Biomedical subjects

R Ardaillou

Publications and source records attributed to R Ardaillou.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

Adenosine stimulates 5'-nucleotidase activity in rat mesangial cells via A2 receptors.

Because A2 adenosine receptor activation stimulates adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP induces 5'-nucleotidase expression in rat mesangial cells, we examined the effect of adenosine and its analogs on 5'-nucleotidase activity in these cells. A2 adenosine receptors were characterized using [3H]5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) as a tracer. There was a single group of receptor sites with a KD value of 0.53 microM and a number of sites of 1,317 fmol/mg. [3H]NECA binding was inhibited preferentially by A2 adenosine analogs and antagonists. Similarly, the order of potency for cAMP stimulation was in favour of A2 adenosine analogs. Rat mesangial cells expressed surface 5'-nucleotidase activity. Exposure of cells for 48 h to adenosine analogs showed that at low concentrations A2 analogs stimulated 5'-nucleotidase activity. These results indicate that adenosine upregulates activity of 5'-nucleotidase, the enzyme responsible for its local formation, via A2 receptor stimulation and increase in cAMP production.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

PubMed1993

Role of the renin-angiotensin system on the renal functional reserve in renal transplant recipients.

To determine the renal functional reserve in renal transplant recipients, we measured the glomerular filtration rate by inulin clearance and the renal plasma flow by PAH clearance before and during an amino acid infusion (Totamine, 6 to 8 mg/kg/min for 90 to 120 min) in 18 transplanted patients with stable renal function. To test the role of the renin-angiotensin system on the renal functional reserve, we performed a crossover placebo-controlled randomized trial of acute blockade of the renin-angiotensin system by injection of perindoprilat (2 mg i.v.), an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme before amino acid infusion, each patient being studied twice at seven day intervals. Amino acid infusion induced a time-dependent increase in the glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.04), whether or not the renin-angiotensin system was blocked. Maximal increases were from 49.1 +/- 4.1 to 58.9 +/- 5.4, mean +/- SE (18.5%), in control conditions and from 52.4 +/- 5.6 to 62.1 +/- 5.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (19.7%) after perindoprilat. The increase in glomerular filtration rate was less pronounced in patients taking cyclosporin A than in patients treated with steroid and azathioprine. Amino acid infusion also induced a significant and time-dependent increase (15.2 to 20.2%) in the renal plasma flow (P < 0.01) whether or not perindoprilat had been given. Furthermore, perindoprilat alone increased renal plasma flow by 13.6%, and this effect seemed additive with that of amino acids. Perindoprilat injection decreased filtration fraction (from 0.20 +/- 0.01 to 0.19 +/- 0.01). This parameter returned to basal values after amino acid infusion (0.20 +/- 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Inhibition of neutral endopeptidase stimulates renal sodium excretion in patients with chronic renal failure.

1. The acute effects of a single oral dose of sinorphan (100 mg), an inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase, on the plasma atrial natriuretic factor level and the fractional excretion of sodium were examined in 12 patients with severe chronic renal failure who were not on maintenance haemodialysis and who ingested a normal sodium diet. The drug was administered against placebo by a double-blind cross-over protocol. 2. Basal plasma atrial natriuretic factor level and fractional excretion of sodium were high (23.2 +/- 3.7 pmol/l and 2.64 +/- 0.38%, respectively). Sinorphan inhibited plasma neutral endopeptidase activity by 68-75% 30 min after ingestion. This effect persisted for at least 4 h. There were simultaneously increases in plasma atrial natriuretic factor and cyclic GMP levels to 1.9 and 1.4 times the basal values, respectively. Fractional excretion of sodium increased during the second and third hour periods after ingestion of the drug with a peak of 1.9 times the basal value in the second period. Changes in fractional excretion of sodium were significantly correlated with those in plasma atrial natriuretic factor and cyclic GMP levels. Plasma aldosterone level, creatinine clearance and mean blood pressure were unchanged, whereas plasma renin activity increased slightly. An increase in urinary cyclic GMP excretion was observed in parallel with the increase in plasma cyclic GMP level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Involvement of reactive oxygen species in kidney damage.

There is considerable evidence suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic, toxic, and immunologically-mediated renal injury. In experimental renal ischemia, ROS sources include the electron transport chain, oxidant enzymes (xanthine oxidase), phagocytes, and auto-oxidation of epinephrine. ROS cause lipid peroxidation of cell and organelle membranes and, hence, disruption of the structural integrity and capacity for cell transport and energy production, especially in the proximal tubule segment. In experimental immune glomerulonephritis, ROS are generated by both infiltrating blood-borne cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes) and resident glomerular cells, mainly mesangial cells. Their formation results in morphologic lesions and in modifications of glomerular permeability to proteins through activation of proteases and reduction of proteoglycan synthesis. Additionally, they promote a reduction in glomerular blood flow and glomerular filtration rate through liberation of vasoconstrictory bioactive lipids (prostaglandins, thromboxane, and platelet activating factor) and, possibly, inactivation of relaxing nitric oxide. Further studies are needed to address the role of ROS in human glomerular diseases.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of neutral endopeptidase in vascular smooth muscle cells of rabbit renal cortex.

In addition to biological and clearance receptors for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from the rabbit renal cortex possess ectoenzymes degrading this hormone. We examined whether neutral endopeptidase (NEP) was implicated in this process. The presence of NEP in VSMC was demonstrated as follows. 1) NEP activity measured from the hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate by intact cells cultured in a medium containing 10% fetal calf serum was 1,609 +/- 65 pmol.min-1 x mg-1 [surface localization of the enzyme was confirmed by low activity (4% of total) in the cytosol; release of NEP activity in the medium was negligible]; 2) a monoclonal antibody directed against rabbit NEP specifically stained VSMC membranes; and 3) mRNA from VSMC hybridized a NEP cDNA probe with a single band as shown by Northern blot analysis. The role of NEP in ANF catabolism was demonstrated by incubating 125I-ANF or unlabeled ANF for increasing periods of time with VSMC in the presence of thiorphan (1-100 microM). Intact hormone estimated by trichloroacetic acid precipitation or radio-immunoassay, respectively, increased markedly compared with control in the presence of this specific inhibitor of NEP. NEP activity was stimulated (x1.6) in quiescent VSMC deprived from serum during 3 days. This effect was dose dependent and was not observed with creatine kinase activity measured as control. NEP expression at the cell surface estimated by sorting of immunostained cells was also increased in the absence of serum. Northern blot analysis showed increases in the mRNA band of NEP with increasing periods of serum deprivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed1993

Cytokine formation within rat glomeruli during experimental endotoxemia.

Increasing evidence supports a role of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 in the development of endotoxin-induced acute renal failure. Several activities of these cytokines require a local rather than a systemic production and function. Thus, this study investigates the chronology of cytokine expression in glomeruli isolated from normal rats or rats given iv lipopolysaccharide injections. Detectable levels of TNF alpha could be found in glomeruli isolated from normal rats as assessed by L-929 fibroblast lytic assay and ELISA. Glomeruli isolated from rats given lipopolysaccharide transiently released increased amounts of TNF alpha in relation to the dose of lipopolysaccharide (10 to 500 micrograms/kg body wt) and the lag period between lipopolysaccharide injection and glomerular isolation (20 to 120 min). TNF alpha was released in similar amounts by glomeruli from normal rats that were exposed in vitro to lipopolysaccharide challenge (0.01 to 10 micrograms/mL), indicating that lipopolysaccharide had direct effects on the release of TNF alpha from glomerular cells. These cells consisted mainly of resident cells because reduction of glomerular infiltration by bone marrow-derived cells after the irradiation of normal rats did not affect TNF alpha release. Glomerular IL-1 and IL-6 production was evaluated by specific bioassays under identical conditions. No IL-1 activity could be detected in the medium or within the glomerular cells at any time within 120 min after lipopolysaccharide injection. By contrast, glomerular IL-6 production was induced after lipopolysaccharide challenge both in vivo and in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Interferon-gamma induces dipeptidylpeptidase IV expression in human glomerular epithelial cells.

Because dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) is present in vivo on glomerular visceral epithelial cells and possesses immunogenic properties, as shown by the capability of anti-DPP IV antibody to induce the Heymann model of glomerulonephritis, we studied the expression and regulation of DPP IV in cultured human glomerular visceral epithelial cells. DPP IV is an ectoenzyme, as indicated by the rapid detection of the product of the reaction in the incubation medium of intact cells and the staining of paraformaldehyde-fixed cells in the presence of a specific anti-DPP IV antibody. DPP IV activity was inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate and phenylmethyl sulphonylfluoride. Its optimum pH was alkaline (7.7-8) and it exhibited a Km value of 0.94 mM. DPP IV expression was induced in cells treated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The effect was significant after a 3-day treatment with 100 U/ml. It increased with time, reaching a plateau after 11 days, and was dose-dependent with a maximum at a concentration of 1000 U/ml. Staining of the cells with anti-DPP IV antibody was also increased after a 6-day treatment with 100 U/ml IFN-gamma. It was shown by Northern analysis that, after 24 hr of exposure to 500 U/ml of IFN-gamma, DPP IV mRNA transcript was stimulated. Transcriptional activation by IFN-gamma did not require new protein synthesis. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and cyclic AMP had a small stimulatory effect, whereas dexamethasone and phorbol esters were inefficient. These results suggest that DPP IV of glomerular epithelial cells may be up-regulated by IFN-gamma from activated T lymphocytes in glomerular diseases and during lymphocyte-mediated graft rejection.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1993

Glomerular effects of angiotensin II: a reappraisal based on studies with non-peptide receptor antagonists.

AIM: To examine the glomerular effects of angiotensin II (Ang II). METHOD: A survey of recent studies that have provided relevant information. RESULTS: Glomeruli and mesangial cells of murine and human origin have receptors for Ang II (AT receptors) that are linked to phospholipase C. The dissociation constant (Kd) for these receptors is in the nanomolar range, and they are denser in freshly isolated glomeruli than in cultured mesangial cells. Pharmacological studies with the AT1 receptor, using losartan and its metabolite E3174, and with the AT2 receptor using PD 123177 and CGP 42112A, have shown that glomerular receptors for Ang II belong to the AT1 type. Furthermore, all the functional effects of Ang II in glomeruli and mesangial cells, including a rise in intracellular calcium, the stimulation of prostaglandin and protein synthesis, and glomerular vasoreactivity, are mediated by the AT1 receptor. [3H]-losartan binds specifically to mesangial cells but with different parameters from those observed for [125I]-Ang II. Losartan and E 3174 behave as non-competitive antagonists. Losartan exhibits some intrinsic effects but only at high concentrations not likely to be reached in vivo at normal doses. AT1 receptors in glomeruli are downregulated by plasma concentrations of Ang II and losartan. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the cellular mode of action of Ang II in glomeruli is mediated by the AT1 receptor type.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1993

Intrinsic properties of the nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonist losartan in glomeruli and mesangial cells at high concentrations.

Intrinsic activities of the nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonist losartan were examined in a number of in vitro assays. Losartan produced contraction of rat isolated glomeruli at 100 mumol/l and of human mesangial cells at 1 to 100 mumol/l. Cell surface reduction was associated with disorganization of the alpha actin microfilament bundles. Losartan also stimulated cytosolic calcium concentration in cultured human mesangial cells at high concentrations (10-100 mumol/l). Losartan-dependent cytosolic free calcium concentration increase was not affected by nicardipine or 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzoate hydrochloride, whereas it was abolished in a calcium-free medium. There was a marked homologous desensitization response to losartan which was also obtained after pretreatment by EXP 3174 (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-1-[(2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid), the metabolite of losartan. The search for other agonistic effects of losartan in human mesangial cells including inositoltriphosphate formation, prostaglandin E2 production, [3H]leucine or [3H]thymidine incorporation was negative. Losartan and EXP 3174 were not toxic for human mesangial cells at the concentrations studied as judged by the absence of release of lactate dehydrogenase and the normal uptake of neutral red. These studies demonstrate that losartan exhibits glomerular effects in vitro only at high concentrations. Their relevance to in vivo situations is still questionable.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1992

[Natriuretic factors].

Atrial natriuretic factor is the main natriuretic hormone. It is a peptide secreted by the atria in response to an increase of the central blood volume. Its effects are opposed to those of the renin angiotensin system and all result in the decrease of volemia. The main of them are an increase in renal sodium excretion, decrease in vascular resistance, increase in capillary permeability, and inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretions. ANF stimulates, via its B receptors, the production of cyclic GMP which is its second messenger. ANF is catabolized by clearance receptors which internalize it and ectoenzymes, mainly neutral endoproteinase. Plasma ANF increases in various conditions for three essential reasons: increase of its secretion from the usual sources, increase of its secretion from supplementary sites, decrease of its catabolism. Since ANF is implied in the maintenance of homeostasis in several diseases, treatment by neutral endoproteinase inhibitors which increases plasma ANF has been considered. Another natriuretic factor structurally close to digitalin and inhibiting Na(+)-K+ ATPase has been described but not identified.

Humans↗

PubMed1992

Cell surface aminopeptidase A and N activities in human glomerular epithelial cells.

Cell surface aminopeptidases N (APN) and A (APA) have been characterized on cultured human glomerular epithelial cells and a SV40-transformed cell line derived from them. APN had a wide substrate specificity whereas APA only attacked peptides with an acidic N terminal amino acid. Both enzymes also differed by their sensitivity to divalent cations and to aminopeptidase inhibitors. Phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) stimulated APN but not APA expression after a lag time of 12 hours. An increase of twice the basal value was observed with 10 ng.ml-1 PMA. This effect was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining using a specific anti-APN monoclonal antibody. Both ecto- and total enzyme activities were stimulated by PMA. The effect of PMA was suppressed by H7, a PKC inhibitor, and cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Thrombin (1 to 2.5 U.ml-1) and interferon (IFN)-gamma (100 U.ml-1) also stimulated APN activity, the latter after longer exposure of the cells. APA activity was increased by 8-bromo-cAMP and two cAMP-stimulating agents, forskolin and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). A twofold increase above basal value was obtained with 100 microM forskolin after 72 hours of treatment. cAMP-stimulated APA activity was suppressed by cycloheximide. Dexamethasone also stimulated APA activity. The effects of forskolin and dexamethasone were additive. These results demonstrate that APN and APA in glomerular epithelial cells are under different regulations: mitogens and IFN-gamma for APN, cAMP and glucocorticoids for APA. This selective expression may imply possible functional consequences in glomerular diseases.

Aminopeptidases↗

PubMed1992

Glomerular tissue factor stimulates thromboxane synthesis in human platelets via thrombin generation.

We have investigated whether or not tissue factor (TF) which is present in the supernatant of isolated glomeruli, is responsible for the stimulatory activity of TXB2 production by isolated human platelets. Reconstituted TF stimulated TXB2 synthesis in platelets in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was potentiated in the presence of a mixture of the major fatty acids found in glomerular supernatants. Addition of a neutralizing anti-TF monoclonal antibody abolished both the procoagulant activity and the platelet-TXB2 stimulatory activity of reconstituted TF and of glomerular supernatants. Anti-factor VII/VIIa (F VII/VIIa) Fab inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the platelet-TXB2 stimulatory activity of an identical dilution of reconstituted TF and of glomerular supernatants, providing evidence that the functional complex TF. VIIa and not TF itself was the active agent. Pretreatment of platelets, TF or glomerular supernatant by hirudin, an inhibitor of thrombin, as well as by antithrombin III heparin, which inhibits both activated factor X and thrombin also markedly inhibited the synthesis of TXB2 by platelets in the presence of either TF or glomerular supernatant. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the stimulatory activity for TXB2 production by platelets which is released by the glomerular cells is attributable to TF. TF does not act directly. Its effect is mediated by thrombin which is formed de novo at the platelet surface in the presence of even traces of the plasma coagulation proteins associated with platelets. TXB2 formation in platelets correlates well with TF concentration in the glomerular supernatant. The possibility of a similar set of mechanisms associated with glomerular injury may require consideration.

Antibodies↗

PubMed1992

Characterization of angiotensin II receptor subtypes in human glomeruli and mesangial cells.

This study was designed to identify the subtypes of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors present on glomeruli and glomerular mesangial cells and establish their functional significance. Dup 753 and its metabolite EXP 3174, two nonpeptide ANG II-1 receptor (AT1) antagonists, displaced 125I-ANG II and its analogue 125I-[Sar1,Ala8]ANG II from their binding sites in rat and human glomeruli and cultured human mesangial cells, whereas CGP 42112 A and PD 123177, two ANG II-2 receptor (AT2) antagonists, exhibited little displacing activity. Dup 753 and EXP 3174 did not modify the dissociation constant (Kd) value but markedly decreased the number of sites of 125I-[Sar1,Ala8]ANG II binding. The addition of PD 123177 did not further inhibit binding when all AT1 sites were occupied by Dup 753. Binding was markedly reduced by dithiothreitol. EXP 3174 and Dup 753 inhibited the main biological functions of ANG II in mesangial cells including increases in intracellular calcium concentration, PGE2 production, and protein synthesis. PD 123177 was also active but at concentrations 1,000- to 10,000-fold greater than those of AT1 antagonists. These results indicate that 1) only AT1 receptors are present in glomeruli and glomerular mesangial cells; 2) these receptors mediate the functional responses to ANG II; 3) the nonpeptide AT1 antagonists behave as noncompetitive inhibitors; and 4) high concentrations of the nonpeptide AT2 antagonists can recognize AT1 sites.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1992

Cell surface receptors and ectoenzymes in mesangial cells.

Mesangial cells possess a variety of receptors for hormones and autacoids. They are also equipped with ectoenzymes whose function may be to control the availability of autacoids and hormones at their receptor sites. Several examples are considered. Receptors for angiotensin II (AII) are present both on murine and human mesangial cells. One single group of receptors has been demonstrated in each of these preparations. Mesangial cell AII receptors are linked to phospholipase C via a G protein. They belong to the AT1 subtype because (125I)AII is displaced from its binding sites preferentially by AT1 antagonists such as DUP 753 and EXP 3,174, whereas AT2 antagonists are much less potent. AT1 antagonists suppress the biological effects of AII in mesangial cells, including the stimulation of intracellular calcium concentration and the increase of prostaglandin synthesis and of (3H)leucine incorporation. Mesangial cells also have receptors for atrial natriuretic factor, but the distribution between B receptors with guanylate cyclase activity and clearance (C) receptors varies with the species. Both types are present in murine mesangial cells, whereas only C receptors are found in human mesangial cells. In contrast, human epithelial cells possess both B and C receptors. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity results in the production of adenosine, which acts on mesangial cells through A1 and A2 receptors. This enzyme is markedly induced in rat mesangial cells by interleukin-1, whose effect is mediated in part by prostaglandin E2 and cAMP. Various other cAMP-stimulating agents also induce 5'-nucleotidase expression in rat mesangial cells. Ectopeptidases are present in all glomerular cell types but essentially in epithelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5'-Nucleotidase↗

PubMed1992

Reactive oxygen species as glomerular autacoids.

There is considerable evidence suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS; superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, hypochlorous acid) are implicated in the pathogenesis of toxic, ischemic, and immunologically mediated glomerular injury. The capacity of glomerular cells, especially mesangial cells, to generate ROS in response to several stimuli suggests that these autacoids may play a role in models of glomerular injury that are independent of infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. The mechanisms whereby ROS formation results in morphologic lesions and in modifications of glomerular permeability, blood flow, and filtration rate have been inferred from in vitro studies. They involve direct and indirect injury to resident cells (mesangiolysis) and glomerular basement membrane (in concert with metalloproteases) and alteration of both the release and binding of vasoactive substances, such as bioactive lipids (e.g., prostaglandin E2, prostacyclin, thromboxane), cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha), and possibly endothelium-derived relaxing factor. The importance of such processes appears to be modulated by the intrinsic antioxidant defenses of the glomeruli. Further studies are needed to address the role of ROS in human glomerular diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[Ectoenzymes of peptidic metabolism in renal glomerular and vascular cells].

The ectoenzymes acting in the metabolism of peptides play an essential role in renal cell-cell communication. We have studied four of these ectoenzymes, aminopeptidases N and A (APN, APA), dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) in cultured human glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells and cultured rabbit renal cortical vascular smooth muscle cells. APN is present at the surface of both mesangial and epithelial cells with identical characteristics. Its expression (enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein) is induced by phorbol-esters and other protein kinase C-stimulating agents. APA is present only in glomerular epithelial cells. Its expression is induced by glucocorticoids and cyclic AMP-stimulating agents. DPP IV is also present only in glomerular epithelial cells. Its expression (enzyme activity, immunoreactive protein and mRNA) is induced by interferon gamma. NEP is present in glomerular epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. The expression of the latter enzyme is inhibited in the presence of serum via the combined effect of Ca2+i and PKC-stimulating agents. In contrast, glucocorticoids and cyclic GMP induce its expression. NEP plays a major role in the catabolism by these cells of atrial natriuretic factor. All these data emphasize the multiplicity of the mechanisms controlling ectopeptidase expression in cultured glomerular and renal vascular cells.

Aminopeptidases↗

PubMed1992

[Mechanism of action and catabolism of atrial natriuretic factor in cultured human and animal kidney cells].

Cultures of renal cells from human or animal origins have allowed the modes of action and the degradation pathways of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) to be characterized. Human glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells possess ANF receptors of both types, only clearance receptors (C) in mesangial cells, receptors with guanylate cyclase activity (A) and C receptors in epithelial cells which are, in addition, equipped with ectoenzymes rapidly degrading extracellular ANF. Epithelial cells which have been stimulated by ANF secrete cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) at their apical side. Vascular smooth muscle cells prepared from the rabbit renal cortex also possess A receptors of high affinity and C receptors. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP), an enzyme of which ANF is a specific substrate in the kidney, is expressed at the cell surface. Its expression is inhibited by factors present in the serum and is increased by glucocorticoids. Principal cells of the collecting duct are also a target for ANF via A and C receptors. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the kidneys are sites both for the physiological effects and the degradation of ANF. Production of cGMP results in vasodilation in the renal cortex, increase of glomerular filtration rate and decrease of sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct. Degradation of ANF occurs via two different ways, its conversion into inactive peptides by NEP and its internalization after binding to C receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Receptor-mediated induction of aminopeptidase A (APA) of human glomerular epithelial cells (HGEC) by glucocorticoids.

Membrane-bound peptidases are critical regulators of peptide hormones. We therefore characterized aminopeptidase A (APA) activity in human glomerular epithelial cells (HGEC) and studied the control of its expression. APA, which splits off the N-terminal Asp from angiotensin II (AII), was present at the surface of HGECs (55% of the total enzyme). APA activity was calcium-dependent and was inhibited by amastatin. Treatment of HGECs by dexamethasone (DEX) increased ecto-APA activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Maximal increase of APA activity (x 2) occurred after treatment with 0.5 microM DEX for 5 days. HIgher concentrations (1-10 microM) of aldosterone (ALD) stimulated APA activity to a lesser extent (x 1.25). Actinomycin D and cycloheximide prevented and RU 38486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, suppressed the DEX-induced increase in APA activity. These results indicate that AII availability at glomerular receptor sites may be reduced by DEX and suggest a role for glucocorticoids in AII-dependent changes of glomerular filtration rate.

Aldosterone↗