XLH.

Regulation of thromboxane receptor (TP) phosphorylation by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and PP2A

To investigate the protein phosphatases that dephosphorylate TP, human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cells) stably transfected with 12CA5-tagged TP were treated with TP agonist, washed, and then allowed to recover in the presence or absence of the cell-permeable PP1 and PP2A inhibitors calyculin or okadaic acid (OKA). After recovery, cells were rechallenged with TP agonist and TP responsiveness was assessed by measuring inositol trisphosphate generation. TP responsiveness recovered over a 20-min time period. Recovery of TP responsiveness was inhibited by calyculin and OKA and was associated with dephosphorylation of receptor proteins. To further identify the TP phosphatase, TP phosphorylated in the intact cell were isolated by immunoprecipitation and were used as substrate for protein phosphatases prepared from HEK293 cells. TP were dephosphorylated by whole-cell homogenates. Dephosphorylation of TP was completely inhibited by the PP1 and PP2A inhibitors calyculin and microcystin-LR, suggesting that the decrease in TP phosphorylation was not due to receptor degradation. TP phosphatase activity was partially blocked by 1) inhibitor 2, a specific protein inhibitor of PP1; and 2) OKA at concentrations (1 nM) that specifically inhibit PP2A. TP phosphatase activity did not have an absolute requirement for divalent cations and was found primarily in cytosolic fractions of the cell. These data suggest that PP1- and PP2A-like protein phosphatases dephosphorylate TP. By regulating the phosphorylation state of TP, protein phosphatases may modulate tissue responsiveness to thromboxane.

A role for leukotrienes in cyclosporine nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Nephrotoxicity associated with cyclosporine A (CsA) administration is characterized by marked renal vasoconstriction, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriolar hypertrophy. While the molecular mechanisms of CsA toxicity are not well characterized, previous studies have demonstrated that altered arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism plays a role its pathogenesis. Using a rat renal transplant model, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CsA on the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway of AA metabolism.

METHODS

The PVG (RT1c) strain of rats underwent kidney transplantation, and recipients of nonrejecting kidney transplants were treated with either 50 mg/kg/day CsA or vehicle (N = 24). To determine the physiologic significance of increased leukotriene (LT) production, the peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist SKF 106203 was administered to CsA-treated animals for six days.

RESULTS

CsA caused a substantial reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the transplanted rats compared with the vehicle-treated controls (1.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.8 mL/min/kg, P < 0.05). The reduction in renal function was associated with enhanced urinary excretion of the peptidoleukotriene metabolites LTE4 (1431 +/- 207 vs. 953 +/- 125 pg/24 h, P < 0.05) and N-acetyl-LTE4 (4411 +/- 848 vs. 463 +/- 70 pg/24 h, P < 0.001). LT receptor blockade had a significant protective effect on renal transplant function in CsA-treated animals (GFR, 4.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.9 mL/min/kg, P < 0.05), such that CsA-treated animals that received SKF106203 maintained GFR at levels similar to controls that never received CsA (4.1 +/- 0.8 mL/min/kg). Peptidoleukotriene receptor blockade also prevented the histomorphological abnormalities caused by CsA, including tubular vacuolization.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies identify a critical role for LTs in the pathophysiology of CsA nephrotoxicity and suggest that LT antagonists may be useful in preventing CsA-associated kidney toxicity.

Sensing of extracellular cations in CasR-deficient osteoblasts. Evidence for a novel cation-sensing mechanism

We isolated osteoblastic cell lines from wild-type (CasR(+/+)) and receptor null (CasR(-/-)) mice to investigate whether CasR is present in osteoblasts and accounts for their responses to extracellular cations. Osteoblasts from both CasR(+/+) and CasR(-/-) mice displayed an initial period of cell replication followed by a culture duration-dependent increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, expression of osteocalcin, and mineralization of extracellular matrix. In addition, a panel of extracellular cations, including aluminum and the CasR agonists gadolinium and calcium, stimulated DNA synthesis, activated a transfected serum response element-luciferase reporter construct, and inhibited agonist-induced cAMP in CasR(-/-) osteoblasts. The functional responses to these cations were identical in CasR(+/+) and CasR(-/-) osteoblasts. Thus, the absence of CasR alters neither the maturational profile of isolated osteoblast cultures nor their in vitro responses to extracellular cations. In addition, CasR transcripts could not be detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with mouse specific primers in either CasR(+/+) or CasR(-/-) osteoblasts, and immunoblot analysis with a CasR-specific antibody was negative for CasR protein expression in osteoblasts. The presence of a cation-sensing response in osteoblasts from CasR(-/-) mice indicates the existence of a novel osteoblastic extracellular cation-sensing mechanism.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6A phosphorylates the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor via a PDZ domain-mediated interaction

The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) is constitutively phosphorylated in cells, but the site(s) of this phosphorylation and the kinase(s) responsible for it have not been identified. We show here that the primary site of constitutive NHERF phosphorylation in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells is Ser(289), and that the stoichiometry of phosphorylation is near 1 mol/mol. NHERF contains two PDZ domains that recognize the sequence S/T-X-L at the carboxyl terminus of target proteins, and thus we examined the possibility that kinases containing this motif might associate with and phosphorylate NHERF. Overlay experiments and co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that NHERF binds with high affinity to a splice variant of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6, GRK6A, which terminates in the motif T-R-L. NHERF does not associate with GRK6B or GRK6C, alternatively spliced variants that differ from GRK6A at their extreme carboxyl termini. GRK6A phosphorylates NHERF efficiently on Ser(289) in vitro, whereas GRK6B, GRK6C, and GRK2 do not. Furthermore, the endogenous "NHERF kinase" activity in HEK-293 cell lysates is sensitive to treatments that alter the activity of GRK6A. These data suggest that GRK6A phosphorylates NHERF via a PDZ domain-mediated interaction and that GRK6A is the kinase in HEK-293 cells responsible for the constitutive phosphorylation of NHERF.

Deficiency of 5-lipoxygenase abolishes sex-related survival differences in MRL-lpr/lpr mice

Leukotrienes, the 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) products of arachidonic acid metabolism, have many proinflammatory actions that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases. To investigate the role of LTs in autoimmune disease, we generated an MRL-lpr/lpr mouse line with a targeted disruption of the 5lo gene. MRL-lpr/lpr mice spontaneously develop autoimmune disease that has many features resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus, including sex-related survival differences; female MRL-lpr/lpr mice experience significant early mortality compared with males. Unexpectedly, we found that mortality was accelerated in male 5LO-deficient MRL-lpr/lpr mice compared with male wild-type MRL-lpr/lpr animals. In contrast, the 5lo mutation had no effect on survival in females. Mortality was also accelerated in male MRL-lpr/lpr mice that were treated chronically with a pharmacological inhibitor of LT synthesis. Furthermore, LT-dependent inflammatory responses are enhanced in male MRL-lpr/lpr mice compared with females, and the 5lo mutation has greater impact on these responses in males. Because immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis is the major cause of death in MRL-lpr/lpr mice and has been related to arachidonic acid metabolites, we also assessed kidney function and histopathology. In male MRL-lpr/lpr mice, renal plasma flow was significantly reduced in the 5lo-/- compared with the 5lo+/+ group, although there were no differences in the severity of renal histopathology, lymphoid hyperplasia, or arthritis between the groups. These findings suggest that the presence of a functional 5lo gene confers a survival advantage on male MRL-lpr/lpr mice and that, when 5LO function is inhibited, either genetically or pharmacologically, this advantage is abolished.

Aluminum is a weak agonist for the calcium-sensing receptor

BACKGROUND

Aluminum (Al3+) has diverse biological effects mediated through activation of a putative extracellular cation-sensing receptor. A recently identified calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which has been identified in target tissues for Al3+, may transduce some of the biological effects of Al3+.

METHODS

To test this possibility, we transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells with a cDNA encoding the rat CaSR and evaluated CaSR expression by Western blot analysis and function by measurement of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels and inositol monophosphate (IP1) generation following stimulation with Al3+ and a panel of CaSR agonists.

RESULTS

The CaSR protein was detected by immunoblot analysis in cells transfected with the CaSR cDNA but not in nontransfected HEK 293 cells. In addition, [Ca2+]i levels and IP1 generation were enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion by additions of the CaSR agonists calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), gadolinium (Gd3+), and neomycin only in cells transfected with CaSR. To determine if Al3+ activated CaSR, we stimulated cells transfected with rat CaSR with 10 microM to 1 mM concentrations of Al3+. Concentrations of Al3+ in the range of 10 microM to 100 microM had no effect on [Ca2+]i levels or IP1 generation. In contrast, 1 mM Al3+ induced small but significant increases in both parameters. Whereas Gd3+ antagonized calcium-mediated activation of CaSR, pretreatment with Al3+ failed to block subsequent activation of rat CaSR by Ca2+, suggesting a distinct mechanism of Al3+ action.

CONCLUSION

Al3+ is not a potent agonist for CaSR. Because Al3+ affects a variety of target tissues at micromolar concentrations, it seems unlikely that CaSR mediates these cellular actions of Al3+.

Role of C-terminal serines in desensitization and phosphorylation of the mouse thromboxane receptor

To investigate the role of C-terminal hydroxyamino acids in desensitization of the receptor for thromboxane A2 (TxA2), we created a mutant TxA2 receptor (TP receptor) in which serines at positions 321, 322, and 328 were replaced with either alanine or glycine. Mutant and wild type receptors were expressed in a mesangial cell line, and clones expressing similar numbers of receptors were studied. Affinity and specificity of TxA2 binding to the mutant receptor were identical to wild type receptors. In contrast, TxA2-induced inositol trisphosphate generation by the mutant receptor was enhanced compared with the wild type. Prior treatment with the TxA2 agonist U46619 reduced subsequent U46619-induced increases in inositol trisphosphate generation by both receptors; however, the extent of desensitization was significantly reduced in the receptor mutant. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors attenuated TxA2-induced desensitization of wild type receptors, but had little effect on TxA2-induced desensitization of mutant receptors. Pretreatment with the phorbol ester phorbol 12, 13-dybutyrate (PDBu) (100 nM) decreased subsequent responsiveness of wild type but not mutant TP receptors. -induced desensitization of wild type receptors was associated with enhanced phosphorylation of receptor proteins. This agonist-specific phosphorylation of the TP receptor was largely prevented by inhibitors of PKC. Treatment with 100 nM PDBu increased phosphorylation of both wild type and mutant TP receptors, but the extent of phosphorylation of the receptor mutant was reduced compared with the wild type. Increasing the concentration of PDBu from 100 nM to 1 microM PDBu reduced responsiveness of both mutant and wild type receptors without enhancing phosphorylation of either of the receptor proteins. These data suggest that 1) phosphorylation of C-terminal serines contributes to agonist-specific desensitization of the TP receptor, 2) PKC-induced desensitization of TP receptors is caused, in part, by phosphorylation of C-terminal serines, and 3) desensitization of TP receptors by PKC is complex and involves mechanisms that may not require direct phosphorylation of receptor proteins.

Thromboxane A2 modulates the fibrinolytic system in glomerular mesangial cells

We examined the effects of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) on the activities of the plasminogen-plasmin system in glomerular mesangial cells. When mesangial cells are exposed to the TxA2 agonist U-46619, a substantial increase in production of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) protein is observed that is significantly greater than that induced by 10% serum alone. This increase in PAI-1 protein production is accompanied by an increase in steady-state levels of PAI-1 mRNA. This stimulation is specifically mediated by TxA2 (thromboxane prostanoid, TP) receptors, since U-46619 also stimulates PAI-1 expression in cells that are transfected with TP receptors, and this stimulation of PAI-1 production is completely blocked by the TxA2 receptor antagonist, SQ-29,548. Despite the increase in PAI-1 production, there was net stimulation of plasmin activity in the medium of mesangial cells that had been exposed to U-46619. Furthermore, U-46619 also caused an increase in tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA levels. Thus TxA2 stimulates the production of PAI-1 and plasminogen activators by mesangial cells through a receptor-dependent mechanism. In inflammatory renal diseases, the balance of these effects may modulate glomerular thrombosis and renal fibrosis.

Structure-function of recombinant Na/H exchanger regulatory factor (NHE-RF)

Inhibition of the renal brush border membrane (BBM) Na/H exchanger by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, PKA, requires participation of a recently cloned regulatory cofactor, Na/H exchanger-regulatory factor (NHE-RF). As deduced from the cDNA of this 358-amino acid protein, amino acids 11-101 and amino acids 150-241 of the NHE-RF protein share 74% overall homology suggesting duplication of these PDZ containing domains. The serine residues at amino acid position 289 and 340 are considered to be the most likely sites for PKA mediated phosphorylation. To study the structure- function relation between NHE-RF and PKA mediated inhibition of the rabbit BBM Na/H exchanger, the effect of recombinant proteins representing full-length NHE-RF as well as truncated and mutant forms of NHE-RF were determined using a reconstitution assay. The reconstitution assay employed a fraction of rabbit BBM proteins that contains Na/H exchanger activity that is not regulated by PKA. NHE-RF in the presence of ATP and Mg but not PKA, inhibited Na/H exchange activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of PKA, there was a significant left shift in the dose-response relation such that 10(-12) M NHE-RF inhibited Na/H exchange transport by 30% in the presence but not in the absence of PKA. A recombinant polypeptide representing amino acids 1-151 (Domain I) did not affect Na/H exchange transport in the presence or absence of PKA. A polypeptide representing amino acids 149-358 (Domain II) in the presence of ATP and Mg but not PKA, inhibited Na/H exchange activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of PKA, there was a left shift in the dose-response relation. 10(-12) M of Domain II polypeptide inhibited transport by 18% in the presence but not in the absence of PKA. Mutation of serine residues 287, 289, and 290 to alanine did not affect the inhibitory effect in the absence of PKA but abolished the left shift in the dose-response relation elicited by PKA. Mutation of serine residues 339 and 340 to alanine were without effect on PKA dependent regulation of Na/H exchange transport. These studies indicate that NHE-RF inhibits basal rabbit renal BBM Na/H exchange activity-an effect which is augmented by PKA. The amino acid sequences in the polypeptide containing only the NH2-terminal PDZ domain of NHE-RF have no intrinsic activity as an inhibitor but appears to be required for the full-length NHE-RF to express its full inhibitory effect on the BBM Na/H exchanger. One or more of the serine residues at positions 287, 289, and/or 290 represent the critical PKA phosphorylation site(s) on the NHE-RF protein that mediates the physiologic effect of cAMP on the renal BBM Na/H exchanger.

Effect of receptor number on desensitization of the mouse thromboxane receptor

Desensitization of G-protein coupled receptors limits the physiologic effects of an agonist. Short-term desensitization mechanisms are critically dependent on receptor phosphorylation by protein kinases. The effectiveness of these regulatory mechanisms might be limited by substrate (receptor) availability. To investigate the role of receptor number in the desensitization of G-protein coupled receptors, we transfected a mouse mesangial cell line with a genomic clone encoding the mouse thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor and obtained cell lines that expressed low (approximately 250-500 fmol/mg protein) or high (2500-4000 fmol/mg protein) levels of TxA2 receptors. Activation of TxA2 receptors stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels. Prior exposure to the TxA2 agonist (15S)-hydroxy-11alpha,9alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,+ ++13E-dienoic acid (U46619) reduced subsequent (15S)-hydroxy- 11alpha,9alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dieno ic acid-induced increases in inositol trisphosphates and intracellular calcium levels by approximately 50% in clones expressing low numbers of TxA2 receptors, but had little effect on TxA2 receptor responsiveness in clones expressing high receptor numbers. Failure of TxA2 receptors to desensitize caused sustained increases in intracellular calcium levels and phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Thus, homologous desensitization of TxA2 receptors is attenuated in cells expressing high levels of receptors for TxA2. These data suggest that receptor number plays a key role in the short-term regulation of G-protein coupled receptors.

The C-terminus of the thromboxane receptor contributes to coupling and desensitization in a mouse mesangial cell line

To investigate regulatory domains of the thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor, we constructed a truncated form of the mouse TxA2 receptor and expressed it in a mesangial cell line. The mutant receptor lacked 22 amino acids in the C-terminus including four potential phosphorylation sites. Ligand binding of mutant receptors was identical with the wild type. Stimulation with TxA2 agonist induced increases in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) generation and [Ca++]i by both wild-type and mutant receptors. However, the initial increase in IP3 generation by the mutant receptor was only approximately 50% of that seen in the wild type. Exposure of wild-type receptors to TxA2 agonist caused desensitization of IP3 and calcium responses. Pretreatment with TxA2 agonist caused some desensitization of mutant receptors, but the extent of desensitization was reduced compared with the wild type. The protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine attenuated TxA2-induced desensitization of wild-type receptors, but had little effect on TxA2-induced desensitization of mutant receptors. Pretreatment with low concentrations of the phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (100 nM), reduced subsequent responsiveness of wild-type but not mutant TxA2 receptors. In contrast, high-dose phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (1 microM) produced a similar degree of desensitization of both receptor types. These data suggest that: 1) the C-terminus participates in coupling of the TxA2 receptor to its effector systems; 2) the C-terminus contributes to agonist-specific desensitization of the TxA2 receptor; and 3) protein kinase C-induced desensitization of the TxA2 receptor is complex and depends, in part, on C-terminal domains of the TxA2 receptor.

Differential regulation of receptor-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate production by polyvalent cations in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts

Extracellular cations have paradoxical trophic and toxic effects on osteoblast function. In an effort to explain these divergent actions, we investigated in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts if polyvalent cations differentially modulate the agonist-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway, an important regulator of osteoblastic function. We found that a panel of cations, including gadolinium, aluminum, calcium, and neomycin, inhibited prostaglandin E1 (PGE)-stimulated cAMP accumulation but paradoxically potentiated parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated cAMP production. In contrast, these cations had no effect on forskolin- or cholera toxin-induced increases in cAMP, suggesting actions proximal to adenylate cyclase and possible modulation of receptor interactions with G proteins. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetated (PMA) mimicked the effects of cations on PGE1- and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in MC3T3-E1 cells, respectively, diminishing and augmenting the responses. Moreover, down-regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by overnight treatment with PMA prevented gadolinium (Gd3+) from attenuating PGE1- and enhancing PTH-stimulated cAMP production, indicating involvement of PKC-dependent pathways. Cations, however, activated signal transduction pathways not coupled to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), since there was no corresponding increase in inositol phosphate formation or intracellular calcium concentrations. In addition, pertussis toxin treatment failed to prevent Gd(3+)-mediated suppression of PGE1-stimulated cAMP, suggesting actions independent of Gm. Thus, polyvalent cations may either stimulate or inhibit hormone-mediated cAMP accumulation in osteoblasts. These differential actions provide a potential explanation for the paradoxical trophic and toxic effects of cations on osteoblast function that occur in vivo under different hormonal conditions.

The Prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) Analog Misoprostol Ameliorates Autoimmune Disease and Depletes T Lymphocytes in MRL-lpr/lpr Mice

MRL-lpr/lpr mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Disease manifestations include anti-DNA autoantibody production, arthritis, vasculitis, and an immune-complex glomerulonephritis. The development of autoimmune disease is associated with massive, generalized lymphadenopathy caused by accumulation of an abnormal T-cell population in peripheral lymphoid organs. In MRL-lpr/lpr mice, treatment with E-series prostaglandins ameliorates renal disease and reduces peripheral lymphadenopathy. Little is known about mechanisms of action of E-series prostaglandins in murine lupus or the effects of these agents on other clinically important manifestations of SLE, such as arthritis and vasculitis. To further investigate the effects of an E-series prostaglandin in murine SLE, we administered the prostaglandin, E(1) (PGE(1)) analog misoprostol (1 mg kg(minus sign1) day(minus sign1)) to MRL-lpr/lpr mice for 8 weeks by twice daily subcutaneous injection. At 20 weeks of age, treatment with misoprostol reduced the severity of renal disease and arthritis but did not affect the extent or severity of vasculitis. The beneficial effects of misoprostol on arthritis and renal disease were associated with a significant decrease in splenic and lymph node weight in mice given the PGE(1) analog. This decrease in lymphoproliferation resulted primarily from a generalized reduction in the number of T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs. Thus, T-cell depletion was associated with beneficial effects on arthritis and nephritis in MRL-lpr/lpr mice, supporting a role for T lymphocytes in these disease processes. The ability of E-series prostaglandins to favorably modify autoimmune disease in this murine model suggests that misoprostol may be a useful adjunct to current therapies for the treatment of patients with SLE.

5-Hydroxytryptamine2A receptors expressed in rat renal mesangial cells inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation

Second messenger coupling of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor endogenous to cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells was studied. 5-HT induced an increase in total inositol phosphate levels (EC50 = 265 +/- 55 nM, maximum stimulation = 150 +/- 23%). That effect was sensitive to antagonists of the 5-HT2A receptor and was insensitive to pertussis toxin at doses that eliminated detectable pertussis toxin substrate, as determined by membrane ADP-ribosylation. Surprisingly, 5-HT also induced an inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation (55 +/- 6%, IC50 = 5 +/- 3 nM). This effect was competitively antagonized by the 5-HT2A receptor antagonists ketanserin, ritanserin, and spiperone and could be produced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonists alpha-methyl-5-HT (66 +/- 13%, IC50 = 23 +/- 14 nM) and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (65 +/- 4%, IC50 = 14 +/- 7 nM). The inhibition of cAMP accumulation occurred in the presence of a number of agents that either stimulate or inhibit protein kinase C activity, arachidonic acid metabolism, or Ca2+ mobilization. In isolated membranes, 5-HT induced a 36 +/- 5% inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity (IC50 = 8 +/- 4 nM). Inhibition of cAMP accumulation in intact cells and of adenylyl cyclase activity in washed membranes was (> 50%) sensitive to pertussis toxin, implicating Gi alpha or Go alpha subunits in the inhibitory signal. These data suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor can be permissive in its coupling to G proteins and second messengers.

Role of platelet activating factor in kidney transplant rejection in the rat

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator with a broad range of biologic activities. Experimental evidence suggests that PAF plays a role in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory processes including allograft rejection. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the PAF antagonist BN52021 on the course of renal allograft rejection in a rat model. Kidneys from ACI (RT1a) rats were transplanted into fully allogeneic PVG (RT1c) rat recipients. Animals received 60 mg/kg/day of the PAF antagonist or vehicle beginning immediately prior to the transplantation procedure. In rats treated with the PAF antagonist, allograft GFR and plasma flow were maintained at levels that were significantly greater than controls. Despite the improvement in renal allograft function, BN52021 had no effect on allograft histomorphology and both groups manifested intense inflammatory cell infiltration consistent with acute cellular rejection. PAF antagonism reduced urinary excretion of thromboxane metabolites and decreased thromboxane production by homogenates prepared from kidney allografts. The PAF antagonist had no effect on urinary excretion of peptidoleukotriene metabolites or on the production of LTB4 by allografts. These data support a role for PAF in the pathophysiology of acute renal allograft rejection, and they suggest that the hemodynamic effects of PAF during rejection may be mediated through stimulation of thromboxane A2. In view of the beneficial effects of PAF blockade in rejection as well as recent reports describing efficacy in models of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity, PAF antagonists may have clinical applications in human renal allograft recipients.

The effects of short-term treatment with the prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog misoprostol on inflammatory mediator production in murine lupus nephritis

MRL-lpr/lpr mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune disease with nephritis similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus. In these animals, treatment with E-series prostaglandins ameliorates renal disease and prolongs survival, perhaps by modulating production of cytokines or eicosanoids. To further define the mechanisms of action of E-series prostaglandins in established murine lupus nephritis, we administered the prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog misoprostol to 20-week-old MRL-lpr/lpr mice by twice-daily subcutaneous injection. After 2 days of treatment, misoprostol reduced renal cortical interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA levels compared to vehicle-treated controls (0.19 +/- 0.06 (misoprostol) vs 0.50 +/- 0.04 (vehicle) densitometry units; P < 0.005). A similar reduction in cortical IL-1 beta mRNA levels was found in left kidneys harvested from MRL-lpr/lpr mice following 2 days of treatment with misoprostol compared to right kidneys harvested from the same animal prior to the first dose of PGE1 analog (0.12 +/- .05 (left) vs 0.39 +/- 0.18 (right) densitometry units; P < 0.05). This reduction in cortical IL-1 beta mRNA levels was not associated with alterations in renal production of thromboxane B2, PGE2, or leukotriene B4 or with significant changes in the severity of renal inflammatory cell infiltrates. Time-course studies indicated that IL-1 beta mRNA levels were decreased within 24 hr of initiating misoprostol therapy. This reduction in IL-1 beta mRNA levels was transient because levels were not reduced after 1 week of treatment with the PGE1 analog.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of a rat glomerular mesangial cell mitogenic 5-HT2A receptor

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of mitogenic serotonin [i.e., 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] receptors on glomerular mesangial cells and have linked those receptors to a complicated array of intracellular and autocrine/paracrine signaling pathways [T. Knauss and H. E. Abboud. Am. J. Physiol. 251 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 20): F844-F850, 1986; and N. Takuwa, M. Ganz, Y. Takuwa, R. B. Sterzel, and H. Rasmussen. Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 26): F431-F439, 1989]. Those studies suggested that the mesangial subtype of 5-HT receptor is a member of the 5-HT2 receptor family, which consists of three known members, designated as subtypes A, B, and C. The purpose of the current study was to identify the subtype of 5-HT2 receptor present on mesangial cells. Northern blot showed detectable mRNA for a putative 5-HT2A receptor, but not for 5-HT1A or 5-HT2C receptors. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with degenerate oligonucleotides derived from the putative third and sixth transmembrane domains of cloned 5-HT2 receptors yielded a 580-nucleotide (nt) fragment. RT-PCR with primers highly specific for the 5-HT2A receptor and designed to amplify > 95% of its coding block yielded a product of 1,320 nt. Nested PCR reactions yielded products of the predicted sizes for the 5-HT2A receptor. Partial sequence information was obtained, and the sequence corresponded exactly (627/627 nt) to that published for the cloned rat brain 5-HT2A receptor. These studies identify the mesangial cell mitogenic 5-HT receptor as a 5-HT2A receptor subtype.

Fish oil feeding modulates leukotriene production in murine lupus nephritis

Diets enriched with fish oil (FO) ameliorate kidney disease in the MRL-lpr/lpr murine model of lupus nephritis. Although the mechanisms of this effect are not known, FO is rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which may have profound effects on eicosanoid metabolism. In MRL-lpr/lpr mice, FO feeding reduces renal production of cyclooxygenase metabolites. However, EPA may also affect the metabolism of arachidonate by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway and enhanced production of 5-LO metabolites has been implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney disease in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. We therefore investigated the effects of FO feeding on production of 5-LO metabolites in 20 week old MRL-lpr/lpr mice. After 8 weeks of dietary supplementation with FO, both renal hemodynamic function and glomerular histology were improved compared to safflower oil (SO) controls. Amelioration of kidney disease was associated with alterations in the pattern of leukotriene production by macrophages and kidneys from FO fed mice. There was a significant decrease in the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and tetraene peptidoleukotrienes by peritoneal macrophages isolated from mice given FO compared to control animals. Similarly, dietary supplementation with FO decreased renal production of LTB4. Reduced production of tetraene leukotrienes was accompanied by a modest increase in the production of pentaene leukotrienes by macrophages from FO fed mice. We speculate that this modulation of leukotriene production by FO feeding may have beneficial effects on renal disease in autoimmune nephritis.

Modulation of thromboxane receptor activation in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Rat glomerular mesangial cells were used to investigate mechanisms of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor regulation in the kidney. Exposure of mesangial cells to the TxA2 agonist U-46619 for 10 min reduced subsequent TxA2-induced increases in inositol phosphates and intracellular Ca2+ levels by approximately 70%. This loss of receptor responsiveness could be blocked by the TxA2 receptor antagonist SQ-29548 and was reversible after removal of agonist from the incubation medium. Radioligand binding studies using the TxA2 agonist [125I]BOP suggested that exposure of mesangial cells to U-46619 for 10 min reduced TxA2 receptor responsiveness without a loss of receptor sites from plasma membrane fractions of the cell, although the density of mesangial cell TxA2 receptors was decreased by approximately 60% after more prolonged exposure of mesangial cells to thromboxane agonists. Both desensitization to U-46619 and loss of TxA2 binding sites could be attenuated by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine, sphingosine, or H-7, and TxA2 receptor responsiveness was reduced in cells incubated with phorbol esters before stimulation with thromboxane agonists. We conclude that 1) agonist-specific decreases in TxA2 receptor responsiveness may involve initial uncoupling of the receptor from its effector systems, followed by a loss of TxA2 receptor sites from plasma membrane fractions of the cell, and 2) PKC may be involved in these processes.

Leukotrienes in renal transplant rejection in rats. Distinct roles for leukotriene B4 and peptidoleukotrienes in the pathogenesis of allograft injury

To investigate the role of leukotrienes in renal allograft rejection, we studied the effects of specific leukotriene inhibitors in a rat kidney transplant model. The enhanced renal production of leukotrienes observed in allograft recipients was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by the specific 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK886. This suppression of leukotriene production caused a substantial improvement in renal function. Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase also reduced the severity of vascular inflammation and endothelial injury in allografts, and profoundly inhibited expression of donor MHC class II Ag on kidney cells. Survival of renal allograft recipients was prolonged from 10 +/- 1 days in controls to 16 +/- 1 days in animals that received a 6-day course of MK886 (p < 0.05). To investigate the relative roles of LTB4 compared to peptidoleukotrienes in these processes, we treated a separate group of animals with the specific peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist SKF106203. This agent inhibits the interaction of peptidoleukotrienes with their receptor(s) but does not affect the biologic actions of LTB4. In these studies, SKF106203 caused a modest improvement in renal allograft function that was of lesser magnitude than that seen with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. SKF106203 also reduced vascular inflammation in allografts, but had no effect on expression of MHC class II Ag. We conclude that leukotrienes play a key role in the pathogenesis of renal allograft rejection. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of leukotrienes in rejection are mediated by distinct actions of LTB4 and peptidoleukotrienes.

Leukotrienes in renal transplant rejection in rats. Distinct roles for leukotriene B4 and peptidoleukotrienes in the pathogenesis of allograft injury

To investigate the role of leukotrienes in renal allograft rejection, we studied the effects of specific leukotriene inhibitors in a rat kidney transplant model. The enhanced renal production of leukotrienes observed in allograft recipients was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by the specific 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK886. This suppression of leukotriene production caused a substantial improvement in renal function. Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase also reduced the severity of vascular inflammation and endothelial injury in allografts, and profoundly inhibited expression of donor MHC class II Ag on kidney cells. Survival of renal allograft recipients was prolonged from 10 +/- 1 days in controls to 16 +/- 1 days in animals that received a 6-day course of MK886 (p &lt; 0.05). To investigate the relative roles of LTB4 compared to peptidoleukotrienes in these processes, we treated a separate group of animals with the specific peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist SKF106203. This agent inhibits the interaction of peptidoleukotrienes with their receptor(s) but does not affect the biologic actions of LTB4. In these studies, SKF106203 caused a modest improvement in renal allograft function that was of lesser magnitude than that seen with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. SKF106203 also reduced vascular inflammation in allografts, but had no effect on expression of MHC class II Ag. We conclude that leukotrienes play a key role in the pathogenesis of renal allograft rejection. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of leukotrienes in rejection are mediated by distinct actions of LTB4 and peptidoleukotrienes.

Characterization of glomerular thromboxane receptors in murine lupus nephritis

Renal thromboxane (Tx) production is increased in the MRL-lpr murine model of lupus nephritis. To investigate the relationship between increased Tx production and number and affinity of Tx receptors, we measured binding of the Tx receptor antagonist [3H][SQ295481S-1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 beta,4 alpha]-7-(3-((2-((phenyl- amino)-carbonyl)hydrozino)methyl)-7-oxabicyclo-(2.2.1)heptan -2-yl)-5-heptenoic acid in glomerular preparations from MRL-lpr mice and both MRL(-)+/+ and LG/J controls. Renal Tx binding was first characterized in normal LG/J mice. In these animals, glomerular binding was specific, saturable and reversible. Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of high-affinity binding sites. We next evaluated Tx production and binding in 12- and 16-week-old MRL-lpr mice and MRL(-)+/+ controls. To assess renal Tx production, excretion of TxB2 was measured in urine. Urinary TxB2 was increased in MRL-lpr mice at 16 weeks of age. This increase in urinary TxB2 was associated with a reduction in density of glomerular Tx binding sites compared to either 12-week-old MRL-lpr mice or MRL(-)+/+ controls. Ligand binding affinity was similar in all groups. To investigate if this alteration in binding was specific for Tx, glomerular binding of [3H]angiotensin II was measured. In MRL-lpr mice, the number and affinity of glomerular angiotensin binding sites were similar at 12 and 16 weeks of age. Thus, in this murine model of lupus nephritis, enhanced renal Tx production is temporally associated with a decrease in glomerular Tx binding sites without a change in receptor affinity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thromboxane binding and signal transduction in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Thromboxane A2 (TxA2) stimulates contraction of glomerular mesangial cells. However, mesangial cell TxA2 receptors have not been previously characterized. We therefore investigated TxA2 binding and TxA2-associated signal transduction pathways in rat glomerular mesangial cells using the specific thromboxane receptor agonist (1S-[1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 alpha-(1E,3S)4 alpha])-7-(3-[3-hydroxy-4-(p- iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)-5-heptenoic acid (IBOP). In these cells, [125I]BOP binding was saturable, displaceable, and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 293 pM and a maximal density of binding sites (Bmax) of 33 fmol/mg protein. Specific binding was inhibited by the thromboxane agonist (15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid (U-46619) [inhibitor dissociation constant (Ki) = 297 nM] and the TxA2 receptor antagonists SQ 29548 (Ki = 1 nM) and (1R-[1 alpha(Z),2 beta,3 beta,5 alpha])-(+)-7-(5-[(1,1'-biphenyl)- 4-yl-methoxy]-3-hydroxy-2-(1-piperidinyl)cyclopentyl]-4-heptenoic acid (GR 32191) (Ki = 92 nM). Binding was also highly specific for thromboxane because prostaglandin E2 (Ki = 16 microM) and the inactive thromboxane metabolite, TxB2 (Ki = 41 microM), were approximately 1,000-fold less potent at inhibiting binding. IBOP stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis with an effective concentration of drug that produces 50% of the maximal response of 229 pM, which correlated well with the equilibrium Kd and enhanced phosphorylation of an acidic 80-kDa protein substrate for protein kinase C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thromboxane receptor blockade reduces renal injury in murine lupus nephritis

To investigate the role of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) in murine lupus, we assessed the effects of the specific thromboxane receptor antagonist GR32191 on immune complex glomerulonephritis in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Forty mg/kg/day GR32191 was given by twice daily subcutaneous injection for eight weeks beginning at 12 weeks of age. This dose completely blocked the renal vasoconstriction produced by the thromboxane agonist U46619. After eight weeks of treatment, both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (8.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 6.8 +/- 1.1 ml/min/kg; P less than 0.05) and PAH clearance (CPAH) (37.4 +/- 2.5 vs. 29.9 +/- 3.3 ml/min/kg; P less than 0.05) were significantly higher in mice given GR32191 compared to vehicle treated animals. Administration of GR32191 also reduced proteinuria from 18.1 +/- 11.6 to 3.7 +/- 1.3 mg/24 hours (P less than 0.05). In GR32191 treated MRL-lpr/lpr mice, renal hemodynamic function and proteinuria were not significantly different from congenic MRL-+/+ controls. Thromboxane receptor blockade had striking affects on renal histomorphology reducing both hyaline thrombi in glomeruli (P = 0.022) and interstitial inflammation (P = 0.006). Glomerular crescents and severity of vasculitis also tended to be reduced in mice receiving the thromboxane receptor antagonist. The overall histopathologic score in mice given GR32191 was significantly lower than vehicle treated animals (4.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 8.4 +/- 1.5; P = 0.016). These effects of GR32191 were associated with decreased excretion of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) in urine (292 +/- 37 vs. 747 +/- 155 pg/24 hr; P less than 0.005) as well as a modest reduction in glomerular deposits of IgG (semiquantitative score 2.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.2; P less than 0.02). Thus, chronic thromboxane receptor blockade markedly altered the course of renal disease in MRL-lpr/lpr mice, suggesting that TxA2 is an important mediator of renal dysfunction and injury in this murine model of lupus nephritis.

Physiologic role for enhanced renal thromboxane production in murine lupus nephritis

To investigate the physiologic significance of enhanced renal thromboxane production in murine lupus nephritis, we measured renal hemodynamics and eicosanoid production in MRL-lpr/lpr mice from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Over this age range, MRL-lpr/lpr mice develop an autoimmune disease with nephritis similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In these studies, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and PAH clearance (CPAH) decreased progressively with age in MRL-lpr/lpr mice, but not in controls. This impairment of renal hemodynamics was associated with increased renal thromboxane production, as well as increased excretion of both thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 2,3-dinor TxB2 in urine. There was an inverse correlation between renal thromboxane production in MRL-lpr/lpr mice and both GFR and CPAH. Furthermore, there were positive correlations between thromboxane production by the kidney and both the severity of renal histopathology and serum anti-DNA antibody levels measured in individual animals. Enhanced urinary excretion of TxB2 and the development of renal dysfunction also coincided temporally with the appearance of increased levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA in renal cortex. Acute administration of the specific thromboxane receptor antagonist GR32191 to MRL-lpr/lpr mice restored GFR to normal in early stages of the autoimmune disease. However, in animals with more advanced nephritis, the effect of acute thromboxane receptor blockade on renal hemodynamics was less marked. We conclude that thromboxane A2 is an important mediator of reversible renal hemodynamic impairment in murine lupus, especially in the early phase of disease.

Enhanced renal leukotriene production in murine lupus: role of lipoxygenase metabolites

To investigate the potential role of leukotrienes in murine lupus, we measured renal hemodynamics and renal leukotriene production in MRL-lpr/lpr mice at 12 and 20 weeks of age. Over this age range, these animals develop overt manifestations of autoimmune disease with nephritis similar to human SLE. In the current study, we demonstrated that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and PAH clearance (CPAH) deteriorated with age in MRL-lpr/lpr mice, but not in MRL(-)+/+ controls. Impaired renal hemodynamic function in MRL-lpr/lpr mice was associated with enhanced ionophore-stimulated production of both leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) by preparations of renal cortex. There was a significant inverse correlation between GFR and in vitro production of both LTC4 and LTB4 in kidneys from MRL-lpr/lpr mice, but not in control animals. In addition, in vitro LTC4 production was correlated with the severity of renal histomorphologic abnormalities. Administration of the specific peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist SKF104353 to 20 week old MRL-lpr/lpr mice significantly improved both GFR and CPAH, whereas this agent had no effect of renal hemodynamics in MRL(-)+/+ controls. These results suggest that renal production of LTC4 and LTB4 is increased in MRL-lpr/lpr mice with nephritis, and that enhanced production of peptidoleukotrienes causes reversible renal dysfunction. Increased leukotriene production within the kidney may therefore be important in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.

Thromboxane receptor blockade improves cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in rats

Cyclosporine A (CyA) nephrotoxicity is associated with impaired renal hemodynamic function and increased production of the vasoconstrictor eicosanoid thromboxane A2 (TxA2). In CyA toxic rats, renal dysfunction can be partially reversed by inhibitors of thromboxane synthase. However, interpretation of these results is complicated since inhibition of thromboxane synthase may cause accumulation of prostaglandin endoperoxides that can act as partial agonists at the TxA2 receptor and may blunt the efficacy of treatment. Furthermore, these endoperoxides may be used as substrate for production of vasodilator prostaglandins causing beneficial effects on hemodynamics which are independent of thromboxane inhibition. To more specifically examine the role of TxA2 in CyA toxicity, we investigated the effects of the thromboxane receptor antagonist GR32191 on renal hemodynamics in a rat model of CyA nephrotoxicity. In this model, administration of CyA resulted in a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (2.85 +/- 0.26 [CyA] vs 6.82 +/- 0.96 ml/min/kg [vehicle]; p less than 0.0005) and renal blood flow (RBF) (21.65 +/- 2.31 [CyA] vs 31.87 +/- 3.60 ml/min/kg [vehicle]; p less than 0.025). Renal vascular resistance (RVR) was significantly higher in rats given CyA compared to animals treated with CyA vehicle (5.32 +/- 0.55 [CyA] vs. 3.54 +/- 0.24 mm Hg/min/ml/kg [vehicle]; p less than 0.05). These renal hemodynamic alterations were associated with a significant increase in urinary excretion of unmetabolized, "native" thromboxane B2 (TxB2) (103 +/- 18 [CyA] vs 60 +/- 16 pg/hour [vehicle]; p less than 0.05). Only minimal histomorphologic changes were apparent by light microscopic examination of kidneys from both CyA and vehicle treated animals. However, with immunoperoxidase staining, a significantly greater number of cells expressing the rat common leukocyte antigen was found in the renal interstitium of rats given CyA. There was no detectable increase in monocytes/macrophages in the kidneys of CyA toxic animals. In rats treated with CyA, intraarterial infusion of GR32191 at maximally tolerated doses significantly increased GFR and RBF, and decreased RVR. Although both RBF and RVR were restored to levels not different from controls, GFR remained significantly reduced following administration of GR32191. These data suggest that the potent vasoconstrictor TxA2 plays an important role in mediating renal dysfunction in CyA nephrotoxicity. However, other factors may be important in producing nephrotoxicity associated with CyA.

Immature omental teratoma

Immature omental teratomas are extremely rare neoplasms. To our knowledge, only two cases have been reported in the literature. In some anatomic locations, the malignant potential of immature teratomas correlates with the presence and quantity of neuroectoderm within the tumor mass. We describe the first immature omental teratoma with prominent neuroectodermal differentiation.