Biomedical subjects

N Farman

Publications and source records attributed to N Farman.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

[A new regulatory mechanism of the action of corticosteroid hormones: cellular 11beta-hydroxycorticosteroid dehydrogenase].

Eleven-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta OHSD) protects the aldosterone receptor (MR) against its occupancy by glucocorticoid hormones. We examined the intrarenal distribution of 11 beta OHSD, as compared to that of MR. MR were localized in histological sections from rabbit kidney, using immunohistochemical methods with an anti-MR monoclonal antibody. 11 beta OHSD activity was measured in isolated tubular segments from rabbit, rat and mouse kidneys. Tubules were incubated in the presence of tritiated corticosterone (3H-B:2 x 10(-8)M). Then the rate of degradation of 3H-B into 3H-11-dehydrocorticosterone (3H-A) was determined by HPLC. MR was immunodetected in the distal tubule and the collecting duct. No positive staining was present in the proximal tubule. The conversion rate of 3H-B into 3H-A was high (approximately 80%) in the distal and collecting tubule. It was low in the proximal tubule (less than 15%) except in the rat (approximately 50%). These results indicate that MR and 11OHSD are colocalized along the mammalian nephron. This colocalization constitutes a strong argument in favor of the MR-protective role of 11 beta OHSD, and of a role of a defect of this enzyme in the genesis of some types of arterial hypertension.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1991

Immunolocalization of gluco- and mineralocorticoid receptors in rabbit kidney.

The localization of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was determined in the rabbit kidney by immunohistochemistry with the use of a monoclonal, anti-GR antibody and a monoclonal, anti-idiotypic, anti-MR antibody. Immunostaining was performed on serial histological sections from normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. The specificity of immunostaining was assessed for MR by in situ competition studies with steroids and for GR by presaturation of the antibody with GR preparation. Immunostaining by both the anti-MR and the anti-GR antibodies was present in all parts of the distal nephron (beyond proximal tubule) and absent in the glomerulus and proximal tubule. The absence of staining by the anti-GR antibody in the proximal tubule suggests that the effects of glucocorticoids in this structure involve either a GR different from that of distal structures or a non-receptor mediated mechanism of action. MR immunostaining predominates in the distal and all along the collecting tubule in its cortical, medullary, and papillary portions. GR immunostaining was most abundant in the medullary ascending limb and distal tubule. Immunostaining by both antibodies was present in papillary interstitial cells and cells of the epithelium lining the papilla. Fifteen to twenty percent of the cells of the cortical collecting tubule, presumably intercalated cells, were devoid of MR and GR immunostaining. Immunostaining was present in both nuclear and cytoplasmic cell compartments. No clear difference was observed between normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. This study is the first report on renal immunolocalization of GR compared with MR. In addition, we show evidence for new targets for corticosteroid hormones such as papillary interstitial cells and papillary epithelium.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Localization of alpha-isoforms of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in rat kidney by in situ hybridization.

The expression of the three alpha-isoforms of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was examined in rat brain and rat kidney by Northern blot analysis. All three isoforms were detected in brain tissue while alpha 1-isoform was observed in whole kidney, suggesting that either this isoform was solely expressed in this organ or that alpha 2- and/or alpha 3-isoforms were not detected only because of their restricted distribution among a minority of specialized tubular cells. To distinguish between these two possibilities, in situ hybridization with rat alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-ATPase cRNA was performed on rat kidney sections. Results show that alpha 1-isoform expression largely predominates in the loop of Henle, distal tubule, and cortical collecting tubule. The labeling was drastically reduced by preincubation of sections with RNase. A sense cRNA probe, used as control, did not hybridize. With alpha 2- and alpha 3-probes, the labeling was low and uniformly distributed. In contrast, these two isoforms were clearly expressed in the brain, together with alpha 1. We conclude that only alpha 1-isoform of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is detectable along the rat nephron. Its expression predominates in the tubular segments known to have a high Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Tissue-specific expression of multiple gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase mRNAs in rat epithelia.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme that plays a key role in interorgan glutathione transport. Three mRNAs (mRNAI, mRNAII, and mRNAIII) are known to encode the GGT precursor; they are initiated on three separate promoters on the single GGT gene. In this work, we identified by Northern blot and RNase H analysis a new GGT mRNA (mRNAIV). This mRNA differs from the others in its 5'-noncoding sequence. This mRNA species is the predominant GGT mRNA expressed in HTC hepatoma cells and in the small intestine in which its level increases from the base to the apex of the microvillus. The analysis of the GGT gene expression pattern in kidney, mammary gland, small intestine, liver, preneoplastic liver, and HTC hepatoma cells reveals a strong tissue or cell specificity. The mRNAIII was found in all the tissues and cells; in contrast, the expression of mRNAI, mRNAII, and mRNAIV is limited in normal tissues to the kidney and to the small intestine, the two tissues that display the highest enzyme activity. The synthesis of these three mRNAs is linked to the development of the kidney proximal tubule and to the differentiation of the enterocyte. The tissue and cell specificity of the GGT gene expression is based upon the use of multiple promoters that are controlled independently by specific cell factors.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Autoradiographic evidence of nuclear binding of spironolactone in rabbit cortical collecting tubule.

Previous biochemical studies indicated that the spirolactone-mineralocorticoid receptor complexes are unable to translocate into the nucleus. The present study was designed to reinvestigate the intracellular distribution of spirolactone-binding sites, using autoradiography. For this purpose, rabbit kidney pyramids were incubated at 30 C with tritiated SC9420 or aldosterone. Thereafter, aldosterone-sensitive cortical collecting tubules were microdissected and processed for dry film autoradiography. The concentration was 2 nM for both steroids. Non-specific labeling was determined by incubations with tritiated steroids plus a 100-fold excess of unlabeled steroids. Results show the presence of specific nuclear labeling for both [3H] aldosterone and [3H]SC9420. Specific cytoplasmic labeling was very low for both [3H]aldosterone and [3H]SC9420. The nuclear labeling by [3H]SC9420 was equally and almost completely displaced by a 100-fold excess of unlabeled aldosterone or SC9420 (91% and 87%, respectively). We conclude that spironolactone-receptor complexes migrate into the nucleus. The difference between these results and those of previous studies with biochemical techniques, which failed to detect specific nuclear binding of spirolactone, may be due to methodological reasons.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1990

Cell sodium-induced recruitment of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pumps in rabbit cortical collecting tubules is aldosterone-dependent.

The influence of intracellular sodium concentration ( [Na+]i) on the number of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pumps was examined in cortical collecting tubules (CCD) of kidneys from rabbits in different aldosterone conditions. Specific [3H]ouabain binding was measured in isolated CCD with various [Na+]i. Experiments were performed on adrenalectomized rabbits receiving only a substitutive dose of dexamethasone and on adrenalectomized rabbits replete with aldosterone. In aldosterone-replete rabbits, the number of binding sites increased linearly with [Na+]i, from 16 fmol/nl tubular volume at 15 mM Na+i to 39 fmol/nl tubular volume at 140 mM Na+i. Neither actinomycin D (5 microM) nor cycloheximide (10 microM) prevented this [Na+]i-dependent increase. In adrenalectomized rabbits, the number of ouabain-binding sites was reduced and did not increase with [Na+]i. These results are in favor of the presence of a "latent" pool of pumps in CCD, rapidly recruited under [Na+]i influence. Aldosterone appears to be required for the constitution and/or activation of this pool.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1990

Effect of cell sodium on Na+/K(+)-ATPase-dependent sodium efflux in cortical collecting tubule of rabbits under different aldosterone status.

Aldosterone increased the tubular volume in cortical collecting tubules (CCD) of rabbit kidney. It modulated the rate of cell sodium accumulation, under condition of ATPase inhibition (4 degrees C, in the absence of K+). In contrast, the relationship between Na+/K(+)-ATPase-dependent Na+ extrusion rate and intracellular Na+ concentration (Nai+) was similar in control, adrenalectomized, and aldosterone-treated adrenalectomized animals: Na+ extrusion rate increased with Nai+, up to 70 mM Nai+, and then plateaued. This indicates that aldosterone does not modify the characteristics of Nai(+)-dependent Na+ extrusion rate by the Na+/K(+)-ATPase pump in CCD.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1990

Immunohistochemical localization of renal mineralocorticoid receptor by using an anti-idiotypic antibody that is an internal image of aldosterone.

A monoclonal antibody (H10E), generated by an auto-anti-idiotypic procedure and directed at the aldosterone-binding site of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), was used in immunohistochemical studies to localize MR in rabbit kidney preparations. In agreement with earlier physiological and biochemical observations, MR was detected in connecting and cortical collecting tubules. Additionally, MR was detected in the distal tubules, the medullary and papillary collecting ducts, and in the epithelial cells lining the papilla. The internal image properties of the antibody were exploited to assess the specificity of MR detection by means of competition studies with hormones and antihormones. Immunostaining was completely abolished by preincubation with aldosterone but not with RU 486, a steroid antagonist that does not bind MR. On the cellular level, immunostaining occurred in the cytoplasm and, in the majority of cells, in the nucleus as well. The nucleocytoplasmic distribution of MR was unaffected by adrenalectomy or by administration of aldosterone. The availability of this specific monoclonal antibody makes it feasible to study MR expression in other target tissues and in pathological disorders.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1990

Distribution of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase along the rabbit nephron.

It has been recently proposed that 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-OHSD) is responsible for aldosterone tissue specificity. A 11 beta-OHSD deficiency has been invoked as a cause of the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, and 11 beta-OHSD inhibition by liquorice has been invoked to explain the hypertension induced by this drug. Since the renal tubule is composed of aldosterone-sensitive and insensitive segments, we determined the distribution of 11 beta-OHSD along the rabbit tubule. Pools of tubular segments isolated by microdissection were incubated for 2 h at 37 degrees C in the presence of [3H]corticosterone (3H-B, 8.10(-9) M). Afterwards, the amounts of 3H-B and of the metabolite 11-dehydrocorticosterone (3H-A) were determined using HPLC analysis. In the proximal tubule, in either its convoluted or straight portion, and in the medullary thick ascending limb, the amount of 3H-A was 19.6 +/- 3.8% (n = 12), 17.9 +/- 3.4 (n = 8), and 15.0 +/- 2.2 (n = 4), respectively, of the sum of 3H-A + 3H-B. In the cortical ascending limb and the collecting tubule in its cortical and medullary parts, it was 74.7 +/- 6.8% (n = 4), 74.1 +/- 4.9 (n = 9) and 64.6 +/- 14.1 (n = 3), respectively. In both proximal and cortical collecting tubule, addition of carbenoxolone 8.10(-4) M, an inhibitor of 11 beta-OHSD, almost completely inhibited the conversion of 3H-B to 3H-A. Thus, 11 beta-OHSD activity was high in the aldosterone-sensitive segments, and low in the aldosterone-insensitive segments. These results strongly favor the hypothesis that 11 beta-OHSD is a key enzyme in mineralocorticoid tissue specificity along the rabbit nephron. They reinforce the notion that a defect in 11 beta-OHSD plays a major role in the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess and liquorice-induced hypertension.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1989

Antidiuretic hormone reduces the high PGE2 synthesis in papillary collecting duct of DI rats.

PGE2 synthesis was measured along the nephron of Brattleboro (DI) rats, lacking ADH, and control LE rats, using an enzyme immunoassay. Experiments were performed in vitro, in the absence of exogenous arachidonic acid, using microdissected tubular segments. The effect of a chronic treatment of dDAVP was tested on three ADH sensitive tubular segments, medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL), medullary collecting tubule (OMCD) and papillary collecting duct (IMCD). No difference in PGE2 synthesis was present between LE and DI in glomerulus and tubular segments up to OMCD. In both strains, values were low in the proximal tubule and the loop of Henle, and gradually increased along the collecting tubule. In IMCD, PGE2 synthesis was much higher in DI (12.8 +/- 2.0 pg per 30 min per mm tubular length) than in LE (3.8 +/- 0.5, LE vs. DI p less than 0.001). In MTAL and OMCD, dDAVP treatment did not affect PGE2 synthesis. In IMCD, dDAVP reduced PGE2 synthesis to values (5.3 +/- 0.8 pg per 30 min per mm tubular length), which were not significantly different from those of LE. Neither oxytocin, which has been shown to be elevated in DI rats, nor furosemide, that reduced papillary osmolarity to values comparable to those of DI rats, were able to increase PGE2 synthesis in IMCD of LE rats. The mechanism of the increase in PGE2 synthesis in IMCD of DI rats, and of the inhibitory effect of dDAVP is yet unknown; it may participate to compensate for the lack of ADH in the Brattleboro rat.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Aldosterone receptors in A6 cells: physicochemical characterization and autoradiographic study.

The A6 cell line is derived from the kidney of Xenopus laevis. Aldosterone increases sodium transport across A6 cell epithelia. In the present study, aldosterone binding characteristics were studied in A6 cell cytosol. Both type I (mineralocorticoid) and type II (glucocorticoid) receptors are present in the cytosolic fraction of these cells. Aldosterone and corticosterone had a high affinity for type I sites (Kd = 1.25 and 0.16 nM, respectively) and a lower affinity for type II sites (Kd = 39 and 10 nM, respectively). Testosterone and estradiol did not compete for aldosterone binding. RU 26988, a highly specific glucocorticoid agonist, competed with aldosterone for type II but not for type I sites. Hydrodynamic parameters of both type I and type II corticosterone receptor complexes were identical. Their Stokes radius was approximately 6 nm, as estimated by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography, and their sedimentation coefficient determined by ultracentrifugation on glycerol gradients was approximately 9s. The molecular mass calculated from these parameters was approximately 200 kDa, a value that is very close to the value estimated for nontransformed mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors of other species. The [3H]aldosterone labeling of intact A6 cells was examined by autohistoradiography. At every concentration tested (2, 20, and 50 nM), all cells were found to be specifically labeled in both cytoplasm and nucleus. At 20 nM, in the presence of an excess of RU 26988, labeling was also detected. At every concentration the labeling data was compatible with a Gaussian distribution, indicating that A6 cells correspond to a homogeneous population with regard to aldosterone binding and that probably both type I and type II sites are present in the same cells.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1989

Aldosterone binding sites along nephron of Xenopus and rabbit.

Distal segment of several amphibians exhibits aldosterone-modulated ion transport properties. On the other hand, A6 cells, derived from Xenopus laevis (XL) kidney, are aldosterone sensitive. We examined the distribution of aldosterone binding sites in isolated tubules of XL compared with rabbit. After incubation with 2 nM [3H]aldosterone, microdissected tubular segments from proximal (PT), distal straight segment (DST), and flask cell collecting (CT) tubules from XL and from rabbit cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL), connecting (CNT), and collecting (CCD) tubules were processed for dry film autoradiography. In XL, specific nuclear labeling of type I (mineralocorticoid) sites was restricted to DST. Labeling of type II (glucocorticoid) sites was present all along the tubule. No specific cytoplasmic labeling was observed, except for type II sites in PT. In the rabbit, aldosterone binds to both type I and type II sites in the three tubular segments studied. In these segments, the binding was about fourfold higher than in DST of XL. These results bring direct evidence in designating the distal tubule of amphibians as a target epithelium for aldosterone. In addition, they suggest that A6 cell line may derive from DST of the Xenopus nephron.

Androstanols↗

PubMed1989

Effects of AVP and dDAVP on PGE2 synthesis in superfused cortical collecting tubules.

Whereas interactions between antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and prostaglandins (PGs) have been reported in the cortical collecting tubule (CCD), the precise effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its analogue, 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) on PGE2 synthesis remain controversial. We examined the dynamic response of PGE2 synthesis to these two analogues in isolated rabbit CCD. Microdissected CCD were superfused, and basal and hormone-induced PGE2 synthesis were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Addition of arachidonic acid (AA) steeply increased basal PGE2 synthesis, in the 0-1 microM-dose range. The presence of AA was necessary to obtain a stimulatory effect of AVP on PGE2 synthesis. AVP induced an immediate, transitory, and dose-dependent stimulation of PGE2 synthesis. A maximal effect was obtained at 10(-8) M; PGE2 synthesis was increased by approximately 150-200% over the basal synthesis. With dDAVP, a very weak response was obtained only at 10(-7) M. From these results, we conclude that PGE2 synthesis in CCD is stimulated by ADH. This effect of ADH does not depend on the V2-receptor pathway and suggests the presence of V1-receptors in CCD.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Na+-K+-ATPase-dependent sodium flux in cortical collecting tubule.

The instantaneous rate of efflux of intracellular Na was studied in rabbit isolated cortical collecting tubules (CCT) as a function of temperature and intracellular Na concentration ([Na]i). [Na]i of microdissected CCT was increased by cold and K-free exposure in the presence of 22Na and the extracellular tracer [3H] sorbitol. [Na]i rose rapidly to 40 mM at 30 min, after which it rose more slowly, reaching 120-140 mM at 6 h. Kinetics of Na efflux were studied after rapid rewarming, using a special device allowing measurements at 20-s intervals. Under control conditions, the total Na load was extruded in less than 8 min, whereas, in the presence of 10(-4) M ouabain, only 50% of the load was extruded during this period of time. Ouabain-sensitive Na efflux was first evident at 13 degrees C and gradually increased between 13 and 35 degrees C. At 37 degrees C, Na+-K+-ATPase-dependent Na efflux was dependent on [Na]i. This efflux gradually increased, from 0.05 to 0.5 peq.nl tubular volume-1.s-1 as a function of [Na]i and reached a plateau at 70 mM [Na]i. It is concluded that [Na]i is a major modulator of the pump activity in CCT; at normal levels of [Na]i, the pump is operating at only a small fraction of its total capacity.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

[Receptors of steroid hormones in the kidney].

Several steroid hormones act in the kidney. We have examined, by autoradiography, the precise distribution of receptors for aldosterone, glucocorticoids, vitamin D (1-25(OH)2D3) and estrogens, in the different epithelia of the nephron isolated by microdissection. Specific nuclear binding sites are localized in the distal parts of the nephron, with some variations according to the steroid hormone considered: target cells for aldosterone are located in the distal tubule and cortical collecting duct, glucocorticoid receptors are present in all distal segments, whereas those of 1-25(OH)2D3 are restricted to the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and to the medullary collecting tubule. Thus, it appears that several receptors coexist in some cell types. No specific nuclear binding sites for estrogens could be detected along the nephron. On the other hand, a non nuclear specific binding for glucocorticoids was observed in the proximal tubule, where specific glucocorticoid effects have been described. By autoradiography on intact target cells, it appeared that aldosterone receptors are essentially (or exclusively) located in nuclei, as was recently described for other steroid hormones. Binding sites for aldosterone are already present in its target cells in the fetal kidney before their functional differentiation. Aldosterone is weakly metabolized in the kidney, without specific tubular localization. It is possible to show some modifications of aldosterone binding sites, at the level of its target cells, in some pathological states, such as hypertension.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1987

PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and TxB2 synthesis along the rabbit nephron.

The capacity of synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane (TxB2) along the rabbit nephron was determined. A sensitive enzyme immunoassay was applied to isolated nephron segments, from the glomerulus to the terminal collecting tubule. The three prostaglandins and thromboxane (PG) were measured on the same samples after incubation in the presence of arachidonic acid. In the glomerulus, PGE2 synthesis (29.4 +/- 3.3 pg X glomerulus-1 X 30 min-1) represented 60% of the sum of the four PGs. PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha represented 22 and 17%, respectively, and TxB2 1.4%. The contribution of each PG to tubular synthesis was different, since at least 90% of PG synthesis consisted of PGE2. In the medullary collecting tubule (MCT), by far the major tubular site of PG synthesis, it was 809.6 +/- 140.8 pg X mm-1 X 30 min-1 for PGE2, 17.7 +/- 7.2 for PGF2 alpha, 8.3 +/- 1.9 for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and 0.24 +/- 0.08 for TxB2. These relative proportions were roughly respected all along the tubule. Values were much lower in the convoluted and straight portions of the proximal tubule (proximal convoluted tubule: PGE2 8.2 +/- 2.0, PGF2 alpha 0.4 +/- 0.06, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha 0.26 +/- 0.04, TxB2 0.017) and the medullary and cortical thick ascending limb of the loop. They increased regularly along the distal structures of the tubule (light portion of the cortical collecting tubule (CCT1): PGE2 228.3 +/- 20.4, PGF2 alpha 4.34 +/- 0.6, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha 1.8 +/- 0.3, TxB2 0.22 +/- 0.07).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1987

Segmental synthesis and actions of prostaglandins along the nephron.

The sites of synthesis and action of prostaglandins (PGs) along the renal tubule are examined. We focused our attention on experiments performed on well-defined nephron segments, using direct quantitative measurements of prostaglandin synthesis by radio- or enzyme-immunoassay. On the other hand, we selected, among the described effects of PGs, those obtained on precisely defined tubular segments. Among PGs, PGE2 synthesis is largely predominant all along the tubule. Its main sites of synthesis are the medullary collecting tubule and, to a lesser extent, the cortical collecting tubule and the thin limb of Henle's loop. Synthesis of PGE2 is amplified approximately tenfold in the presence of an excess exogenous substrate, arachidonic acid, compared with values measured without addition of substrate. Other eicosanoids have roughly the same distribution along the tubule as PGE2. Their rate of synthesis is, however, much less than that of PGE2, approximately 20-fold lower for PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and 100-fold lower for thromboxane B2 (TxB2). This contrasts with glomerular PG synthesis, where the difference between the production of PGE2 and other eicosanoids is much less marked. Most studies agree that antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and kinins augment PGE2 synthesis, whereas corticosteroids decrease it, at least in the collecting tubule. Direct effects of PGE2 have been described mainly in the medullary thick ascending limb and collecting tubule. They generally consist of a decrease in transepithelial potential difference and reabsorptive rates of water and solutes, in particular sodium and chloride. However, whatever the solute or tubular segment concerned, some studies failed to find such effects. The bulk of evidence suggests that ADH and PGs interact in kidney tubular cells. It is generally accepted that PGs antagonize the hydrosmotic effects of ADH in the collecting tubule. The mechanisms underlying these complex interactions are still under discussion: they probably involve several types of receptors and pathways for ADH action, which intervene in the modulation of both PG synthesis and cyclic nucleotides, and several types of PG receptors, either stimulatory or inhibitory to adenylate cyclase.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Determination of prostaglandin E2 synthesis along rabbit nephron by enzyme immunoassay.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) content and synthesis have been measured in microdissected segments from the entire nephron of rabbit kidney. PGE2 was determined by an enzyme immunoassay on glomeruli or tubular segments (0.5-5 mm) either immediately after microdissection (PGE2 content) or after incubation for 15 min at 37 degrees C in the presence of arachidonic acid (PGE2 synthesis). We confirmed that collagenase used for microdissection did not modify PGE2 synthesis. A linear correlation was found between the length of tubule used in the assay and PGE2 synthesis, as well as between incubation time with arachidonic acid and PGE2 synthesis. PGE2 synthesis, expressed in picograms per millimeter tubular length per 15 min, was maximum in medullary collecting duct (517 +/- 73). High values were also found in the granular portion of distal tubule (134 +/- 22) and granular or light portion of cortical collecting tubule (199 +/- 24 and 146 +/- 10, respectively). Synthesis was lower in all other segments: 17 +/- 6 and 24 +/- 12, respectively, in convoluted and straight proximal tubule, 67 +/- 12 and 71 +/- 5, respectively, in thin descending and ascending limb, 51 +/- 9 and 23 +/- 4, respectively, in medullary and cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, and 25 +/- 7 in initial distal tubule. Synthesis per glomerulus was 24 +/- 3. When the protein content of each nephron segment is taken into account, this profile was not modified, except for the thin limbs of the loop, which reached values per nanogram protein slightly higher than those of the cortical collecting tubule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗