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M Hamann

Publications and source records attributed to M Hamann.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Stimulation of renin secretion by NO donors is related to the cAMP pathway.

This study aimed to characterize the cellular pathways along which nitric oxide (NO) influences the secretion of renin from the kidney. Using the isolated perfused rat kidney model, we found that the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (1-30 mumol/l) induced a prompt, concentration-dependent fourfold increase of basal renin secretion. The membrane-permeable cGMP analogs 8-bromo-cGMP and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (8-pCPT-cGMP; each 5-50 mumol/l) inhibited basal renin secretion and attenuated the stimulation of renin secretion by SNP. Conversely, the renin stimulatory effect of SNP was enhanced in the presence of the G kinase inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cGMPS (10 mumol/l). The renin stimulatory effect of SNP was amplified in nominally calcium-free perfusate and was abolished in the presence of angiotensin II (1 nmol/l). Renin secretion stimulated by SNP was clearly attenuated by the A kinase inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS (25 mumol/l). These findings indicate that the renin stimulatory effect of NO donors in renal juxtaglomerular cells cannot be explained by activation of G kinase and is also less likely to be causally related to the regulation of renin secretion by calcium. Because A kinase activity is required for the stimulation of renin secretion by SNP, it appears as if the renin stimulatory effect is causally related to the cAMP pathway controlling renin secretion.

Animals↗

The role of glutamate transporters in glutamate homeostasis in the brain.

Glutamate transporters in neurones and glia, four of which have been cloned from mammals, play a crucial role in controlling the extracellular glutamate concentration in the brain. In normal conditions, they remove glutamate from the extracellular space and thereby help to terminate glutamatergic synaptic transmission and to prevent the extracellular glutamate concentration from rising to neurotoxic values. Glutamate transport on these carriers is thought to be driven by the cotransport of Na+, the counter-transport of K+, and either the cotransport of H+ or the counter-transport of OH-. Activating the transporters also activates an anion conductance in their structure, the anion flux through which is not coupled to glutamate movement and varies widely for the different transporters. During hypoxia or ischaemia, glutamate transporters can run backwards, releasing glutamate into the extracellular space, triggering the death of neurones and thus causing mental and physical handicap. The rate of glutamate release by this process is slowed by the acid pH occurring in hypoxia/ischaemia, which may help protect the brain during transient, but not sustained, ischaemia.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Contribution of a non-inactivating potassium current to the resting membrane potential of fusion-competent human myoblasts.

1. Using the patch-clamp technique, a new non-inactivating voltage-gated potassium current, IK(ni), was studied in cultured fusion-competent human myoblasts. 2. IK(ni) is activated at voltages above -50 mV and its conductance reaches its maximum around +50 mV. Once activated, the current remains at a steady level for minutes. 3. Reversal potential measurements at various extracellular potassium concentrations indicate that potassium ions are the major charge carriers of IK(ni). 4. IK(ni) is insensitive to potassium channel blockers such as charybdotoxin, dendrotoxins, mast cell degranulating (MCD) peptide, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) and apamin, but can be blocked by high concentrations of TEA and by Ba2+. 5. A potassium channel of small conductance (8.4 pS at +40 mV) with potential dependence and pharmacological properties corresponding to those of IK(ni) in whole-cell recording is described. 6. IK(ni) participates in the control of the resting potential of fusion-competent myoblasts, suggesting that it may play a key role in the process of myoblast fusion.

Adolescent↗

Coordinate changes of renin and brain-type nitric-oxide-synthase (b-NOS) mRNA levels in rat kidneys.

In our study we have examined the mRNA levels of nitric-oxide-(NO-)synthases in rat kidneys during states of stimulated and reduced renin gene expression, to find out whether renal mRNA levels of NO-synthases are correlated with the activity of the renin system. Stimulation of the renin system was achieved by unilateral renal artery clipping (2-kidney/1-clip rats), treatment with the angiotensin II (ANG II) antagonist losartan (40 mg/kg), application of furosemide (12 mg x kg-1 x day-1) and a low-sodium diet (0.02% w/w Na+), which increased renin mRNA levels to 464%, 495%, 309% and 219% of those of control animals, respectively. Inhibition of the renin system was achieved in the nonclipped (contralateral) kidneys of 2-kidney/1-clip rats and in the kidneys of rats which were fed a high-sodium diet (4% w/w Na+); in both cases renin mRNA levels decreased to about 50% of the control values. First screening of the gene expression of brain-type NO-synthase (b-NOS), endothelial NOS (e-NOS) and inducible NOS (i-NOS) during all these alterations of the renin system was done using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Results from such noncompetitive PCR experiments indicated that only b-NOS mRNA levels change concordantly with the levels of renin. These changes in b-NOS mRNA levels were checked by the more reliable method of RNase protection assay. Results of the RNase protection assay proved that the renal levels of b-NOS mRNA were significantly increased by about 50% after a low-sodium diet and hypoperfusion of the kidney. Given a stimulatory role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/NO on the renin system our findings may provide the first evidence that increases of renal levels of b-NOS mRNA and, as a consequence, of renal EDRF/NO formation could be important mediators of the well-known effect of salt intake and hypoperfusion on the renin system.

Angiotensin II↗

Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the vertebrate myotendinous junction: a hypothesis.

It has long been known that nicotinic acetycholine receptors (nAChRs) are present in muscle fibres not only at the end plate region but also at the myotendinous junction (MTJ). Their function at the MTJ, however, is yet unknown. Recent experiments in our laboratory lead us to suggest that nAChRs at this site might be involved in muscle repair. MTJ is subject to high mechanical stress and therefore is easily damaged. We found in pure cultures of human myogenic cells that (1) the density of nAChRs in myoblasts increases markedly just before cell fusion, (2) the fusion of human myoblasts is accelerated by the presence of a cholinergic agonist acting on nAChRs and (3) human myoblasts and myotubes spontaneously release an ACh-like compound. Based on these observations we propose that in damaged muscles the nAChRs at the MTJ and those of myogenic cells are activated by the ACh-like compound these cells release. This leads to fusion of myogenic cells with damaged muscle fibres and hence promotes repair.

Acetylcholine↗

Identification of self-renewing myoblasts in the progeny of single human muscle satellite cells.

We demonstrate that self-renewing myoblasts can be identified in the progeny of single human muscle satellite cells (HMSC) in culture. We show, using cytoskeletal proteins and cell size as markers, that self-renewing myoblasts are phenotypically different from other myoblasts, but similar to native HMSC. Native desmin-positive HMSC, cultured as single cells, yielded two major populations of myoblasts, alpha-sarcomeric (alpha-SR)-actin-positive myoblasts and desmin-positive myoblasts. In appropriate culture conditions, alpha-SR-actin-positive myoblasts fused into myotubes, whereas a population of desmin-positive non-fusing myoblasts (NFMB) persisted for weeks among the myotubes. Upon isolation from myotubes, some of the NFMB resumed proliferation and their progeny included fusing and non-fusing myoblasts, with the same cytoskeletal phenotypes as the progeny of native HMSC. This self-renewal cycle could be repeated, yielding four cohorts of myoblasts. The yield of self-renewing cells appeared to decrease with the number of cycles. These results suggest that stem cells are present among NFMB. Moreover, we find that these presumptive stem cells are already segregated during myoblast proliferation. They are small, phenotypically similar to native HMSC, and do not divide unless they are isolated from their sister progeny and cultured alone. Enriched preparations of cells with stem cell-like properties can be obtained from proliferating myoblasts by flow cytometry on the basis of size and nucleocytoplasmic ratio.

Adolescent↗

Non-synaptic release of ATP by electrical stimulation in slices of rat hippocampus, cerebellum and habenula.

ATP is thought to be a fast neurotransmitter in the medial habenula region of the brain, and may be coreleased with other transmitters, for example with glutamate in the hippocampus. We monitored ATP release in rat brain slices using the bioluminescent indicator system luciferin-luciferase. Electrical stimulation of the hippocampus, cerebellum or habenula led to ATP release, but this release was calcium-independent and was not blocked by tetrodotoxin, or by other agents found to block ATP release from red blood cells. Although calcium-dependent ATP release may occur in response to electrical stimulation, it appears to be overwhelmed by calcium-independent release, which may result from electroporation of cells close to the stimulating electrode. Consistent with this, uptake into cells of the fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow was promoted by electrical stimulation. Our data undermine a previous suggestion, based on use of the luciferin-luciferase technique, that ATP is synaptically released with glutamate in the hippocampus.

Action Potentials↗

Effect of amlodipine on renin secretion and renin gene expression in rats.

1. This study was done to characterize the influence of calcium channel blockade on renin secretion and renin gene expression in normal rats and rats with renovascular hypertension. To this end we studied the effects of the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, amlodipine, on plasma renin activity and renal renin m-RNA levels in normal rats and rats with unilateral renal hypoperfusion induced by applying 0.2 mm left renal artery clips over four days. 2. In normotensive rats, amlodipine significantly decreased basal blood pressure by about 20 mmHg when applied in a concentration of 5, 15 and 45 mg kg-1. Plasma renin activity and also renin mRNA levels were not changed after application of 5 mg kg-1 of amlodipine. However, at a concentration of 15 or 45 mg kg-1, amlodipine, significantly increased not only plasma renin activity by about 250% and 300%, but also renin mRNA levels by about 100% and 500%. The action of amlodipine on all these parameters was maximal after 24 h. Treatment with amlodipine in a concentration of 15 mg kg-1 also increased renin immunoreactive areas in the kidney cortex by retrograde recruitment of renin expressing cells in the afferent arterioles. 3. In 2kidney-1 clip rats, systolic blood pressure rose continuously whilst plasma renin activity and renin m-RNA in the clipped kidney increased transiently and renin m-RNA in the contralateral kidney was constantly suppressed. Amlodipine at a concentration of 15 mg kg-1 markedly attenuated the increase of blood pressure in 2kidney-1 clip rats, produced an almost additive effect on plasma renin activity and showed a tendency to increase renin m-RNA levels in the clipped kidneys. Renin m-RNA levels in the contralateral kidney were also significantly suppressed in the animals receiving additional treatment with amlodipine. 4. These findings suggest that inhibition of calcium channels by amlodipine stimulates renin secretion and renin gene expression in vivo. These stimulatory effects are almost additive to the changes of renin secretion occurring after an unilateral fall of renal perfusion pressure.

Amlodipine↗

Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors increases the rate of fusion of cultured human myoblasts.

1. Fusion of myogenic cells is important for muscle growth and repair. The aim of this study was to examine the possible involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the fusion process of myoblasts derived from postnatal human satellite cells. 2. Acetylcholine-activated currents (ACh currents) were characterized in pure preparations of freshly isolated satellite cells, proliferating myoblasts, myoblasts triggered to fuse and myotubes, using whole-cell and single-channel voltage clamp recordings. Also, the effect of cholinergic agonists on myoblast fusion was tested. 3. No nAChR were observed in freshly isolated satellite cells. nAChR were first observed in proliferating myoblasts, but ACh current densities increased markedly only just before fusion. At that time most mononucleated myoblasts had ACh current densities similar to those of myotubes. ACh channels had similar properties at all stages of myoblast maturation. 4. The fraction of myoblasts that did not fuse under fusion-promoting conditions had no ACh current and thus resembled freshly isolated satellite cells. 5. The rate of myoblast fusion was increased by carbachol, an effect antagonized by alpha-bungarotoxin, curare and decamethonium, but not by atropine, indicating that nAChR were involved. Even though a prolonged exposure to carbachol led to desensitization, a residual ACh current persisted after several days of exposure to the nicotinic agonist. 6. Our observations suggest that nAChR play a role in myoblast fusion and that part of this role is mediated by the flow of ions through open ACh channels.

Carbachol↗

Synthesis and release of an acetylcholine-like compound by human myoblasts and myotubes.

1. Exogenously applied acetylcholine (ACh) is a modulator of human myoblast fusion. Using a chemiluminescent method, we examined whether an endogenous ACh-like compound (ACh-lc) was present in, and released by, pure human myogenic cells. 2. Single, freshly isolated satellite cells and proliferating myoblasts contained 15 and 0.5 fmol ACh-lc, respectively. Cultured myotubes contained ACh-lc as well. Also, ACh-like immunoreactivity was detected in all myogenic cells. 3. Part of the ACh-lc was synthesized by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), as indicated by the reduction of ACh-lc content when bromoACh was present in the culture medium, and by direct measurements of ChAT activity. Also, ChAT-like immunoreactivity was observed in all myogenic cells. 4. Myoblasts and myotubes released ACh-lc spontaneously by a partially Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism. 5. The application by microperfusion of medium conditioned beforehand by myoblasts (thus presumably containing ACh-lc) onto a voltage-clamped myotube induced inward currents resembling ACh-induced currents in their kinetics, reversal potential, and sensitivity to nicotinic antagonists. 6. In vitro, the spontaneously released ACh-lc promoted myoblast fusion but only in the presence of an anticholinesterase. 7. Our observations indicate that human myogenic cells synthesize and release an ACh-lc and thereby promote the fusion process that occurs in muscle during growth or regeneration.

Acetylcholine↗

Tonic stimulation of renin gene expression by nitric oxide is counteracted by tonic inhibition through angiotensin II.

This study was designed to examine the possible involvement of prostaglandins and nitric oxide (NO) in the renin stimulatory effect of angiotensin II (AngII) antagonists. To this end, plasma renin activities (PRAs) and renal renin mRNA levels were assayed in rats that were treated with the Ang-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril or with the AngII AT1-receptor antagonist losartan. Ramipril and losartan increased PRA values from 7.5 +/- 1.6 to 86 +/- 6 and 78 +/- 22 ng of AngI per h per ml and renin mRNA levels from 112 +/- 9% to 391 +/- 20% and 317 +/- 10%, respectively. Inhibition of prostaglandin formation with indomethacin did not influence basal or ramipril-affected PRA. Basal renin mRNA levels also were unchanged by indomethacin, while increases in renin mRNA levels after ramipril treatment were slightly reduced by indomethacin. Inhibition of NO synthase by nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) reduced PRA values to 3.2 +/- 0.9, 34 +/- 13, and 12.1 +/- 2.7 ng of AngI per h per ml in control, ramipril-treated, and losartan-treated animals, respectively. Renin mRNA levels were reduced to 77 +/- 14% under basal conditions and ramipril- and losartan-induced increases in renin mRNA levels were completely blunted after addition of L-NAME. The AngII antagonists, furthermore, induced an upstream recruitment of renin-expressing cells in the renal afferent arterioles, which was also blunted by L-NAME. These findings suggest that renin mRNA levels are tonically increased by NO and that the action of NO is counteracted by AngII.

Analysis of Variance↗

Expression of a voltage-dependent potassium current precedes fusion of human muscle satellite cells (myoblasts).

Using the whole-cell recording patch clamp technique in clonal cultures of human muscle satellite cells (SC), we studied a voltage-gated potassium current analogous to the delayed rectifier current (IKdr) described in adult human skeletal muscle. This current was absent in proliferating SC cultured in a growth medium containing 15% serum, except when the SC approached the end of their replicative life (between 77 and 124 days in culture); at that time, approximately 50% of the SC possessed IKdr. In contrast, IKdr was expressed within less than 4 days in approximately 70% of the SC cultured in a serum-free medium (SFM) and within 24 h in differentiating medium. We believe that IKdr may be a characteristic feature of fusion-component SC and that it may be involved in the fusion process for the following reasons: 1) after the transfer in differentiating medium, cultures of SC in which the expression of IKdr was previously promoted by exposure to SFM were found to fuse immediately, without the initial 24 h lag time observed in control sister cultures; 2) in the latter "naive" SC, IKdr was expressed during the first day in differentiating medium, before SC began to fuse; 3) most of the SC that did not fuse even after weeks of exposure to differentiating medium did not express IKdr; 4) TEA, at a concentration of 3 mM, reduces the amplitude of IKdr by 55% and the fusion index by 55-67%.

Adolescent↗

Prostaglandins are involved in the stimulation of renin gene expression in 2 kidney-1 clip rats.

This study was done to obtain information about a possible involvement of prostaglandins in the renal baroreceptor mechanism regulating renin secretion and renin gene expression. To this end the effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibition was examined on renin secretion and on renal renin gene expression in 2 kidney-1 clip rats. The influences of the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin (2mg/kg twice a day) and meclofenamate (8 mg/kg twice a day) on renal renin m-RNA levels, on plasma renin activity (PRA) and on blood pressure were measured 2 days after clipping the left renal arteries of male Sprague-Dawley rats with 0.2 mm clips. In sham-clipped animals, indomethacin and meclofenamate had no significant effect on basal PRA and renin m-RNA levels. In vehicle-treated animals unilateral renal artery clipping increased blood pressure from 120 +/- 4.1 to 150 +/- 6.1 mmHg, increased PR6A from 7.4 +/- 1.6 to 27.6 +/- 3.8 as expressed in nanograms of angiotensin I per hour per millilitre, increased renin m-RNA levels of clipped kidneys from 105 +/- 5.9% of standard to 482.6 +/- 56% of standard and decreased renin m-RNA levels of contralateral kidneys from 116 +/- 9.7% of standard to 34 +/- 9.0% of standard. While blood pressure, PRA and renin m-RNA levels of the contralateral kidneys were virtually unchanged by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and meclofenamate, renin gene expression in the clipped kidney was markedly influenced by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

[DIL vena cava filter. Initial experiences in 15 patients].

DIL filters were permanently inserted through the cubital vein, using a 7-F catheter, in 15 patients and were followed up for six months in 12 patients. One filter could not be opened and 4 others were only partly open. Clinically there were no recurrences of pulmonary emboli. There were no complications from the correctly placed filters. Amongst the 4 incompletely expanded filters, two caused perforation of the cava, in one the cava thrombosed and in another the filter migrated to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. It follows that unexpanded filters should not be placed in the cava. Measurements in 10 patients showed the cava reduced to less than 10 mm lumen. In two cases the reduction of lumen was only slight, measuring more than 15 mm. The effect of the reduction in the lumen remains to be compared with that achieved by other filters.

Aged↗

Effects of endothelins on renin secretion from rat kidneys.

Using a preparation of isolated rat kidneys perfused at constant renal artery pressure (80 mmHG) we investigated the role of endothelins in the regulation of renin release. Addition of three related endothelins (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) at a concentration of 10 pmol L(-1) tended to enhance renin secretion rates. Higher doses (100 pmol L(-1), 1 nmol L(-1)) of different ETs such as the selective ETB receptor agonist sarafotoxin S6c (100 pmol L(-1), 1 nmol L(-1)) inhibited renin release and increased renal vascular resistance with similar potency. These effects of ETs were blunted when calcium ions were removed from the perfusate. Renin release activated by isoproterenol (10 nmol L(-1)) was also significantly reduced with ET-1, -2 and -3 (1 nmol L(-1)). BQ-123 (500 nmol L(-1)), a selective ETA receptor antagonist, only attenuated, whilst the non-selective ET receptor blocker bosentan (Ro 47-0203, 10 micro mol L(-1)) almost abolished the renal vasopressor and renin inhibitory action of ET-1 and sarafotoxin S6c. BQ-123 and bosentan alone did not affect either perfusate flow or basal renin secretion rates in isolated perfused kidneys. These findings indicate that all three ET peptides equipotently inhibit renin secretion from the kidneys. Most of the vasopressor and renin inhibitory effect of ETs is mediated by ETB rather than ETA receptors involving a calcium-dependent signal transduction mechanism. Moreover, our results suggest that intrarenally released ETs do not contribute to the regulation of renin secretion from isolated perfused rat kidneys.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide and prostaglandins are involved in the macula densa control of the renin system.

This study sought to examine the involvement of prostaglandins and of nitric oxide (NO) in the macula densa-dependent activation of the renin system in vivo. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats were chronically infused with furosemide (12 mg/day) for 6 days to inhibit macula densa salt transport. To inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and of NO, animals were injected with indomethacin (2 mg/kg twice daily) and with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 40 mg/kg twice daily) for the last 2 days of the experiment, respectively. Furosemide infusion increased plasma renin activity (PRA) from 8.8 +/- 1.4 to 41 +/- 5.2 ng angiotensin I (ANG I).h-1.ml-1 and renin mRNA levels from 112 +/- 8 of standard to 249 +/- 18% of standard. After treatment with indomethacin, the furosemide-induced increases in renin mRNA levels was attenuated to 190 +/- 11% of standard. After injections of L-NAME, both the furosemide-induced increases of renin mRNA levels and of PRA were reduced to 126 +/- 14% of standard and 22 +/- 5 ng ANG I.h-1.ml-1, respectively. These findings suggest that activation of renin gene expression by blockade of the macula densa function is dependent on intact NO and prostaglandin formation, whereas for stimulation of renin secretion mainly intact NO formation appears to be necessary.

Angiotensin I↗

Role of endogenous endothelins in the renin system of normal and two-kidney, one clip rats.

This study aimed to investigate the relevance of endogenous endothelins in the control of renin secretion and renin gene expression under basal conditions and stimulated conditions achieved with unilateral renal artery stenosis. To this end, we studied the effects of the orally active endothelin antagonist Ro 47-0203 (100 mg/kg per day) for 2 days on plasma renin activity and renal renin mRNA levels in normal rats and rats with unilateral renal artery clips (0.2 mm). Treatment with Ro 47-0203 did not change basal arterial pressure but significantly attenuated the rise of blood pressure in response to renal artery clipping. Although Ro 47-0203 tended to increase basal plasma renin activity, this effect was not significant. Basal renin mRNA levels of kidneys were also not changed by the drug. Unilateral renal artery clipping increased plasma renin activity from 12 to 34 ng angiotensin I/mL per hour, increased renin mRNA levels to 328% of controls in the clipped kidneys, and decreased renin mRNA levels to 23% of controls in the contralateral intact kidneys. These changes were not influenced by Ro 47-0203. In isolated perfused rat kidneys, Ro 47-0203 (10 mumol/L) also had no effect on basal renin secretion or vascular resistance, but it substantially attenuated the decrease of renin secretion and renal flow in response to administration of exogenous endothelin. Taken together, these findings suggest that endogenous endothelins play no relevant role in the control of renin secretion and of renin gene expression in normal and hypoperfused rat kidneys.

Animals↗

Sodium and potassium currents in freshly isolated and in proliferating human muscle satellite cells.

1. Human muscle satellite cells (SC) were studied either immediately after dissociation of muscle biopsies or later, as they proliferated in culture. A purification procedure combined with clonal cultures ensured that electrophysiological recordings were done in myogenic cells. Hoechst staining for the DNA attested that cells were mononucleated. 2. The goals of this study were to examine (i) whether the electrophysiological properties of freshly isolated SC resembled those of SC that proliferated in culture for several weeks, (ii) whether freezing and thawing affected these properties, and (iii) whether SC constituted a homogeneous population. 3. We found that there were only subtle differences between the electrophysiological results obtained in freshly isolated SC and in proliferating SC with or without previous freezing and thawing. Most SC expressed two voltage-gated currents, a TTX-resistant Na+ current and a calcium-activated potassium current (IK, Ca). 4. The level of expression of the Na+ current and of IK, Ca was affected in a different way by cellular proliferation; the normalized Na+ conductance (pS pF-1) of proliferating cells resembled that of freshly isolated SC, whereas the IK, Ca conductance increased 10 times. The analysis of the amplitude distributions of the Na+ current and of IK, Ca in the various SC preparations suggested that there was only one class of SC.

Adolescent↗