Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S A Atlas

Publications and source records attributed to S A Atlas.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Prorenin in high concentrations in human ovarian follicular fluid.

Although the kidney is a major source of prorenin, the precursor of renin, there are extrarenal sources for plasma prorenin that have not been identified. The selective increase in plasma prorenin at the time of ovulation suggested that one of these sources might be the ovary. Prorenin was therefore measured in fluid aspirated from 18 ovarian follicles and in plasma collected from three women who were undergoing in vitro fertilization. The follicular fluid contained high concentrations of prorenin that were approximately 12 times higher than plasma prorenin. The prorenin from follicular fluid was immunochemically identical to kidney and plasma prorenin. Thus, the ovary is a likely source for the ovulatory peak of plasma prorenin.

Angiotensinogen↗

Role of increased glomerular filtration rate in atrial natriuretic factor-induced natriuresis in the rat.

One of the major renal hemodynamic actions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is to increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR). To assess the role of this effect on ANF-induced natriuresis (UNaV), diuresis (V) and kaliuresis (UKV) we performed late clamp experiments in six rats. After control periods (C), synthetic ANF (auriculin A) was infused i.v. (2 micrograms X min-1/kg body wt) throughout the experiment (150 min). After pre-clamp periods, the perfusion pressure of the left kidney (LK) was reduced to 75-80 mmHg. The right kidney (RK) served as a time control. In LK, before the late clamp, ANF increased (p less than 0.01) GFR from 1.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.8 +/- 0.1 ml/min, V from 17 +/- 5 to 53 +/- 5 microliters/min, and UNaV from 2.1 +/- 0.6 to 10.0 +/- 0.9 microEq/min. Almost identical increases occurred in the RK. The late clamp returned all parameters in LK to C values (p greater than 0.05): GFR to 1.4 +/- 0.1 ml/min, V to 6.3 +/- 1.2 microliter/min, and UNaV to 1.0 +/- 0.3 microEq/min. The late clamp also reversed the ANF-induced increase in UKV. In the RK, GFR (1.8 +/- 0.1 ml/min), V (38 +/- 4 microliter/min) and UNaV (7.8 +/- 0.8 microEq/min) remained elevated (p less than 0.01 vs. C) to the end of the experiment. These data demonstrate that upon return of GFR to control levels, the ANF-induced diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis is abolished. The results support our previous view that the increase in GFR together with a decrease in inner-medullary hypertonicity account wholly or in great part for the natriuretic action of ANF.

Animals↗

The captopril test for identifying renovascular disease in hypertensive patients.

To develop a screening test for identifying renovascular hypertension, the blood pressure and plasma renin activity responses to an oral test dose of captopril were studied in 246 quietly seated hypertensive patients. The following criteria were developed that exploit the hyperresponsiveness of renin secretion in renovascular hypertensive patients: a 60-minute post-captopril plasma renin activity of 12 ng/ml per hour or more and an absolute plasma renin activity increase of 10 ng/ml per hour or more, along with a 150 percent increase in plasma renin activity (or a 400 percent increase if the baseline plasma renin activity was below 3 ng/ml per hour). Retrospectively, the test identified, among 200 hypertensive patients without evidence of renal dysfunction, all 56 patients with proved renovascular disease. In this group, false-positive results occurred only in two of 112 patients with essential hypertension and in six with secondary hypertension. Nine untreated patients had blood pressure levels of less than 160/100 mm Hg. The test was neither as sensitive nor specific in the 46 patients with renal insufficiency. This study demonstrates that the renin response to oral captopril is a useful screening test for identifying patients with unilateral or bilateral renovascular disease. Since the test also characterizes the renin dependency of the hypertension, it may have other diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Blood Pressure↗

Characterization of human prorenin expressed in mammalian cells from cloned cDNA.

Human preprorenin was synthesized in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with an expression vector containing renin cDNA sequences. These cells secrete an inactive form of renin (EC 3.4.23.15) that can be activated by trypsin. This inactive renin is precipitable by antibody generated against purified human renal renin and also by antisera generated to a synthetic peptide derived from the amino acid sequence of the pro segment of preprorenin (anti-propeptide), indicating that the secreted inactive enzyme is a form of prorenin. Analysis of [35S]methionine-labeled proteins immunoprecipitated from CHO cell conditioned culture medium indicates that prorenin is expressed in CHO cells as two distinct forms that differ in their degree of glycosylation. In vitro trypsin activation of prorenin cleaves approximately 4.5 kDa from the protein, rendering it unreactive with the antipropeptide antiserum but still recognizable by anti-renal renin antibody. These results show directly that the prorenin expressed by CHO cells is an inactive enzyme that is activated by trypsin cleavage of the pro segment. The ability to express human renin in this form will allow for the purification of both active and inactive forms of the enzyme in quantities sufficient for detailed physiological and structural studies.

Animals↗

The renin system and atrial natriuretic hormone in congestive heart failure.

The renin angiotensin system is activated in the majority of patients with chronic congestive heart failure of moderate to severe symptomatology. Renin release may result from one of several different stimuli: renal tubular sodium delivery and sensing by the macula densa, sympathetic nervous system activity, and baroreceptor to changes in renal blood flow. Difficulties arise with an analysis of renin angiotensin system activity due to the necessity for diuretic therapy in the majority of these patients. Despite the presence of diuretic therapy, however, there is a wide range of renin angiotensin system activity. In evaluating this activity the administration of a converting enzyme inhibitor will block the contribution of angiotensin mediated vasoconstriction, thereby confirming the importance of the renin angiotensin system activity as a mediator of the long-term consequences of heart failure. In situations of low plasma renin activity, vasoconstriction is mediated by an alternate mechanism. The mechanisms of this non-renin mediated vasoconstriction are less apparent, but may include calcium mediated vasoconstriction, and the effects of increased cytosolic content. This low renin group of patients appear to be very sensitive to reversal of vasoconstriction by calcium channel antagonists, especially when converting enzyme inhibitors are ineffective. In an analysis of the factors that may result in renin release, tubular delivery of sodium to the macula densa may emerge as the most important regulator of renin release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Atrial natriuretic peptide: a new factor in hormonal control of blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis.

Recent research has led to the discovery and characterization of a hormone secreted by the atria that has powerful vasodepressor and natriuretic properties. A series of atrial peptides varying only in length and exhibiting these activities have been isolated, so that it is not yet clear which of these is the active hormone. The factors that determine its secretion remain to be characterized although preliminary evidence suggests that sodium-volume loading and/or intraatrial distension may be centrally involved. Atrial hormone acts in four different ways to oppose or counter the actions of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Thus, it produces vasorelaxation, which is especially pronounced in angiotensin-preconstricted blood vessels; it blocks angiotensin-induced aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex; it inhibits renin secretion by the kidneys; and its natriuretic action opposes the sodium-retaining action of aldosterone. Accordingly, the atrial-natriuretic and vasorelaxant hormone may play a role complementary to the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system in the long-term regulation of sodium balance and arterial pressure. In this construction the renin system acts primarily to defend sodium balance and blood pressure, with the atrial hormone playing an increasingly active counterpart in situations involving sodium-volume surfeit and/or high blood pressure. The physiologic properties of the new atrial hormone already suggest a major role for it in sodium-volume, blood pressure homeostasis, and for understanding and treating hypertensive-cardiovascular diseases.

Aldosterone↗

Differing hemodynamic responses to atrial natriuretic factor in two models of hypertension.

Hemodynamic responses to synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), were studied in renin-dependent two-kidney, one-clip (2K,1C) and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) salt-treated hypertensive rats as well as normotensive controls. ANF infusion (800 pmol/kg prime, 120 pmol X kg-1 X min-1 for 60 min) decreased blood pressure (BP) more in conscious 2K,1C (-24 +/- 4%) than in DOC salt-treated (-12 +/- 4%, P less than 0.05) or control rats. Hemodynamic parameters were also evaluated during graded infusion of three doses, each for 30 min. At 24 and 120 pmol X kg-1 X min-1, ANF lowered BP in 2K,1C rats, both conscious (from 156 +/- 6 to 144 +/- 7, P less than 0.05 and 135 +/- 5 mmHg, P less than 0.05) and anesthetized (from 148 +/- 7 to 138 +/- 7, P less than 0.05 and 128 +/- 7, P less than 0.05). In anesthetized 2K,1C, BP changes were associated with reduction in total peripheral resistance (TPR) that became significant at 120 pmol X kg-1 X min-1 (-10 +/- 2%), whereas cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) were unchanged. In DOC-salt-treated rats these doses did not lower BP despite progressive falls in CO (-7 +/- 3% and -24 +/- 5%, P less than 0.05) and SV (-8 +/- 2% and -23 +/- 5%, P less than 0.05), which were balanced by a simultaneous rise in TPR (+12 +/- 4% and +26 +/- 10%, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Relationship between renal hemodynamic and natriuretic effects of atrial natriuretic factor.

The degree by which atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-induced renal hemodynamic changes account for its natriuretic effect was determined by early clamp experiments in six anesthetized dogs. After control periods, perfusion pressure of the left kidney (LK) was reduced to 80-90 mmHg, and synthetic ANF (auriculin A) was infused intravenously (0.3 micrograms X min-1 X kg body wt). After recovery, furosemide (F) was administered as a bolus injection (1 mg/kg body wt). In the right kidney (RK), which served as a time control, ANF increased (P less than 0.05) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 16 +/- 4% and Na excretion (UNa V) 261 +/- 63%, whereas it decreased urine osmolality (Uosm) 36 +/- 7% without changing free water clearance. ANF also increased diuresis (V) and kaliuresis (UKV). F produced qualitatively the same results without changing GFR. In the clamped LK, ANF failed to increase GFR (22 +/- 4 vs. 26 +/- 4 ml/min), UNaV (30 +/- 9 vs. 33 +/- 11 mueq/min), V, and UKV or to decrease Uosm (841 +/- 97 vs. 840 +/- 114 mosmol/kg H2O). F had similar effects in LK as in RK. The data demonstrate that the natriuretic effect of ANF is abolished when its renal hemodynamic actions are impeded. In addition, the results demonstrate that ANF antagonizes renal vasoconstriction in the dog. The results are consistent with the view that the ANF-induced natriuresis is due in great part to an increase in the filtered load of Na into a washed-out inner medulla.

Animals↗

Cardiovascular effects of atrial natriuretic factor in anesthetized and conscious dogs.

Atrial natriuretic factor lowers blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive animal models. The present study examined the mechanism of the blood pressure-lowering effect in 10 normotensive dogs. Four awake dogs previously instrumented with electromagnetic flow probes for measurement of cardiac output and catheters for systemic hemodynamic and cardiac dynamic measurements were studied. After a 30-minute control period, a 3 micrograms/kg bolus followed by 0.3 micrograms/min/kg of a 24-residue synthetic atrial natriuretic factor was infused for 30 minutes, followed by a 1-hour recovery period. Mean arterial pressure fell significantly during infusion (control, 125 +/- 4; infusion, 108 +/- 5; recovery, 125 +/- 9 mm Hg; p less than 0.05) and was accompanied by a slight but significant bradycardia (control, 144 +/- 7; infusion, 134 +/- 5; recovery, 145 +/- 7 beats/min; p less than 0.05). Significant reductions in cardiac output (control, 2.66 +/- 0.60; infusion, 2.18 +/- 0.60; recovery, 2.74 +/- 0.60 L/min; p less than 0.05), stroke volume (control, 18.4 +/- 3.9; infusion, 16.0 +/- 4.2; recovery, 19.0 +/- 3.7 ml/beat; p less than 0.05), and maximum increase in rate of change of left ventricular systolic pressure (control, 2475 +/- 200; infusion, 2088 +/- 216; recovery, 2487 +/- 243 mm Hg/sec; p less than 0.05) were also observed during infusion. No significant changes in total peripheral resistance or central venous pressure were noted, although the latter tended to fall during infusion. A similar pattern was observed in six pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, except that infusion of atrial natriuretic factor did not induce bradycardia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Atrial natriuretic factor in normal subjects and heart failure patients. Plasma levels and renal, hormonal, and hemodynamic responses to peptide infusion.

We investigated atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in humans, measuring plasma immunoreactive (ir) ANF (in femtomoles per milliliter), and renal, hormonal, and hemodynamic responses to ANF infusion, in normal subjects (NL) and congestive heart failure patients (CHF). Plasma irANF was 11 +/- 0.9 fmol/ml in NL and 71 +/- 9.9 in CHF (P less than 0.01); the latter with twofold right ventricular increment (P less than 0.05). In NL, ANF infusion of 0.10 microgram/kg per min (40 pmol/kg per min) induced increases (P less than 0.05) of absolute (from 160 +/- 23 to 725 +/- 198 mueq/min) and fractional (1-4%) sodium excretion, urine flow rate (from 10 +/- 1.6 to 20 +/- 2.6 ml/min), osmolar (from 3.2 +/- 0.6 to 6.8 +/- 1.2 ml/min) and free water (from 6.8 +/- 1.6 to 13.6 +/- 1.6 ml/min) clearances, and filtration fraction (from 20 +/- 1 to 26 +/- 2%). Plasma renin and aldosterone decreased 33% and 40%, respectively (P less than 0.01). Systolic blood pressure fell (from 112 +/- 3 to 104 +/- 5 mmHg, P less than 0.05) in seated NL; but in supine NL, the only hemodynamic response was decreased pulmonary wedge pressure (from 11 +/- 1 to 7 +/- 1 mmHg, P less than 0.05). In CHF, ANF induced changes in aldosterone and pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance (all P less than 0.05); however, responses of renin and renal excretion were attenuated. ANF infusion increased hematocrit and serum protein concentration by 5-7% in NL (P less than 0.05) but not in CHF.

Adult↗

Increased plasma renin and aldosterone in patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for metastatic germ-cell tumors.

Twenty-four normotensive males in complete remission (CR) for 9+ to 54+ months after cisplatin-based chemotherapy for metastatic germ-cell tumors were evaluated for evidence of alterations in the renin-aldosterone axis and renal function. Abnormally high ambulatory plasma renin activity was seen in 14 of 19 patients with 24-hour urine sodium excretion greater than 50 mEq. This was correlated with elevated ambulatory plasma aldosterone (P = .009) and 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion (P = .01). The mean serum magnesium value (1.34 +/- .05 mEq/L) was subnormal. Therapy resulted in an increase in serum creatinine during treatment (P less than .0001), an increase in BUN (P less than .01), and decrease in serum phosphorus (P less than .001). The relationship between the alterations in the renin-aldosterone axis and abnormal renal tubular function remains to be determined. In view of reports of cardiovascular toxicity after treatment for germ-cell tumors, and evidence individually linking both magnesium deficiency and increased plasma renin activity (PRA) to cardiovascular consequences, these abnormalities in renin and magnesium metabolism suggest that patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy should be carefully observed for the development of delayed cardiovascular toxicities.

Adult↗

Effects of atrial natriuretic factor on blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) antagonizes vasoconstriction induced by numerous smooth muscle agonists and also lowers blood pressure in intact animals. ANF has particularly marked relaxant effects on angiotensin II-contracted vessels in vitro. Sensitivity to the blood pressure-lowering effect of ANF in vivo appears to be enhanced in renin-dependent models of renovascular hypertension compared with other experimental hypertensive models. The depressor action of low, possibly physiological doses of ANF in two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt rats is due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance. On the other hand, high doses of ANF can lower cardiac output, particularly in volume-expanded models such as deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension. ANF markedly inhibits renin secretion in intact animals, probably via increased glomerular filtration rate and load of sodium chloride to the macula densa. This effect is masked when renal perfusion is impaired (e.g., via unilateral renal artery constriction), in which case ANF may stimulate renin secretion slightly. ANF also reduces plasma aldosterone in vivo and inhibits basal and agonist-induced aldosterone release from isolated adrenal cortical cells. This effect appears to be especially marked for angiotensin-induced aldosterone production in vivo and in vitro. These findings indicate that ANF has potentially important interactions with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and suggest a role for ANF in the homeostatic control of blood pressure as well as of extracellular fluid volume.

Adrenal Glands↗

Increases in circulating atrial natriuretic factor during immersion-induced central hypervolaemia in normal humans.

The role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in modulating volume and circulatory homeostasis remains uncertain, and there has been as yet no systematic analysis of the factors promoting ANF release in humans. Since immersion in water to the neck provides a 'volume stimulus' identical to that induced by 2 litres of saline, without plasma compositional change, immersion to the neck was used to assess the ANF response to acute central blood-volume expansion. Using a radio-immunoassay that reliably detected ANF in human plasma extracts, more than 80% of plasma immunoreactive (ir) ANF was shown to elute as a single peak on reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography, with a retention time identical to that of the synthetic 28-residue alpha-human (alpha-h) ANF. The response of plasma irANF to 3 h of immersion in water to the neck was evaluated in four sodium-replete normal subjects; the immersion produced a prompt and marked increase in irANF in each subject, and recovery was associated with a prompt return to pre-study levels. Concurrently, there was a marked natriuresis and a profound suppression of plasma renin and aldosterone. These findings support the hypothesis that an increase in plasma ANF contributes to the hormonal and renal effects of immersion in water to the neck, suggesting that ANF has an important physiological role in modulating volume homeostasis in humans.

Adult↗