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J Schnermann

Publications and source records attributed to J Schnermann.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Effects of furosemide and verapamil on the NaCl dependency of macula densa-mediated renin secretion.

The present studies in perfused specimens of the juxtaglomerular apparatus microdissected from rabbit kidneys were performed to quantitatively evaluate the relation between macula densa NaCl concentration and renin secretion and to study the effect of furosemide and verapamil on NaCl dependency of renin release. Renin secretion was found to decrease exponentially when macula densa NaCl concentration was increased from 26/7 mmol/L (Na/Cl) to 46/27, 66/47, and 86/67 mmol/L. Increasing Na/Cl concentrations from 86/67 to 106/87 mmol/L had no further effect on renin secretion. [Cl]1/2, the chloride concentration producing the half-maximal effect, was 30 mmol/L. Addition of 50 mumol/L furosemide to the luminal fluid caused renin secretion to become essentially independent of macula densa NaCl concentration. This effect was due to both an increase of renin secretion at high NaCl concentrations and a decrease of renin release at low NaCl concentrations. Verapamil added to the superfusate at a concentration of 1 mumol/L also abolished NaCl dependency of renin secretion; most of this effect was due to an increase of renin release at high luminal NaCl. These results suggest that Na-2Cl-K cotransport and calcium flux through voltage-gated channels are two mechanisms required for the expression of NaCl-dependent renin release. Identification of the cellular localizations of these two critical membrane proteins in the renin control pathway requires further study.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Amphotericin B nephrotoxicity: the adverse consequences of altered membrane properties.

Amphotericin B (AmB) has been in clinical use for more than 30 yr but has remained the most effective drug for treatment of serious fungal infections. Its use has increased in recent years, as the result of increases in aggressive intensive care support and increased numbers of immunocompromised patients. Nephrotoxic manifestations are common, and this is the major factor limiting the clinical use of the drug. A number of recent studies have contributed to a better understanding of the mechanism by which AmB exerts its nephrotoxic effect. AmB alters cell membrane permeability and probably as a consequence alters tubular and vascular smooth muscle cell function, leading to various tubular transport defects and vasoconstriction. Decreased RBF appears to play a major role in AmB-induced reduction GFR, and recurrent ischemia may be the basis of permanent structural nephrotoxic effects. Salt loading is the only measure proven by controlled prospective study to ameliorate AmB nephrotoxicity in humans. Liposomal AmB and the formulation of an emulsion of AmB in lipid may provide a protective effect based on altering the affinity of AmB for mammalian cell membranes, while preserving high efficacy against fungal cells. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these new AmB formulations.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗
PubMed1994

Synergistic effects of angiotensin and adenosine in the renal microvasculature.

Experiments were performed in the in situ kidney of rats and in isolated afferent arterioles of the rabbit to study the interaction between angiotensin II and adenosine in producing afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction. In the intact rat kidney, we observed that 1) peritubular infusion of the adenosine1-receptor blocker 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX, 10(-4) M) blocked the fall in stop-flow pressure (PSF) induced by angiotensin II (5 x 10(-7) M) but not that caused by vasopressin (10(-5) M) or norepinephrine (10(-5) M), 2) peritubular infusion of saralasin (5 x 10(-5) M) attenuated the fall in PSF caused by N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, 10(-5) M) 3) the fall in PSF following luminal application of CHA (10(-5) M) was reduced in angiotensin II-depleted states (volume expansion and converting enzyme inhibition) and this could be reversed by infusion of low doses of angiotensin II, and 4) the reduction in PSF in response to luminal infusion of CHA was augmented in a greater-than-additive fashion when angiotensin was simultaneously administered at low intravenous infusion rates. In isolated afferent arterioles of the rabbit, we noted that 1) addition of 10(-5) M CPX to the bath significantly blunted the constrictor effect of angiotensin II (10(-8) M), 2) presence of the converting enzyme inhibitor quinaprilate (10(-7) M) caused a right shift in the constrictor-response curve to increasing concentrations of CHA (10(-9)-10(-5) M) but 10(-5) M saralasin did not affect vasoconstriction caused by 10(-6) M adenosine, 3) simultaneous administration of submaximal constrictor doses of angiotensin II (10(-10) M) and adenosine (10(-6) M) produced vasoconstriction that was greater than additive, and 4) 10(-5) M CHA and angiotensin II (10(-7) M) constricted afferent arterioles after removal of the glomerulus, whereas either agent alone had no constrictor effect in this preparation. Our results suggest that adenosine and angiotensin cooperate in a mutually dependent and synergistic fashion in producing afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

Renin and renin mRNA in proximal tubules of the rat kidney.

The present study was undertaken to assess the presence of renin enzymatic activity and renin mRNA in proximal tubules of rat kidneys, and to determine the effect of converting enzyme inhibition (CEI) on proximal tubule renin gene expression. Proximal convoluted tubules (PCT), proximal straight tubules (PST), outer medullary collecting ducts (OMCD), and glomeruli (Gloms) were isolated by microdissection. Renin activity was measured in sonicated segments by radioimmunoassay. Renin mRNA levels were assessed using a quantitative PCR. Renin activity in PCT averaged 51 +/- 15 microGU/mm compared to 405 +/- 120 microGU/glomerulus. No measurable renin activity was found in PST and OMCD. Renin activity in both glomeruli and tubules had the same pH optimum, between 7.0 and 7.5. Renin mRNA was consistently detectable in cDNA prepared from PCT and PST, although its abundance per mm tubule was about 1/500th that found in one glomerulus. Renin mRNA was not detectable in OMCD. Tubular renin PCR product identity was confirmed by restriction digestion. CEI administration increased glomerular renin activity and renin mRNA, but not proximal tubular renin. The absence of a stimulatory effect of CEI on proximal tubule renin gene expression suggests the operation of different intracellular signals in control of renin synthesis in the proximal tubule than in the vascular compartment.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1993

Cyclic AMP selectively increases renin mRNA stability in cultured juxtaglomerular granular cells.

This study was undertaken to examine the regulation of renin release and gene expression in primary cultures of juxtaglomerular granular (JGG) cells. JGG cells, isolated from mouse kidney, demonstrated high purity and showed regulated renin release in vitro. Changes in steady-state renin mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques, with polymerase chain reaction amplification efficiency monitored by co-amplification of experimental samples with a dilution series of cDNA for a mutant template. When the cells were incubated in the presence or absence of forskolin, isoproterenol, or 8-bromo-cAMP plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine for 24 h or cholera toxin for 12 h, renin mRNA levels were increased 3.9-, 4.4-, 5.1-, and 3.3-fold, respectively (all, p < 0.05). A significant increase in renin mRNA levels was observed 8 h after treatment with forskolin, but no change was detectable at 4 h. Cycloheximide did not prevent the increase in renin mRNA by isoproterenol. When RNA synthesis was inhibited by incubation with actinomycin D (5 micrograms/ml), renin mRNA levels declined with a half-life of 3.0 +/- 0.8 h. Treatment with forskolin increased renin mRNA half-life to 10.8 +/- 2.7 h (p < 0.025). The half-life of beta-actin, endothelin-1, or the facilitative glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) mRNA expressed in the same cells was not altered, although the steady-state levels of GLUT-1 mRNA increased 2.2-fold after treatment with forskolin. These data demonstrate that cAMP increases renin release and mRNA levels in JGG cells in vitro, that the stimulatory effect of cAMP on renin mRNA is delayed but does not require new protein synthesis, and that the increased renin mRNA levels induced by cAMP are due in part to a selective increase in renin mRNA stability.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1993

Distribution of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor mRNA along the nephron.

In the present study, a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to quantitate the relative levels of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA in microdissected nephron segments from the rat kidney and of MR mRNA from isolated principal and intercalated collecting duct cells from rabbit. RNA was isolated from cells and isolated tubules, cDNA was synthesized, and receptor cDNA was coamplified by PCR with a competitive control template. beta-Actin PCR products were also obtained from each nephron segment studied, to assess variations in RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. MR mRNA, as determined by this competitive PCR technique, was 10-fold more abundant in cortical collecting duct (CCD), outer medullary collecting duct, and inner medullary collecting duct segments than in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb segments (P < 0.05). Both principal and beta-intercalated cells of the CCD contained detectable levels of MR mRNA, although the levels in the principal cells were threefold higher (P < 0.01). GR mRNA was twofold more abundant in glomeruli, proximal tubule, and thick ascending limb segments than in the collecting duct segments (P < 0.05). In general, the distribution pattern of MR and GR mRNA is consistent with the distribution of adrenal corticosteroid function along the nephron.

Actins↗
PubMed1993

Effects of adenosine and angiotensin on macula densa-stimulated renin secretion.

The present studies were performed to assess, in the isolated perfused juxtaglomerular apparatus of the rabbit kidney, the effect of exogenous adenosine on renin secretion stimulated by a low NaCl concentration at the macula densa. Addition of adenosine to the bath resulted in a change of renin secretion from 30.4 to 23.9 nGU/min at an adenosine concentration of 10(-6) M (n = 7; P = NS), from 38.6 to 17.9 nGU/min at a concentration of 10(-4) M (n = 7; P = 0.038), and from 18.4 to 5.8 nGU/min at 10(-2) M (P = 0.0053). Addition of the A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine at 10(-5) M fully reversed the effect of adenosine at 10(-4) M, but not at 10(-2) M. Inhibition of adenosine breakdown by the adenosine deaminase inhibitor pentostatin (10(-6) M) enhanced the inhibitory effect of adenosine with renin secretion falling from 61.7 to 19.5 nGU/min at 10(-6) M adenosine (P = 0.035) and from 44.7 to 13.5 nGU/min at 10(-4) M adenosine (n = 0.027). A marked inhibition of NaCl-dependent renin secretion was caused by both angiotensin II (P = 0.011) and angiotensin III (P = 0.006), both at 10(-8) M. These results show that adenosine is capable of reducing macula densa-mediated renin secretion, but that this effect, even at very high concentrations or during adenosine deaminase blockade, does not fully mimic the inhibitory potency of increasing luminal NaCl concentration. Because the marked effect caused by angiotensins establishes the potential of this preparation to demonstrate inhibitory hormonal influences, it is concluded that adenosine does not appear to be the sole paracrine factor responsible for the NaCl-induced reduction of renin secretion.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Endothelin-1 mRNA in glomerular and epithelial cells of kidney.

To examine the question of the tubular localization of renal endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA, cDNA generated by reverse transcription of isolated rat tubule RNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using rat ET-1-specific oligonucleotides. Product identity was determined by restriction enzyme digestion or direct product sequencing. ET-1 mRNA was found to increase in renal tissue in a corticomedullary direction. High levels of ET-1 mRNA were found in dissected glomeruli and in juxtaglomerular cells in short-term primary culture. Among tubule segments, ET-1 mRNA was most abundant in inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCD), but products were also found with cDNA derived from proximal convoluted and straight tubules, thick ascending limbs, and outer medullary collecting ducts. In kidneys of untreated, homozygous Brattleboro rats, the increase of ET-1 mRNA along the corticomedullary axis as well as the preponderance of tubular ET-1 mRNA in IMCD was not observed. Our data show that ET-1 mRNA is present in all nephron segments studied and that its expression may be dependent on the functional state of the kidney. Our results are consistent with the proposal that ET-1 modifies tubular function in an autocrine or paracrine fashion.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Time course of stimulation of renal renin messenger RNA by furosemide.

Renin secretion responds rapidly to a variety of stimuli; however, reported changes in renal renin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in vivo have been observed only after prolonged stimulation. Studies were designed to test whether rapid changes in renin mRNA levels can be produced in vivo. In the first series, Sprague-Dawley rats received furosemide (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and a low sodium diet (0.05% sodium); renin secretion was significantly stimulated at 8 or 16 hours after treatment, but renin mRNA levels did not change. In a second series, rats were pretreated with deoxycorticosterone acetate (200 mg/kg) and saline drinking water for 3 days and then killed 0, 2, 4, 8, or 48 hours after furosemide administration. The renin mRNA level was unchanged at 2 hours but was stimulated twofold at 4 and 8 hours and threefold at 48 hours. In additional animals, the response of renin mRNA 4 hours after furosemide was found not to be potentiated by the converting enzyme inhibitor quinapril (5 mg/kg). The results demonstrate that with acute stimulation, renin mRNA levels lag 2-4 hours behind the change in plasma renin levels.

Actins↗
PubMed1992

Induction of water diuresis by endothelin in rats.

Experiments were performed in anesthetized rats to examine the possibility that endothelin (ET) modifies renal epithelial function in addition to its well-established hemodynamic actions. Infusion of ET-3 at rates between 34 and 178 ng.kg-1.min-1 was in many cases followed by a rise in urine flow and a persistent decrease in urine osmolality, whereas glomerular filtration rate (GFR) did not significantly change. The extent of ET-induced diuresis was dependent on the response of GFR: in rats in which ET-3 infusion caused a marked reduction of GFR (greater than 70%) ET-induced diuresis was not seen, even though urine osmolality still fell significantly. From animal to animal, ET-induced changes of urine flow or GFR did not correlate significantly with the rate of ET-3 infusion. ET-1, another ET isopeptide, also produced water diuresis when administered in GFR-neutral doses. Urinary excretion of total solutes and of sodium was not significantly altered by ET-3. Infusion of vasopressin blunted the diuretic effect of ET-3, whereas ET-3-induced water diuresis was not measurably altered by chronic or acute treatment with a converting enzyme inhibitor or by acute inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Induction of water diuresis was not secondary to an inhibition of vasopressin secretion since it could be demonstrated in homozygous Brattleboro rats in which antidiuresis was produced by the infusion of vasopressin at a rate of 200 microU.kg-1.min-1. These data suggest that ET may be an inhibitory modulator of the hydrosmotic action of vasopressin at the level of the renal collecting duct.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1992

Vasomotor effects of purinergic agonists in isolated rabbit afferent arterioles.

To examine the vasomotor effects of purinergic agonists, experiments were performed in isolated afferent arterioles of rabbit kidneys dissected together with their glomerulus and perfused with a pressure head of 120 cmH2O. Changes in vascular diameter were taken as measure of changes in vasomotor tone. Adenosine caused a dose-dependent and persistent decrease in vascular diameter along the entire afferent arteriole with significant changes being detectable at 10(-8) M. Constrictor effects were more pronounced in the glomerular entrance segment of the arteriole where adenosine caused a progressive diameter reduction with maximum contraction at 10(-4) M. Similar monophasic diameter reductions of the distal afferent arteriole were seen with increasing bath concentrations of 2-chloroadenosine (2-ClAdo), cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), and 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA). Concentrations to achieve half-maximum responses were 92.5 nM for 2-ClAdo, 39 nM for CHA, and 107 nM for NECA. The A2-receptor agonist N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl]adenosine had no effect on vessel diameter. Increasing bath concentrations of ATP caused significant diameter reductions in both the proximal and distal parts of the afferent arterioles. Addition of the A1-receptor blocker, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, eliminated the effect of ATP in the proximal region of the arteriole, but a significant diameter reduction was still seen in the glomerular entrance segment. The ATP analogue, beta gamma-methylene-ATP, caused a significant diameter reduction in this segment. These results are consistent with an essentially exclusive presence of A1 receptors in the glomerular entrance segment of the afferent arteriole, whereas in more proximal regions A2 receptors appear to also be expressed in low density. These studies also provide functional evidence for the presence of P2x receptors in renal afferent arterioles.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

Intracellular ATP can regulate afferent arteriolar tone via ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the rabbit.

Studies were performed to assess whether ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels on rabbit preglomerular vessels can influence afferent arteriolar (AA) tone. K+ channels with a slope conductance of 258 +/- 13 (n = 7) pS and pronounced voltage dependence were demonstrated in excised patches from vascular smooth muscle cells of microdissected preglomerular segments. Channel activity was markedly reduced by 1 mM ATP and in a dose-dependent fashion by glibenclamide (10(-9) M to 10(-6) M), a specific antagonist of KATP channels. 10(-5) M diazoxide, a K+ channel opener, activated these channels in the presence of ATP, and this effect was also blocked by glibenclamide. To determine the role of these KATP channels in the control of vascular tone, diazoxide was tested on isolated perfused AA. After preconstriction from a control diameter of 13.1 +/- 1.1 to 3.5 +/- 2.1 microns with phenylephrine (PE), addition of 10(-5) M diazoxide dilated vessels to 11.2 +/- 0.7 microns, which was not different from control. Further addition of 10(-5) M glibenclamide reconstricted the vessels to 5.8 +/- 1.5 microns (n = 5; P less than 0.03). In support of its specificity for KATP channels, glibenclamide did not reverse verapamil induced dilation in a separate series of experiments. To determine whether intracellular ATP levels can effect AA tone, studies were conducted to test the effect of the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose. After preconstriction from 13.4 +/- 3.2 to 7.7 +/- 1.3 microns with PE, bath glucose was replaced with 6 mM 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Within 10 min, the arteriole dilated to a mean value of 11.8 +/- 1.4 microns (n = 6; NS compared to control). Subsequent addition of 10(-5) M glibenclamide significantly reconstricted the vessels to a diameter of 8.6 +/- 0.5 micron (P less than 0.04). These data demonstrate that KATP channels are present on the preglomerular vasculature and that changes in intracellular ATP can directly influence afferent arteriolar tone via these channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Renin release from isolated juxtaglomerular apparatus depends on macula densa chloride transport.

Transport inhibitor and ion substitution studies were performed using perfused, superfused preparations of the isolated rabbit juxtaglomerular apparatus to investigate transport dependency of macula densa-mediated renin secretion. In the first experimental series, tubular perfusion with a high-NaCl solution containing 10(-6) M bumetanide increased renin secretion compared with perfusion with high NaCl alone from 8.7 to 24.6 nano-Goldblatt hog units (nGU)/min. Bath addition of 10(-6) M bumetanide had no effect on renin release. The second series tested ability of luminal addition of 54 mmol/l Na or Cl salts to inhibit renin secretion, starting from a stimulated value produced by low-NaCl perfusion. Perfusion with a high-NaCl solution decreased renin secretion from 58.9 to 14.8 nGU/min, which served as a positive control. Addition of choline chloride decreased renin secretion from 42.7 to 16.6 nGU/min, and RbCl decreased renin secretion from 54.9 to 17.0 nGU/min. In contrast, addition of two different Na salts had no effect on renin release (from 41.7 to 31.6 nGU/min with sodium isethionate and from 14.1 to 13.5 nGU/min with sodium acetate). Also, in the presence of 26 mmol/l Cl, addition of 54 mmol/l Na had no effect on renin secretion (29.9-36.8 nGU/min). These data demonstrate that renin secretion is directly stimulated by luminal application of transport blockers and can be inhibited by increases in Cl concentration at the macula densa but not by changes in Na concentration. These results support the hypothesis that the initiating signal for macula densa control of renin secretion is an inverse change in transport rate via the luminal Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin and vasopressin in isolated rabbit afferent arterioles.

The present studies were performed to examine the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II (ANG II), angiotensin III (ANG III), and vasopressin in isolated afferent arterioles of the rabbit kidney. Afferent arterioles were dissected together with their glomerulus and perfused with a pressure head of 120 cmH2O. Changes in vasomotor tone were assessed as diameter changes on videotaped recordings. Afferent arterioles responded to the angiotensins and vasopressin with dose-dependent reductions in vascular diameters with half-maximum responses being observed at concentrations between 10(-9) and 10(-8) M. Responses to ANG II and III were inhibited by saralasin. Contractile responses to ANG II and vasopressin were not altered by prior occlusion of the efferent arteriole, suggesting that afferent vasoconstriction does not represent a myogenic reaction to an increase in efferent resistance. The vasoconstrictor response to ANG II was largely eliminated by removal of the glomerulus and the distal-most portion of the afferent arteriole, whereas the response to vasopressin remained intact. Our data are consistent with the notion that the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) and/or glomerulus may control proximal afferent arteriolar contractility by electrotonic or myogenic coupling mechanisms or by producing cofactors that modulate vasomotor responses.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1991

Direct vasoconstriction as a possible cause for amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

In anesthetized rats we tested the hypothesis that amphotericin B (AmB) reduces glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by activating the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism. Infusion of 1 mg/kg AmB over 50 min was followed by a reduction in kidney GFR (from 0.47 +/- 0.03 to 0.39 +/- 0.02 ml/min per 100 g body wt during the second hour after infusion; P less than 0.05) and by an increase in urine flow and urinary chloride excretion. Single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) measured in proximal (TGF interrupted) or distal tubules (TGF intact) decreased to a similar degree from 33.4 +/- 1.8 and 30.6 +/- 1.2 nl/min in the control period to 19.7 +/- 1.9 and 21.2 +/- 1.6 nl/min during the second hour after AmB infusion (P less than 0.05). Distal chloride concentrations and TGF responses to changes in loop of Henle flow rate were not significantly altered by AmB. AmB at 10(-5) M reduced the diameter of isolated perfused afferent arterioles from rabbit kidneys. In isometrically contracting rings of rabbit aorta and renal artery in vitro AmB produced endothelium-independent constriction, with half-maximal contraction (EC50) being achieved by 1.8 x 10(-6) and 2.6 x 10(-6) M in intact vessels and 1.3 x 10(-6) and 1.7 x 10(-6) M in endothelium-denuded vessels respectively. Tension development did not occur in Ca-free media or in the presence of Ca channel blockers. Pretreatment with ouabain or Bay K 8644 potentiated the effect of AmB. The vasoconstrictive effect of AmB was counteracted by aminophylline and atrial natriuretic peptide. We conclude that the AmB-induced reduction in GFR is not caused by TGF activation and that AmB has a direct vasoconstrictor effect that is probably initiated by depolarization-induced opening of Ca channels. This effect may be an important component of the nephrotoxic actions of AmB.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1991

The afferent arteriole--the target for macula densa-generated signals.

The contractile characteristics of the afferent arteriole revealed in the present series of experiments lead one to predict that TGF-induced vasoconstriction should be dependent on both A-II and adenosine. In fact, previous evidence has suggested a role for both adenosine and angiotensin in the TGF mechanism. Acceleration of adenosine deamination as well as adenosine receptor blockade markedly reduced the effect of distal NaCl concentration on SNGFR or PSF. Conversely, inhibition of adenosine breakdown or cellular adenosine uptake, two interventions which are likely to increase interstitial adenosine levels, augmented TGF responses. The same effect was seen when adenosine1-receptor analogs were locally applied by microinfusion. The administration of A-II-converting-enzyme blockers or A-II-receptor antagonists reduced TGF responses, while peritubular or intravenous administration of A-II augmented them. Furthermore, the inhibition of TGF responses caused by volume expansion-induced reductions in plasma A-II concentrations could be restored to normal by A-II infusion. The present results raise the possibility that normal TGF responsiveness depends upon the availability of both adenosine and A-II in sufficiently high concentrations. Figure 1 outlines a mechanism of this mutual dependency. One may assume that adenosine is generated as a consequence of NaCl-dependent changes in NaCl transport by macula densa cells or by TALH cells in the immediate vicinity of the macula densa. The absence of capillaries in the juxtaglomerular interstitium could permit an accumulation of the autacoid to an extent not possible in other regions of the renal interstitium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗
PubMed1990

Cellular mechanisms within the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

The tubular-vascular connection via the juxtaglomerular apparatus appears to serve two functions, local control of renal vascular resistance and regulation of renin secretion. A fall in single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) and an increase in resistance are produced by an increase in NaCl concentration at the macular densa. This change also results in inhibition of secretion of renin. The macula densa has a unique location near the terminal end of the thick ascending limb, where NaCl concentration is highly flow dependent. The cellular mechanisms by which changes in tubular fluid NaCl produce vasoconstriction and inhibition of renin secretion are unknown, but the anatomy of the juxtaglomerular apparatus strongly suggests that such responses may be mediated by the extraglomerular mesangial cells located in the polar cushion underlying the macula densa. Recent evidence suggests that interstitial chloride concentration in this compartment may be quite variable, and that increases in external chloride may enhance the activation of the mesangial cell.

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