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Diabetes mellitus is associated with natriuresis, whereas estrogen has been shown to be renoprotective in diabetic nephropathy and may independently regulate renal sodium reabsorption. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 17-beta estradiol (E(2)) replacement to diabetic, ovariectomized (OVX) female rats on the expression of major renal sodium transporters. Female, Sprague-Dawley rats (210 g) were randomized into four groups: (1) OVX; (2) OVX+E(2); (3) diabetic+ovariectomized (D+OVX); and (4) diabetic+ovariectomized+estrogen (D+OVX+E(2)). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg.body weight (bw)). Rats received phytoestrogen-free diet and water ad libitum for 12 weeks. E(2) attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperalbuminuria, and hyperaldosteronism in D rats, as well as the diabetes-induced changes in renal protein abundances for the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2), and the alpha- and beta-subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), that is, E(2) decreased NKCC2, but increased alpha- and beta-ENaC abundances. In nondiabetic rats, E(2) decreased plasma K(+) and increased urine K(+)/Na(+) ratio, as well as decreased the abundance of NKCC2, beta-ENaC, and alpha-1-Na-K-adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase in the outer medulla. Finally, the diabetic, E(2) rats had measurably lower final circulating levels of E(2) than the nondiabetic E(2) rats, despite an identical replacement protocol, suggesting a shorter biological half-life of E(2) with diabetes. Therefore, E(2) attenuated diabetes and preserved renal sodium handling and related transporter expression levels. In addition, E(2) had diabetes-independent effects on renal electrolyte handling and associated proteins.

The renal mechanisms underlying sodium retention during liver cirrhosis have been difficult to elucidate. Kim and associates describe a biphasic pattern of regulation of the renal epithelial sodium channel in the common bile duct ligation model, shedding some light on this issue.

Renal sodium reabsorption is a key determinant of final urine concentration. Our aim was to determine whether differences existed between aged and young rats in their response to water restriction with regard to the regulation of abundance of any of the major distal renal sodium transporter proteins. Male Fisher 344 x Brown Norway (F344 x BN) rats of 3-, 10-, 24-, or 31 months of age (3M, 10M, 24M, or 31M) were either water restricted (WR) for 5 days or control (ad libitum water). Major renal sodium transporters and channel subunits were evaluated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Age did not significantly affect plasma arginine vasopressin or aldosterone levels, but renin activity was only 8% in 31M-WR rats relative to 3M-WR (P<0.05). Extreme aging (31M) led to decreased outer medullary abundance of the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and decreased cortical abundance of the beta- and gamma-subunits (70-kDa band) of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) (P<0.05). Water restriction significantly (P<0.05) increased the abundance of Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) and Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) across ages. However, these increases were significantly blunted as rats aged. Mean band densities were increased in WR rats (relative to age controls) by 54 and 106% at 3M, but only 25 and 29% at 24M and 0 and 6% at 31M for NKCC2 and NCC, respectively. Aged F344 x BN rats have reduced basal distal tubular renal sodium transporter abundances and blunted upregulation during water restriction, which may contribute to decreased urinary concentrating capacity.

Background: Cisplatin (CP) induced polyuria in rats is associated with a reduction in medullary hypertonicity, normally generated by the thick ascending limb (TAL) salt transporters, and the collecting duct urea transporters (UT). To investigate the molecular basis of this abnormality, we determined the protein abundance of major salt and UT isoforms in rat kidney during CP-induced polyuria., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either a single injection of CP (5 mg/kg, N = 6) or saline (N = 6) intraperitoneally five days before sacrifice. Urine, blood, and kidneys were collected and analyzed., Results: CP-treated rats developed polyuric acute renal failure as assessed by increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine volume and decreased urine osmolality. Western analysis of kidney homogenates revealed a marked reduction in band density of the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in cortex (60% of control values, P < 0.05), but not in outer medulla (OM) (106% of control values). There were no differences in band densities for the renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK), the type III Na-H exchanger (NHE3), the alpha-subunit of Na,K-ATPase in the OM; or for UT-A1, UT-A2 or UT-A4 in outer or inner medulla. However, the band pattern of UT-A2 and UT-A4 proteins in the OM of CP-treated rats was different from the control rats, suggesting a qualitative modification of these proteins., Conclusions: Changes in the abundance of outer or inner medullary salt or urea transporters are unlikely to play a role in the CP-induced reduction in medullary hypertonicity. However, qualitative changes in UT proteins may affect their functionality and thus may have a role.

Vasopressin plays a role in both salt and water balance in the kidney. Classic studies, utilizing isolated perfused tubules, have revealed that vasopressin increases sodium reabsorption in the kidney thick ascending limb and the collecting duct. Furthermore, the activity of several sodium transport proteins expressed in these segments, such as the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), have been shown to be directly increased by vasopressin. Increased protein abundance might be one means through which sodium transporter and channel activity is enhanced. We have used immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in order to investigate the regulation of abundance of the major sodium transporters and channels expressed along the renal tubule in response to vasopressin. Chronic (7-day) studies were performed in which vasopressin levels were elevated either endogenously by water restriction of Sprague-Dawley rats or exogenously through infusion of the vasopressin V2-receptor-selective agonist, dDAVP (1-deamino-8d-arginine-vasopressin), to Brattleboro rats. We found a significant increase in protein abundance for NKCC2 and the beta- and gamma-subunits of ENaC with either water restriction or dDAVP infusion. The alpha-subunit of Na-K-ATPase was increased by water restriction, but not by dDAVP infusion, and alpha-ENaC and the thiazide-sensitive cotransporter (NCC) were increased by dDAVP infusion but not by water restriction. Acute (60-min) in vivo exposure to dDAVP led to an increase in both beta- and gamma-ENaC abundance in kidney cortex homogenates, displaying the rapid nature of some of these changes. Overall these increases in sodium transporter and channel abundances likely contribute to both the antidiuretic and antinatriuretic actions of vasopressin., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)

Renal sodium retention, as a result of increased abundance of sodium transporters, may play a role in the development and/or maintenance of the increased blood pressure in obesity. To address this hypothesis, we evaluated the relative abundances of renal sodium transporters in lean and obese Zucker rats at 2 and 4 mo of age by semiquantitative immunoblotting. Mean systolic blood pressure was higher in obese rats relative to lean at 3 mo, P < 0.02. Furthermore, circulating insulin levels were 6- or 13-fold higher in obese rats compared with lean at 2 or 4 mo of age, respectively. The abundances of the alpha(1)-subunit of Na-K-ATPase, the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC or TSC), and the beta-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) were all significantly increased in the obese rats' kidneys. There were no differences for the sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE3), the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2 or BSC1), the type II sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-2), or the alpha-subunit of ENaC. These selective increases could possibly increase sodium retention by the kidney and therefore could play a role in obesity-related hypertension.

UT-A1 is an extremely hydrophobic 929-amino acid integral membrane protein, expressed in the renal inner medullary collecting duct, with a central role in the urinary concentrating mechanism. Previous immunoblotting studies in rats have revealed that UT-A1 is present in kidney in 97- and 117-kDa monomeric forms and that the relative abundance of the two forms is altered by vasopressin treatment and other treatments that altered urinary inner medullary urea concentration. The present studies were carried out using protein chemistry techniques to determine the origin of the two forms. Peptide-directed polyclonal antibodies targeted to five sites along the polypeptide sequence from the NH2 to the COOH terminus labeled both forms, thus failing to demonstrate a significant deletion in the primary amino acid chain. The 97- and 117-kDa monomeric forms were both reduced to 88 kDa by deglycosylation with N-glycosidase F, indicating that a single polypeptide chain is glycosylated to two different extents. Studies using nonionic detergents for membrane solubilization or using homobifunctional cross-linkers demonstrated that UT-A1 exists as a 206-kDa protein complex in native kidney membranes. The mobility of this complex was also increased by deglycosylation. Both the 97- and 117-kDa proteins, as well as the 206-kDa complex, were immunoprecipitated with UT-A1 antibodies. We conclude that UT-A1 is a glycoprotein and that the two monomeric forms (97 and 117 kDa) in inner medullary collecting duct are the consequence of different states of glycosylation.

The V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) plays a key role in the maintenance of a normal body water balance. To generate an in vivo model that allows the physiological and molecular analysis of the role of V2Rs in kidney function, we have created mouse lines that lack functional V2Rs by using targeted mutagenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells. Specifically, we introduced a nonsense mutation known to cause X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (XNDI) in humans (Glu242stop) into the mouse genome. V2R-deficient hemizygous male pups showed a decrease in basal urine osmolalities and were unable to concentrate their urine. These pups also exhibited an enlargement of renal pelvic space, failed to thrive, and died within the first week after birth due to hypernatremic dehydration. Interestingly, female mice heterozygous for the V2R mutation showed normal growth but displayed an XNDI-like phenotype, characterized by reduced urine concentrating ability of the kidney, polyuria, and polydipsia. Western blot analysis and immunoelectron microscopic studies showed that the loss of functional V2Rs had no significant effect on the basal expression levels of aquaporin-2 and the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (BSC-1). The V2R mutant mice described here should serve as highly useful tools for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of XNDI.

Sodium transport is increased by vasopressin in the cortical collecting ducts of rats and rabbits. Here we investigate, by quantitative immunoblotting, the effects of vasopressin on abundances of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) in rat kidney. Seven-day infusion of 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (dDAVP) to Brattleboro rats markedly increased whole kidney abundances of beta- and gamma-ENaC (to 238% and 288% of vehicle, respectively), whereas alpha-ENaC was more modestly, yet significantly, increased (to 142% of vehicle). Similarly, 7-day water restriction in Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in significantly increased abundances of beta- and gamma- but no significant change in alpha-ENaC. Acute administration of dDAVP (2 nmol) to Brattleboro rats resulted in modest, but significant, increases in abundance for all ENaC subunits, within 1 h. In conclusion, all three subunits of ENaC are upregulated by vasopressin with temporal and regional differences. These changes are too slow to play a major role in the short-term action of vasopressin to stimulate sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct. Long-term increases in ENaC abundance should add to the short-term regulatory mechanisms (undefined in this study) to enhance sodium transport in the renal collecting duct.

The heterotrimeric G protein G(s) is required for hormone-stimulated intracellular cAMP generation because it couples hormone receptors to the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. Hormones that activate G(s) in the kidney include parathyroid hormone, glucagon, calcitonin, and vasopressin. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the G(s)alpha gene is imprinted in a tissue-specific manner, leading to preferential expression of G(s)alpha from the maternal allele in some tissues. In the kidney, G(s)alpha is imprinted in the proximal tubule but not in more distal nephron segments, such as the thick ascending limb or collecting duct. This most likely explains why in both humans and mice heterozygous mutations in the maternal allele lead to parathyroid hormone resistance in the proximal tubule whereas mutations in the paternal allele do not. In contrast, heterozygous mutations have little effect on vasopressin action in the collecting ducts. In mice with heterozygous null G(s)alpha mutations (both those with mutations on the maternal or paternal allele), expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter was decreased in the thick ascending limb, suggesting that its expression is regulated by cAMP. The G(s)alpha genes also generate alternative, oppositely imprinted transcripts encoding XLalphas, a G(s)alpha isoform with a long NH(2)-terminal extension, and NESP55, a chromogranin-like neurosecretory protein. The role, if any, of these proteins in renal physiology is unknown.

The renal urea transporter gene (UT-A) produces different transcripts in the inner medullary collecting ducts (UT-A1) and thin descending limbs of Henle's loop (UT-A2), coding for distinct proteins. Peptide-directed rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used to identify the UT-A2 protein in renal medulla of mouse and rat. In the inner stripe of outer medulla, an antibody directed to the COOH terminus of UT-A recognized a membrane protein of 55 kDa. The abundance of this 55-kDa protein was strongly increased in response to chronic infusion of the vasopressin analog 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP) in Brattleboro rats, consistent with previous evidence that UT-A2 mRNA abundance is markedly increased. Immunofluorescence labeling with the COOH-terminal antibody in Brattleboro rats revealed labeling in the lower portion of descending limbs from short-looped nephrons (in the aquaporin-1-negative portion of this segment). This UT-A labeling was increased in response to DDAVP. Increased labeling was also seen in descending limbs of long-looped nephrons in the base of the inner medulla. These results indicate that UT-A2 is expressed as a 55-kDa protein in portions of the thin descending limbs of Henle's loop and that the abundance of this protein is strongly upregulated by vasopressin.

Recent results indicate that renal escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis is accompanied by a marked downregulation of whole kidney aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) protein and mRNA expression. However, in those studies, the escaped animals were also markedly hypo-osmolar compared to controls as a result of water loading during antidiuresis. The present studies evaluated whether systemic or local osmolality contributes to the downregulation of AQP-2 expression in this model. In the first study, two groups of 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (dDAVP)-infused rats were water-loaded; after establishment of escape, one group was then water-restricted for 4 d to reverse the escape, whereas the other group continued daily water loading. Whole kidney AQP-2 protein was measured by Western blotting, and inner medulla AQP-2 mRNA was determined by Northern blotting. Results were compared to dDAVP-infused rats fed solid chow. After 4 d of water restriction, urine volume decreased to the same level as in the rats on solid chow; however, plasma sodium concentrations and plasma osmolality remained low. Despite maintenance of significant hypo-osmolality, rats in which escape was subsequently reversed by water restriction reestablished high dDAVP-stimulated kidney levels of AQP-2 after 4 d of water restriction. In the second study, AQP-2 expression was evaluated in different regions of kidneys from water-loaded rats undergoing escape from antidiuresis. Despite markedly different interstitial osmolalities, significant downregulation of AQP-2 expression compared to dDAVP-infused control rats was seen in the inner medulla, outer medulla, and cortex. Thus, neither systemic nor interstitial osmolality appears to appreciably be correlated with downregulation of kidney AQP-2 expression during escape from antidiuresis. These results therefore suggest that additional vasopressin- and osmolality-independent factors, likely related to the effects of extracellular fluid volume expansion, also regulate kidney AQP-2 expression in rats.

Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) stabilizes nephron function by causing changes in single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) to compensate for changes in late proximal flow (VLP). TGF responds within seconds and reacts over a narrow range of VLP that surrounds normal VLP. To accommodate sustained increases in VLP, TGF must reset around the new flow. We studied TGF resetting by inhibiting proximal reabsorption with benzolamide (BNZ; administered repeatedly over a 24-hour period) in Wistar-Froemter rats. BNZ acutely activates TGF, thereby reducing SNGFR. Micropuncture was performed 6-10 hours after the fourth BNZ dose, when diuresis had subsided. BNZ caused glomerular hyperfiltration, which was prevented with inhibitors of macula densa nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Because of hyperfiltration, BNZ increased VLP and distal flow, but did not affect the basal TGF stimulus (early distal salt concentration). BNZ slightly blunted normalized maximum TGF response and the basal state of TGF activation. BNZ sensitized SNGFR to reduction by S-methyl-thiocitrulline (SMTC) and caused the maximum TGF response to be strengthened by SMTC. Sensitization to type I NOS (NOS-I) blockers correlated with increased macula densa NOS-I immunoreactivity. Tubular transport measurements confirmed that BNZ affected TGF within the juxtaglomerular apparatus. During reduced proximal reabsorption, TGF resets to accommodate increased flow and SNGFR through a mechanism involving macula densa NOS.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors, such as indomethacin and diclofenac, have well-described effects to enhance renal water reabsorption and urinary concentrating ability. Concentrating ability is regulated in part at the level of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, where active NaCl absorption drives the countercurrent multiplication mechanism. We used semiquantitative immunoblotting to test the effects of indomethacin and diclofenac, given over a 48-h period, on the expression levels of the ion transporters responsible for active NaCl transport in the thick ascending limb. Both agents strongly increased the expression level of the apical Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in both outer medulla and cortex. Neither agent significantly altered outer medullary expression levels of other thick ascending limb proteins, namely, the type 3 Na/H exchanger (NHE-3), Tamm-Horsfall protein, or alpha1- or beta1-subunits of the Na-K-ATPase. Administration of the EP3-selective PGE(2) analog, misoprostol, to indomethacin-treated rats reversed the stimulatory effect of indomethacin on Na-K-2Cl cotransporter expression. We conclude that cyclooxygenase inhibitors enhance urinary concentrating ability in part through effects to increase Na-K-2Cl cotransporter expression in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. This action is most likely due to elimination of an EP3-receptor-mediated tonic inhibitory effect of PGE(2) on cAMP production.

Transport processes along the nephron are regulated in part by hormone stimulation of adenylyl cyclases mediated by the heterotrimeric G protein G(s). To assess the role of this pathway in the regulation of Na-K-2Cl cotransporter abundance in the renal thick ascending limb (TAL), we studied mice with heterozygous disruption of the Gnas gene, which codes for the alpha-subunit of G(s). Outer medullary G(s)alpha protein abundance (as assessed by semiquantitative immunoblotting) and glucagon-stimulated cAMP production were significantly reduced in the heterozygous G(s)alpha knockout mice (GSKO) relative to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Furthermore, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter protein abundance in the outer medulla was significantly reduced (band density, 48% of WT). In addition, GSKO mice had a significantly reduced (72% of WT) urinary osmolality in response to a single injection of 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP), a vasopressin analog. In contrast, outer medullary protein expression of the type 3 Na/H exchanger (NHE-3) or Tamm-Horsfall protein did not differ between the GSKO mice and their WT littermates. However, abundance of type VI adenylyl cyclase was markedly decreased in the outer medullas of GSKO mice, suggesting a novel feed-forward regulatory mechanism. We conclude that expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter of the TAL is dependent on G(s)alpha-mediated hormone stimulation, most likely due to long-term changes in cellular cAMP levels.

In the renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), vasopressin regulates two key transporters, namely aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and the vasopressin-regulated urea transporter (VRUT). Both are present in intracellular vesicles as well as the apical plasma membrane. Short-term regulation of AQP2 has been demonstrated to occur by vasopressin-induced trafficking of AQP2-containing vesicles to the apical plasma membrane. Here, we have carried out studies to determine whether short-term regulation of VRUT occurs by a similar process. Cell surface labeling with NHS-LC-biotin in rat IMCD suspensions revealed that vasopressin causes a dose-dependent increase in the amount of AQP2 labeled at the cell surface, whereas VRUT labeled at the cell surface did not increase in response to vasopressin. Immunoperoxidase labeling of inner medullary thin sections from Brattleboro rats treated with 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) for 20 min revealed dramatic translocation of AQP2 to the apical region of the cell, with no change in the cellular distribution of VRUT. In addition, differential centrifugation of inner medullary homogenates from Brattleboro rats treated with DDAVP for 60 min revealed a marked depletion of AQP2 from the low-density membrane fraction (enriched in intracellular vesicles) but did not alter the quantity of VRUT in this fraction. Finally, AQP2-containing vesicles immunoisolated from a low-density membrane fraction from renal inner medulla did not contain immunoreactive VRUT. Thus vasopressin-mediated regulation of AQP2, but not of VRUT, depends on regulated vesicular trafficking to the plasma membrane.

To investigate whether the enhancement of thick ascending limb (TAL) NaCl transport in response to long-term increases in circulating vasopressin concentration is associated with increased expression levels of the apical Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the rat TAL, we have carried out immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies using affinity-purified, peptide-directed antibodies. Semiquantitative immunoblotting studies demonstrated a marked increase (193% of controls) in Na-K-2Cl cotransporter band density in response to restriction of water intake to 15 ml/day for 7 days. In contrast, the expression levels of two other apical proteins of the TAL (the type 3 Na/H exchanger and Tamm-Horsfall protein) were unchanged in the outer medulla. A 7-day subcutaneous infusion of the V2 receptor-selective vasopressin analog, 1-desamino-[8-D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP), to Brattleboro rats also markedly increased Na-K-2Cl cotransporter expression in the outer medulla (183% of controls). Immunofluorescence localization in outer medullary tissue sections confirmed the increase in Na-K-2Cl cotransporter expression in response to DDAVP. We conclude that vasopressin strongly upregulates the expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter of the TAL and that it is likely to play an important role in the long-term regulation of the countercurrent multiplication system.

A bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, BSC-1, is believed to mediate the apical component of transcellular NaCl absorption in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop. To study its ultrastructural localization in kidney, we used an affinity-purified, peptide-derived polyclonal antibody against rat BSC-1. Immunoblots from rat kidney cortex and outer medulla revealed a solitary 161-kDa band in membrane fractions. Immunocytochemistry of 1-micrometer cryosections demonstrated strong BSC-1 labeling of the apical and subapical regions of medullary and cortical TAL cells. Notably, macula densa cells also exhibited distinct labeling. Distal convoluted tubules and other renal tubule segments were unlabeled. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that BSC-1 labeling was associated with the apical plasma membrane and with subapical intracellular vesicles in medullary and cortical TAL and in macula densa cells. Smooth-surfaced TAL cells, in particular, had extensive BSC-1 labeling of intracellular vesicles. These results support the view that BSC-1 provides the apical pathway for NaCl transport across the TAL and that an extensive intracellular reservoir of BSC-1 is present in a subpopulation of TAL cells. Furthermore, the BSC-1 localization in the apical plasma membrane of macula densa cells is consistent with its proposed role in tubuloglomerular feedback.

Background: Several pathophysiological states associated with deranged water balance are associated with altered expression and/or intracellular distribution of aquaporin water channels. The possible role of dysregulation of thick ascending limb NaCl transporters, which are responsible for countercurrent multiplication in the kidney, has not been evaluated., Methods: Semiquantitative immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry were carried out in the kidneys of rat with adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome and in vehicle-injected control rats., Results: Preliminary studies confirmed the presence of a severe concentrating defect. Semiquantitative immunoblotting of outer medullary homogenates demonstrated a marked decrease in the abundance of three thick ascending limb Na+ transporters in nephrotic rats, namely the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (BSC-1), the type 3 Na/H exchanger (NHE-3), and the alpha 1-subunit of the Na-K-ATPase. These results are predictive of a decrease in the NaCl transport capacity of the medullary thick ascending limb and therefore a decrease in countercurrent multiplication. Immunocytochemistry of outer medullary thin sections demonstrated broad (but highly variable) suppression of BSC-1 expression in the outer medullas of adriamycin-nephrotic rats. There was also a large decrease in outer medullary expression of two collecting duct water channels (aquaporin-2 and -3) and the major water channel of the thin descending limb of Henle's loop (aquaporin-1)., Conclusion: The concentrating defect in adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats is a consequence of multiple defects in water and solute transporter expression, which would alter both the generation of medullary interstitial hypertonicity and osmotic equilibration in the collecting duct. Whether a similar widespread defect in transporter expression is present in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is, at this point, untested.

Previously, we demonstrated that escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis ("vasopressin escape") in rats is associated with a large, selective decrease in whole kidney expression of aquaporin-2, the vasopressin-regulated water channel. Here, we show that isolated perfused inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs) from vasopressin-escape rats desamino-[D-arginine]vasopressin (DDAVP)/water-loaded have dramatically reduced vasopressin-dependent osmotic water permeabilities [46% of control rats (DDAVP alone)], which coincides with a fall in inner medullary aquaporin-2 protein abundance as measured by immunoblotting in the opposite kidney. Furthermore, we demonstrate in IMCD suspensions that cAMP accumulation in response to DDAVP is substantially reduced in the vasopressin-escape rats both in the presence and absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX. By immunoblotting, we show that the abundance of two proteins important in cAMP generation: the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein subunit Gs and adenylyl cyclase type VI, do not change. We conclude that vasopressin escape is associated with relative vasopressin resistance of the collecting duct cells manifested by decreased intracellular cAMP levels. The decreased cAMP levels can contribute to the demonstrated decrease in collecting duct water permeability in two ways: 1) by causing a decrease in aquaporin-2 expression and 2) by limiting the acute action of vasopressin to increase collecting duct water permeability.

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with abnormal regulation of renal water excretion. To investigate the role of collecting duct water channels and solute transporters in this process, we have carried out semiquantitative immunoblotting of kidney tissues from rats with adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome. These experiments demonstrated that adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome is associated with marked decreases in expression of aquaporin-2, aquaporin-3, aquaporin-4, and the vasopressin-regulated urea transporter in renal inner medulla, indicative of a suppression of the capacity for water and urea absorption by the inner medullary collecting duct. In contrast, expression of the alpha(1)-subunit of the Na,K-ATPase in the inner medulla was unaltered. Light and electron microscopy of perfusion-fixed kidneys demonstrated that the collecting ducts are morphologically normal and unobstructed. Inner medullary expression of the descending limb water channel, aquaporin-1, was not significantly altered, pointing to a selective effect on the collecting duct. Aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3 expression was also markedly diminished in the renal cortex, indicating that the effect is not limited to the inner medullary collecting duct. Differential centrifugation studies and immunocytochemistry in inner medullary thin sections demonstrated increased targeting of aquaporin-2 to the plasma membrane, consistent with the expected short-term action of vasopressin on aquaporin-2 trafficking. The extensive down-regulation of aquaporin and urea transporter expression may represent an appropriate renal response to the extracellular volume expansion observed in nephrotic syndrome, but may occur at the expense of decreased urinary concentrating and diluting capacity.

To test the hypothesis that the abundance of the apical urea transporter of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is regulated in vivo by factors associated with altered water balance, immunoblots of rat inner medullary membrane fractions were probed with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the renal urea transporter (RUT) gene product. In inner medullas of Brattleboro rats, which manifest severe chronic water diuresis, a 117-kD band was seen, in addition to the previously described 97-kD band. These two bands were detectable by antibodies directed against two different regions of the RUT sequence. When Brattleboro rats were treated with a 5-d infusion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) by osmotic minipump, the 117-kD band was markedly diminished, whereas the 97-kD band was unchanged. Simultaneous infusion of the diuretic agent furosemide prevented the AVP-induced decrease in the 117-kD band. In AVP-infused Sprague Dawley rats, the 117-kD band was barely perceptible. However, when AVP-treated rats were infused with furosemide for 5 d, the 117-kD band was markedly accentuated, whereas the 97-kD band was unchanged. The abundance of the 117-kD RUT protein in the renal papilla was inversely correlated with dietary protein intake. Further immunoblotting studies revealed that the 117-kD protein is heavily expressed in IMCD cells and not in non-collecting duct components of the inner medulla, and is present in low-density microsome fractions from inner medulla. From this study, the following conclusions can be made: (1) The collecting duct urea transporter is present in at least two forms (97 and 117 kD) in the IMCD. (2) The expression level of the 117-kD urea transporter protein is regulated and is inversely correlated with medullary osmolality and urea concentration, but does not correlate with circulating AVP level. (3) Although AVP regulates RUT function on a short-term basis, long-term changes in AVP levels do not increase RUT abundance.

In animal models of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIADH), sustained administration of vasopressin and water results in free-water retention and progressive hyponatremia for several days, which is then followed by escape from the vasopressin-induced antidiuresis. With the onset of vasopressin escape, water excretion increases despite sustained administration of vasopressin, allowing water balance to be re-established and the serum sodium to be stabilized at a steady, albeit decreased, level. Studies from our laboratories have investigated whether this escape phenomenon can be attributed to altered regulation of aquaporin water channels. After four-day pre-treatment with 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (dDAVP) by osmotic minipump, rats were divided into control (continued dDAVP) and water-loaded (continued dDAVP plus a daily oral water load) groups. A significant increase in urine volume in the water-loaded rats was observed by the second day of water loading, indicating escape from antidiuresis. The onset of escape coincided temporally with a marked decrease in renal aquaporin-2 protein (measured by semi-quantitative immunoblotting), which began at day 2 and fell to 17% of control levels by day 3. In contrast, there was no decrease in the renal expression of aquaporins 1, 3, or 4. The marked suppression of whole kidney aquaporin-2 protein was accompanied by a concomitant suppression of whole kidney aquaporin-2 mRNA levels. Immunocytochemical localization and differential centrifugation studies demonstrated that trafficking of aquaporin-2 to the plasma membrane remained intact during vasopressin escape. Additional studies have indicated that the observed down-regulation of aquaporin-2 expression also occurs in the renal cortex as well as the inner and outer medullas, and can be reversed simply by water restriction despite maintenance of hyponatremia. Our results therefore suggest that escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis is attributable, at least in part, to a vasopressin-independent and osmolality-independent decrease in aquaporin-2 water channel expression in the renal collecting duct. Similar mechanisms likely contribute to the phenomenon of escape from antidiuresis seen clinically in patients with SIADH as well.

Renal potassium secretion occurs in the distal segments of the nephron through apically located secretory potassium (SK) channels. SK may correspond to the ROMK channels cloned from rat kidney. In this study, the localization of ROMK at the cellular level in the rat kidney was examined using an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody raised against a C-terminal peptide of ROMK. The specificity of the antibody was demonstrated by immunoblots of membranes of Xenopus oocytes expressing ROMK2. Immunoblots of homogenates from rat renal outer medulla and cortex revealed predominant bands of 70 to 75 kD, which were ablated by preadsorption with an excess of peptide. These bands were specific for the rat kidney. Immunolocalization studies revealed that ROMK is expressed in specific nephron segments in both the cortex and medulla. In the cortex, ROMK was found in the apical domain of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, the connecting tubule, and in some, but not all, cells of cortical collecting tubules. In the medulla, expression in the apical membrane of the thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop was strong, whereas outer medullary collecting ducts were weakly stained. Expression in the thick ascending limb was also heterogeneous; some cells that expressed the Na-K-Cl cotransporter were weakly stained with the anti-ROMK antibody. No staining of glomeruli, proximal tubules, or inner medullary collecting ducts was found. The localization of ROMK agrees well with the findings of SK in patch-clamp studies and supports the view that ROMK is the SK channel of the distal segments of the nephron.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis is associated with altered regulation of any of the known aquaporin water channels. After 4-d pretreatment with 1-deamino-[8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (dDAVP) by osmotic mini-pump, rats were divided into two groups: control (continued dDAVP) and water-loaded (continued dDAVP plus a daily oral water load). A significant increase in urine volume in the water-loaded rats was observed by the second day of water loading, indicating onset of vasopressin escape. The onset of escape coincided temporally with a marked decrease in renal aquaporin-2 protein (measured by semiquantitative immunoblotting), which began at day 2 and fell to 17% of control levels by day 3. In contrast, there was no decrease in the renal expression of aquaporins 1, 3, or 4. The marked suppression of whole kidney aquaporin-2 protein was accompanied by a concomitant suppression of whole kidney aquaporin-2 mRNA levels. Immunocytochemical localization and differential centrifugation studies demonstrated that trafficking of aquaporin-2 to the plasma membrane remained intact during vasopressin escape. The results suggest that escape from vasopressin-induced antidiuresis is attributable, at least in part, to a vasopressin-independent decrease in aquaporin-2 water channel expression in the renal collecting duct.

The aquaporins are molecular water channels that mediate transcellular water transport across water-permeable epithelia. To investigate the cause of the concentrating defect in the nephrotic syndrome, immunoblotting using membrane fractions from inner medulla was utilized to assess the level of expression of four aquaporin water channels in vehicle-treated versus puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-treated rats. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrating loss of glomerular foot processes and measurements of urinary protein excretion confirmed the efficacy of the PAN treatment. In rats receiving PAN, there was an increase in plasma vasopressin, without a change in plasma sodium concentration. Inner medullary tissue hypertonicity was sustained in PAN-treated rats while the urinary osmolality was low, pointing to defective osmotic equilibration across the collecting ducts in PAN-nephrosis. Among collecting duct aquaporins, there was an 87% decrease in aquaporin-2 expression and a 70% decrease in aquaporin-3 expression in the inner medulla, whereas aquaporin-4 expression was unaltered. Transmission electron microscopy of the inner medullary collecting ducts of PAN-treated rats showed normal-appearing cells. Thus, PAN-nephrosis is associated with an extensive downregulation of collecting duct water channel expression despite increased circulating vasopressin, providing an explanation for the concentrating defect associated with the nephrotic syndrome.

Two bumetanide-sensitive ion cotransporters that carry Na+, K+, and Cl- in a coupled fashion have been identified. One type, the "absorptive" isoform, carries these ions across the apical plasma membrane of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Another isoform, the "secretory" cotransporter, has been identified in a number of epithelial tissues by physiological means, but its sites of expression in the kidney have not been fully characterized. Complementary DNA believed to code for the secretory isoform (called "BSC2" or "NKCC1") have recently been cloned. This study used a specific affinity-purified antipeptide antibody to this protein for immunolocalization in the rat kidney. Immunoblot studies using this antibody show abundant immunoreactivity against bands of 140-190 and 120 kd in the parotid gland, colon, and stomach, sites where the secretory form of the cotransporter has been identified by physiological techniques. This distribution supports the hypothesis that this isoform represents the secretory form of the cotransporter. Studies in the kidney revealed that the same bands are associated with membrane fractions chiefly in the outer medulla. Immunolocalizations show that immunoreactivity is selectively and intensely localized to the basolateral plasma membrane of a subfraction of outer medullary collecting duct cells. An independently produced monoclonal antibody (T4) specific for Na-K-Cl cotransporter displays the same localization. Dual localizations of cotransporter antibody with respect to antibody specific for principal cells (aquaporin-2) and intercalated cells (band 3 and H(+)-ATPase) show that cotransporter immunoreactivity is localized to alpha-intercalated cells of the outer medullary collecting duct in the rat. This distinctive localization suggests that the secretory form of the cotransporter may play a role in renal NH4+ and/or acid secretion by this cell type.

To investigate the role of the thick ascending limb (TAL) Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter in regulation of water excretion, we have prepared a peptide-derived polyclonal antibody based on the cloned cDNA sequence of the rat type 1 bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter, BSC-1 (also termed "NKCC-2"). Immunoblots revealed a single broad 161-kDa band in membrane fractions of rat renal outer medulla and cortex but not from rat colon or parotid gland. A similar protein was labeled in mouse kidney. Immunoperoxidase immunohistochemistry in rat kidney revealed labeling restricted to the medullary and cortical TAL segments. Because long-term regulation of urinary concentrating ability may depend on regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter abundance, we used immunoblotting to evaluate the effects of several in vivo factors on expression levels of BSC-1 protein in rat kidney outer medulla. Chronic oral saline loading with 0.16 M NaCl markedly increased BSC-1 abundance. However, long-term vasopressin infusion or thirsting of rats did not affect BSC-1 abundance. Chronic furosemide infusion caused a 9-kDa upward shift in apparent molecular mass and an apparent increase in expression level. These results support the previous identification of BSC-1 as the TAL Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- transporter and demonstrate that the expression of this transporter is regulated.

The aquaporins are molecular water channels expressed in the kidney and other organs. To investigate long-term regulation of renal expression of these water channels, we carried out immunoblotting studies using membrane fractions from rat renal cortex and medulla. Both 48-h water restriction in Sprague-Dawley rats and 5-day arginine vasopressin (AVP) infusion in Brattleboro rats caused significant increases in the expression levels of two aquaporins, aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3, while the levels of aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-4 were unchanged. The increases in aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3 expression were seen in inner and outer medulla as well as cortex. Ablation of the corticomedullary interstitial osmotic gradient with an infusion of furosemide did not eliminate the upregulatory response to AVP infusion in Brattleboro rats. Furthermore, 5-day furosemide infusion to Sprague-Dawley rats did not decrease expression levels of the collecting duct aquaporins, but rather increased them. We conclude that the expression of aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3, but not aquaporin-1 or aquaporin-4, is increased in response to elevated circulating AVP. Because regulation of aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3 levels was observed in the cortex and because osmotic gradient ablation did not abrogate the increase, we conclude that changes in interstitial osmolality are not necessary for the AVP-induced upregulation of aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3 expression.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a newly recognized family of transmembrane proteins that function as molecular water channels. At least four aquaporins are expressed in the kidney where they mediate rapid water transport across water-permeable epithelia and play critical roles in urinary concentrating and diluting processes. AQP1 is constitutively expressed at extremely high levels in the proximal tubule and descending limb of Henle's loop. AQP2, -3 and -4 are expressed predominantly in the collecting duct system. AQP2 is the predominant water channel in the apical plasma membrane and AQP3 and -4 are found in the basolateral plasma membrane. Short-term regulation of collecting duct water permeability by vasopressin is largely a consequence of regulated trafficking of AQP2-containing vesicles to and from the apical plasma membrane.

The renal urea transporter (RUT) is responsible for urea accumulation in the renal medulla, and consequently plays a central role in the urinary concentrating mechanism. To study its cellular and subcellular localization, we prepared affinity-purified, peptide-derived polyclonal antibodies against rat RUT based on the cloned cDNA sequence. Immunoblots using membrane fractions from rat renal inner medulla revealed a solitary 97-kDa band. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated RUT labeling of the apical and subapical regions of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, with no labeling of outer medullary or cortical collecting ducts. Immunoelectron microscopy directly demonstrated labeling of the apical plasma membrane and of subapical intracellular vesicles of IMCD cells, but no labeling of the basolateral plasma membrane. Immunoblots demonstrated RUT labeling in both plasma membrane and intracellular vesicle-enriched membrane fractions from inner medulla, a subcellular distribution similar to that of the vasopressin-regulated water channel, aquaporin-2. In the outer medulla, RUT labeling was seen in terminal portions of short-loop descending thin limbs. Aside from IMCD and descending thin limbs, no other structures were labeled in the kidney. These results suggest that: (i) the RUT provides the apical pathway for rapid, vasopressin-regulated urea transport in the IMCD, (ii) collecting duct urea transport may be increased by vasopressin by stimulation of trafficking of RUT-containing vesicles to the apical plasma membrane, and (iii) the rat urea transporter may provide a pathway for urea entry into the descending limbs of short-loop nephrons.

Previous studies have demonstrated that both the V2-receptor agonist, 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP), and the V1a-receptor agonist, [Phe2, Orn8]vasotocin (PO-VT), increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). The present studies were done to clarify the receptor subtype(s) responsible for calcium mobilization. Measurements of [Ca2+]i, using fura 2 in microdissected IMCD segments, confirmed that arginine vasopressin (AVP), dDAVP, and PO-VT stimulate an increase in [Ca2+]i and that the response to all three agents could be blocked by the specific V2-receptor antagonist, [d(CH2)5(1),D-Ile2, Ile4, Arg8]vasopressin (II-VP). These results would suggest that all three agents acted through the V2 receptor. Furthermore, we showed that PO-VT increased cAMP production in IMCD suspensions and water permeability in isolated perfused tubules. These responses were also blocked by II-VP, indicating that PO-VT is also a V2 agonist in the IMCD. Finally, we utilized the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique of Wiesner (Nucleic Acids Res. 20: 5863-5864, 1992) to evaluate V1a and V2 mRNA levels in rat collecting duct. In terminal IMCD, we estimated > 30 copies/cell for V2 receptor mRNA but less than 1 copy/cell of V1a receptor mRNA, thus there is littler or no V1a mRNA expression in the terminal IMCD. These results suggest that calcium mobilization in response to vasopressin analogues is associated with the V2 receptor and that the V2 receptor is linked to both adenylyl cyclase and calcium mobilization in the rat IMCD.

The aquaporins are a family of transmembrane proteins that function as molecular water channels. Recently, a mercurial-insensitive water channel [MIWC or aquaporin-4 (AQP4)] has been cloned, and its mRNA was found to be expressed strongly in kidney inner medulla and several nonrenal tissues. We prepared affinity-purified polyclonal antipeptide antibodies to AQP4 to define the regional distribution and cellular location of this water channel within the kidney. Immunoblotting of membrane fractions from different regions of the kidney revealed strongest expression in the base of the renal inner medulla, with detectable levels also in the inner medullary tip, but little or no expression in the outer medulla or cortex. Immunocytochemistry (light microscopy) revealed renal AQP4 labeling exclusively in the collecting duct principal cells, chiefly in the proximal two-thirds of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Little or no expression was seen in the outer medullary and cortical collecting ducts. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated AQP4 labeling of the basolateral membrane of IMCD cells, with relatively little labeling of intracellular vesicles. Differential centrifugation of inner medullary homogenates also revealed a lack of distribution to the vesicle-enriched fraction, which contains the vasopressin-regulated water channel, aquaporin-2. In contrast to aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3, water restriction of rats did not increase the level of AQP4 expression. These results suggest a possible role for AQP4 in the basolateral exit of water from the IMCD.

The aquaporins are a family of water channels expressed in several water-transporting tissues, including the kidney. We have used a peptide-derived, affinity-purified polyclonal antibody to aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) to investigate its localization and regulation in the kidney. Immunoblotting experiments showed expression in both renal cortex and medulla, with greatest expression in the base of the inner medulla. Subcellular fractionation of membranes, using progressively higher centrifugation speeds, revealed that AQP-3 is present predominantly in the 4,000 and 17,000 g pellets and, in contrast to AQP-2, is virtually absent in the high-speed (200,000 g) pellet that contains small intracellular vesicles. Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence studies revealed that labeling is restricted to the cortical, outer medullary, and inner medullary collecting ducts. Within the collecting duct, principal cells were labeled, whereas intercalated cells were unlabeled. Consistent with previous immunofluorescence studies (K. Ishibashi, S. Sasaki, K. Fushimi, S. Uchida, M. Kuwahara, H. Saito, T. Furukawa, K. Nakajima, Y. Yamaguchi, T. Gojobori, and F. Marumo. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 6269-6273, 1994; T. Ma, A. Frigeri, H. Hasegawa, and A. S. Verkman. J. Biol. Chem. 269: 21845-21849, 1994), the labeling was confined to the basolateral domain. Immunoelectron microscopy, using the immunogold technique in ultrathin cryosections, demonstrated a predominant labeling of the basolateral plasma membranes. In contrast to previous findings with AQP-2, there was only limited AQP-3 labeling of intracellular vesicles, suggesting that this water channel is not regulated acutely through vesicular trafficking. Immunoblotting studies revealed that thirsting of rats for 48 h approximately doubled the amount of AQP-3 protein in the inner medulla. These studies are consistent with a role for AQP-3 in osmotically driven water absorption across the collecting duct epithelium and suggest that the expression of AQP-3 is regulated on a long-term basis.

Recent studies in a variety of cell types have revealed several receptor subtypes that bind ATP and trigger increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The present studies were aimed at determining whether similar receptors are present in the rat terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). [Ca2+]i was measured using fura 2 in tubules dissected from collagenase-treated rat kidneys. ATP (1-100 microM) caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i with a prolonged late phase after an initial peak. A similar rise was observed in tubules exposed to UTP or to the poorly hydrolyzable analogue, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S). In contrast, agonists that bind P2x, P2y, P2z, and P2t purinergic receptors did not affect [Ca2+]i. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ inhibited the response to ATP by approximately 50% with obliteration of the late phase. Furthermore, indomethacin attenuated the rise in [Ca2+]i produced by ATP. Adenosine analogues also increased [Ca2]i apparently by binding to distinct adenosine receptors rather than to the ATP receptor. We conclude that there is a nucleotide receptor in the rat terminal IMCD, which, when occupied, mobilizes intracellular Ca2+.

Our primary purpose was to assess the impact of chronic exposure to dietary aluminum on aging rats. Male rats were fed diets containing 0.4 or 36.8 mumol Al/g diet for 8 months until 23 months of age. The aging rats fed supplemental aluminum accumulated more aluminum in sera, tibias, and kidneys than control rats, but accumulated similar concentrations of aluminum in bone as young rats fed aluminum for short periods of time in previous studies. Although the rats had increased bone turnover (as indicated by urinary hydroxyproline excretion) after 22 months of age, the amount of bone turnover was not sufficient to explain the urinary excretion of aluminum by the aged rats.

Four studies were conducted to examine the effect of dietary citrate and calcium and modest reductions in kidney function on aluminum utilization in rats. Ingestion of citrate increased retention of aluminum in bones of rats fed 1 mg Al/g diet and increased apparent absorption of zinc. The increased retention of aluminum was not linearly related to dietary citrate levels. These data suggest that citrate had a general effect on the solubility of trace elements in the gut that promoted absorption. When dietary calcium intake was increased from 67 to 250 mumol/g diet, aluminum concentrations in bone were reduced without a change in growth of rats. A reduction (approximately 30%) in kidney function, which was insufficient to alter growth, increased aluminum retention in bone by 34% in rats injected with aluminum and by 13% in rats fed aluminum. Rats fed aluminum seemed to retain in tissues only 0.01 to 0.05% as much aluminum as those injected with aluminum. Thus, tissue concentrations of aluminum, and presumably toxicity, can be altered by moderate changes in diet and kidney function even though overall retention of orally administered aluminum is extremely low.