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PubMed1988

Benzodiazepines inhibit transport-related oxygen consumption in thick ascending limb.

Specific binding sites for benzodiazepines (BZD) have been identified in several nonneuronal tissues including the kidney where they are localized predominantly to the tubular epithelium of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH). The physiological function of these nonneuronal (peripheral) BZD-binding sites is undefined, but it has been suggested that they may represent receptors for putative endogenous ligands that may modulate cell function. In the current study, we examined the in vitro effects of diazepam and Ro5-4864, a specific peripheral BZD-receptor agonist, on the oxygen consumption of medullary TALH tubule suspensions of rabbit kidney. Maximal inhibition of total oxygen consumption was achieved at a dose of 5 X 10(-4) M of either agent. On average, diazepam and Ro5-4864 reduced total oxygen consumption by 41 and 44%, respectively. The predominant inhibition was in the ouabain-sensitive component of oxygen consumption, which suggests that BZDs inhibit active sodium-chloride transport in the TALH. To assess whether this inhibition depends on sodium uptake, TALH tubules were pretreated with amphotericin B (2 X 10(-6) M) to enhance sodium uptake and stimulate basal oxygen consumption; subsequent addition of Ro5-4864 (5 X 10(-4) M) still reduced oxygen consumption to a residual value that was not different from that in TALH tubules treated with Ro5-4864 but without pretreatment with amphotericin B. This suggests that BZD inhibition of transport-related oxygen consumption is not caused by diminution of sodium uptake into cells and thus appears to be distinct from the effect of furosemide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of adenosine on cAMP production and cytosolic Ca2+ in cultured rabbit medullary thick limb cells.

The cellular signaling mechanism of adenosine action has been studied in highly purified populations of cultured cells from the rabbit medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (MTAL). The effects of specific adenosine-receptor agonists 5'(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA; A2) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA; A1) on basal and hormone-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production, cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]f), and formation of inositol phosphates were examined. Production of cAMP was stimulated by high doses of NECA and was inhibited by low doses of CHA. The inhibitory effect of CHA was observed in cells in which cAMP production was first stimulated with vasopressin, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E2 (10(-6) M), or calcitonin (100 ng/ml) and was abolished by pretreating the cells with pertussis toxin (PT) for 12-20 h. A highly selective adenosine A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX), also abolished the inhibitory effect of CHA. Both NECA and CHA induced a rapid (10 s) and transient increase in [Ca2+]f, and this was associated with an increased inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production. Single-cell [Ca2+]f measurements indicated that all MTAL cells responded to CHA. The removal of extracellular Ca2+ failed to inhibit these responses. Pretreatment with PT or administration of CPX abolished both the increase in [Ca2+]f and the formation of IP3 occurring in response to CHA and NECA. Our results suggest that both adenylate cyclase-coupled inhibitory (A1) and stimulatory (A2) adenosine receptors are present in pure populations of cultured MTAL cells. Moreover, activation of an adenosine receptor coupled to a PT substrate results in the increased production of inositol phosphate and elevation of [Ca2+]f.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

Cytochrome P-450 arachidonate metabolites affect ion fluxes in rabbit medullary thick ascending limb.

The medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (mTALH) of the rabbit metabolizes arachidonic acid (AA) via a cytochrome P-450 (P-450) monooxygenase pathway to several products, of which the principal are 20-hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and 1,20-eicosatetraenedioic acid (20-COOH-AA). To understand their mechanism of action on alkali cation metabolism in mTALH cells, we have compared their effects with those of ouabain and furosemide. Incubation of rabbit isolated mTALH cells with either 1 mM ouabain or furosemide decreased K+ content from a control of 1,015 +/- 51 peq/micrograms protein to 717 +/- 41 and to 548 +/- 48 peq/micrograms protein, respectively, whereas they had opposite effects on Na+ content; from a control of 138 +/- 22 peq/micrograms protein, ouabain increased Na+ content to 357 +/- 37 peq/micrograms protein, and furosemide decreased it to 64 +/- 23 peq/micrograms protein. Preincubation with either 20-HETE (1 microM) or 20-COOH-AA (1 microM) decreased Na+ and K+, resembling furosemide in their effects on Na+ and K+ content. In other experiments we used monensin-treated cells to determine 86Rb uptake under conditions in which Na+ entry into the cell was not rate limiting. Under these conditions ouabain still inhibited 86Rb uptake, and the effect of AA was blocked. A major action of AA metabolites on Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase was thereby excluded. Furthermore, AA metabolites did not inhibit Ba(2+)-sensitive 86Rb efflux, indicating that they do not act through K+ channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Mitochondrial biogenesis and development of respiratory chain enzymes in kidney cells: role of glucocorticoids.

We have previously shown that the activity of several mitochondrial oxidative enzymes increased greatly in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (MTAL) of developing rat kidney between 16 days after birth and the adult stage. These changes were triggered by the postnatal rise in circulating glucocorticoids. To determine whether these increases are related to a mitochondrial biogenesis we have studied the changes in mitochondrial density of MTAL cells and mitochondrial DNA content in the inner stripe of the outer medulla during the postnatal period. The activities of respiratory chain (RC) complexes II and IV, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), were also assayed, and developmental changes in the ultrastructure of the IMM were quantified. Quantitative electron-microscopic data showed a doubling in mitochondrial density from day 16 to the adult, accompanied by twofold increase in mitochondrial DNA, as determined by slot-blot experiments. The surface density of IMM increased by 77%, and there was a concomitant large rise in the activity of both RC enzymes. A possible role of glucocorticoids on the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis was examined in similar experiments performed in adrenalectomized rat pups. The data demonstrated that glucocorticoids are essential for the rise in RC enzymes and the development of IMM but do not regulate postnatal changes in mitochondrial density and mitochondrial DNA content. Finally, ontogenic changes in oxidative capacities of MTAL cells could be a critical factor in the development of kidney urine concentrating mechanisms in weanling rats.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed2005

Salt handling in the distal nephron: lessons learned from inherited human disorders.

The molecular basis of inherited salt-losing tubular disorders with secondary hypokalemia has become much clearer in the past two decades. Two distinct segments along the nephron turned out to be affected, the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and the distal convoluted tubule, accounting for two major clinical phenotypes, hyperprostaglandin E syndrome and Bartter-Gitelman syndrome. To date, inactivating mutations have been detected in six different genes encoding for proteins involved in renal transepithelial salt transport. Careful examination of genetically defined patients ("human knockouts") allowed us to determine the individual role of a specific protein and its contribution to the overall process of renal salt reabsorption. The recent generation of several genetically engineered mouse models that are deficient in orthologous genes further enabled us to compare the human phenotype with the animal models, revealing some unexpected interspecies differences. As the first line treatment in hyperprostaglandin E syndrome includes cyclooxygenase inhibitors, we propose some hypotheses about the mysterious role of PGE(2) in the etiology of renal salt-losing disorders.

Diuretics↗
PubMed1997

Vasopressin V2 receptor mRNA expression and cAMP accumulation in aging rat kidney.

The ability of the kidney to regulate water balance is impaired with age, although the secretion of vasopressin is maintained in senescent animals. This suggests that the cellular response to antidiuretic hormone is reduced in aging kidney. To test this hypothesis, the relationship between the expression of the vasopressin. V2 receptor mRNA and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation was investigated in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (MTAL) of adult and aging rats. Tubular suspensions of MTAL were prepared from 10- and 30-mo-old female WAG/Rij rats. The accumulation of cAMP for maximal concentration of vasopressin was 34% larger in adult than in old animals (9.5 +/- 0.5 pmol/4 min, n = 16, and 7.1 +/- 0.6 pmol/4 min, n = 12, respectively). The concentration of vasopressin corresponding to half-maximal stimulation was similar in the two groups (0.66 +/- 0.20 and 0.52 +/- 0.09 nmol, n = 5, in adult and old animals), indicating comparable sensitivity of the renal cells with age. The age-related impaired response to vasopressin of the V2 receptor was specific for females and was not observed in males. Direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin induced a comparable accumulation of cAMP in adult and senescent rats. The V2 receptor mRNA level in the MTAL was constant between 10 and 30 mo whether the animals were normally hydrated or dehydrated for 2 days. These data indicate that, in MTAL, the age-related impaired cAMP accumulation by vasopressin would be linked to a change either in the translation of V2 mRNA or in posttranslational processing mechanisms or in the coupling between the V2 receptor and adenylyl cyclase.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed2003

Low endogenous glucocorticoid allows induction of kidney cortical cyclooxygenase-2 during postnatal rat development.

In postnatal weeks 2-4, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is induced in the rat kidney cortex where it is critically involved in final stages of kidney development. We examined whether changes in circulating gluco- or mineralocorticosteroids or in their renal receptors regulate postnatal COX-2 induction. Plasma corticosterone concentration peaked at birth, decreased to low levels at days 3-13, and increased to adult levels from day 22. Aldosterone peaked at birth and then stabilized at adult levels. Gluco- and mineralocorticoid receptor (GR and MR) mRNAs were expressed stably in kidney before, during, and after COX-2 induction. 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 was induced shortly after birth and was widely distributed in the whole collecting duct system in the suckling period and then returned to an adult pattern. Supplementation with corticosterone (20 mg.kg-1.day-1) or GR-specific dexamethasone (1 mg.kg-1.day-1) during low endogenous corticosterone suppressed renal COX-2 mRNA and protein and led to a restricted distribution of COX-2 immunolabeling. The ability of glucocorticoids to affect COX-2 was reflected in colocalization of GR-alpha and COX-2 immunoreactivity and mRNAs in thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. The MR antagonist potassium canrenoate (20 mg.kg-1.day-1) enhanced COX-2 expression from days 5 to 10, but low MR-specific concentrations of DOCA (1 mg.kg-1.day-1) had no effect on COX-2. Renomedullary interstitial cells expressed GR-alpha and COX-2. Dexamethasone suppressed COX-2 in these cells. Thus low plasma concentrations of corticosterone allowed for cortical and medullary COX-2 induction during postnatal kidney development. Increased circulating glucocorticoid in the postnatal period may damage late renal development through inhibition of COX-2.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2↗
PubMed2004

Ion and diuretic specificity of chimeric proteins between apical Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) and Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters.

The mammalian kidney bumetanide-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) and thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters are the major pathways for salt reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and distal convoluted tubule, respectively. These cotransporters serve as receptors for the loop- and thiazide-type diuretics, and inactivating mutations of corresponding genes are associated with development of Bartter's syndrome type I and Gitleman's disease, respectively. Structural requirements for ion translocation and diuretic binding specificity are unknown. As an initial approach for analyzing structural determinants conferring ion or diuretic preferences in these cotransporters, we exploited functional differences and structural similarities between Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) and Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters to design and study chimeric proteins in which the NH(2)-terminal and/or COOH-terminal domains were switched between each other. Thus six chimeric proteins were produced. Using the heterologous expression system of Xenopus laevis oocytes, we observed that four chimeras exhibited functional activity. Our results revealed that, in the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter, ion translocation and diuretic binding specificity are determined by the central hydrophobic domain. Thus NH(2)-terminal and COOH-terminal domains do not play a role in defining these properties. A similar conclusion can be suggested for the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Altered expression of renal apical plasma membrane Na+ transporters in the early phase of genetic hypertension.

The present study explores whether the development of hypertension in the Milan strain of rats (MHS) rats is preceded or paralleled by alterations of mRNA and/or protein levels of the major luminal Na+ transporters. MHS rats were studied at 23-25 days after birth; age-matched Milan normotensive (MNS) rats were used as controls. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measured by inulin clearance, was higher in MHS than in MNS rats, while the mean blood pressure was not different in the two strains of animals indicating that the MHS rats were still in the prehypertensive state. Type 3 sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE3), bumetanide-sensitive sodium-potassium-2 chloride cotransporter (NKCC2), sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) and alpha-ENaC mRNA abundances were quantified by competitive PCR. In MHS compared with MNS, mRNA abundance was unchanged for NHE3 in proximal tubules, higher for NKCC2 in medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle's loops (TAL) and lower for NCC in distal convoluted tubules (DCT) and for alpha-ENaC along collecting ducts (CD). Western blot experiments revealed 1) unchanged NHE3; 2) a significant increase in NKCC2 in the outer medulla; 3) a significant decrease in NCC in the renal cortex and of alpha-ENaC in both the renal cortex and outer medulla, whereas beta- and gamma-ENaC remained unchanged. These data indicate that, in MHS rats, there is a strong upregulation of NKCC2 along the TAL associated with increased GFR, robust inhibition of NCC cotransporter along the DCT and modest downregulation of alpha-ENaC along the CD. The interplay of the various Na+ transporters may well explain why, at this age, the rats are still in the prehypertensive state.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

cAMP increases surface expression of NKCC2 in rat thick ascending limbs: role of VAMP.

NaCl absorption by the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) is mediated by the apical Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2. cAMP increases NaCl absorption in the TAL by stimulating NKCC2. In oocytes, cAMP increases NKCC2 activity by regulating its trafficking. However, the mechanism by which cAMP stimulates NKCC2 in TALs is not clear. We hypothesized that cAMP increases surface expression of NKCC2 and NaCl absorption in TALs and that vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) is involved in this mechanism. We used surface biotinylation of rat medullary TALs (mTAL) to examine surface and total NKCC2 levels. When mTAL suspensions were treated with dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) or forskolin plus IBMX for 20 min, surface NKCC2 expression increased by 126 +/- 23 and 92 +/- 17% above basal, respectively (P < 0.03). No changes in total NKCC2 expression were observed, suggesting that cAMP increased translocation of NKCC2. We studied the role of VAMP in NKCC2 translocation and found that incubating mTALs with tetanus toxin (30 nM), which inhibits vesicle trafficking by inactivating VAMP-2 and -3, completely blocked the stimulatory effect of db-cAMP on surface NKCC2 expression (tetanus toxin = 100% vs. tetanus toxin + db-cAMP = 102 +/- 21% of control; not significant). We studied VAMP-2 and -3 expression and localization in isolated perfused TALs by confocal microscopy and found that both of them were located in the subapical space of the TAL. Finally, in isolated perfused mTALs, db-cAMP increased net Cl absorption by 95.0 +/- 34.8% (P < 0.03), and pretreatment of TALs with tetanus toxin blocked the stimulation of Cl absorption (from 110.9 +/- 15.9 to 109.7 +/- 15.6 pmol.min(-1).mm(-1); not significant). We concluded that cAMP increases NKCC2 surface expression by a mechanism involving VAMP and that NKCC2 trafficking to the apical membrane is involved in the stimulation of TAL NaCl absorption by cAMP.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed2002

Effects of renal denervation on tubular sodium handling in rats with CBL-induced liver cirrhosis.

This study was designed to examine the effect of bilateral renal denervation (DNX) on thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) function in rats with liver cirrhosis induced by common bile duct ligation (CBL). The CBL rats had, as previously shown, sodium retention associated with hypertrophy of the inner stripe of the outer medulla (ISOM) and increased natriuretic effect of furosemide in vivo, and semiquantitative immunoblotting showed increased expression of the furosemide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter type 2 (NKCC2) in ISOM from CBL rats. DNX significantly attenuated the sodium retention in the CBL rats, which was associated with normalization of the natriuretic effect of furosemide, as well as a significant reduction in the expression of NKCC2 in the ISOM. However, the marked hypertrophy of the ISOM found in CBL rats was not reversed by DNX. Together, these data indicate that increased renal sympathetic nerve activity known to be present in CBL rats plays a significant role in the formation of sodium retention by stimulating sodium reabsorption in the TAL via increased renal abundance of NKCC2.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1978

Calcium transport across segments of the rabbit distal nephron in vitro.

The mechanism of Ca2+ transport by various segments of the distal nephron was studied in vitro using the isolated perfused tubule technique. Calcium absorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and the granular portion of the cortical collecting duct (CCTg) was significantly enhanced in the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH), 3 X 10(-2) U/ml. Na+ was absorbed from and K+ was secreted into the lumen of the DCT. The presence of amiloride (5 X 10(-5) M) or furosemide (5 X 10(-5) M) in the perfusate of DCT each caused a partial inhibition of Na+ but not Ca2+ absorption. The foregoing result with Na+ is consistent with the heterogeneous nature of DCT. Net Na+ absorption and K+ secretion also occurred in the CCTg; both processes were completely inhibited by amiloride. Ca2+ absorption occurred in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop; it was not enhanced by PTH, and the results were consistent with passive movement. No net Ca2+ movement was observed in the nongranular (light) segment of the cortical collecting tubule in the presence or absence of PTH or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Isolated nephron segments in a rabbit model of ischemic acute renal failure.

Renal artery occlusion has been extensively used in animal models to cause acute renal failure. The present isolated tubule microperfusion studies were designed to examine the transport characteristics of multiple nephron segments of the rabbit after 60 min of total renal ischemia. Preliminary studies showed that this maneuver produced significant and persistent elevations of serum creatinine. The tubules were perfused and bathed with artificial solutions simulating ultrafiltrate and studied at 37 degrees C. Four nephron segments were examined. Ischemia reduced proximal convoluted tubule fluid reabsorption 77% (0.72 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.06 nl . mm-1 . min-1, P less than 0.01) and cortical proximal straight tubule fluid reabsorption 88% (0.54 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.03 nl . mm-1 . min-1, P less than 0.005). Ischemia reduced the ability of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop to lower perfusate chloride ion concentration 60% (-47 +/- 9 vs. -19 +/- 3 meq/liter, P less than 0.02) and its diluting ability 49% (-87 +/- 15 vs. -44 +/- 7 mosmol/kg H2O, P less than 0.01). Ischemia reduced the antidiuretic hormone-dependent osmotic water permeability of the cortical collecting tubule 59% (0.0203 +/- vs. 0.0083 +/- 0.0020 cm/s, P less than 0.01). Morphologic alterations were noted in the proximal segments but not in the distal segments of the nephron. The current studies demonstrate that 60 min of renal ischemia impairs the transport capability of all proximal and distal nephron segments studied.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1981

Prior mannitol and furosemide infusion in a model of ischemic acute renal failure.

Tubular transport abnormalities have recently been characterized in a rabbit model of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF). These studies demonstrated severe observable morphologic and functional changes in the proximal nephron together with functional changes in the distal nephron. Tubular debris was often produced by perfusion of proximal nephron segments. In the present study, agents used to prevent ARF were tested in this rabbit model of ARF. Rabbits were infused with either 5% body wt 5% manitol or 20 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1 furosemide in 5% body wt normal saline for the 60 min preceding 60 min of total renal ischemia. Mannitol 1) prevented the development of ARF, 2) maintained fluid reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) (0.59 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.1 nl . mm-1 . min-1) and proximal straight tubule (PST) (0.34 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.39 +/- 0.07 nl . mm-1 . min-1), 3) depressed NaCl reabsorption in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH), and 4) did not prevent a decrease in ADH-mediated osmotic water flow in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT). Furosemide 1) partially preserved renal function, 2) partially protected the PCT (0.63 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.38 +/- 0.04 nl . mm-1 . min-1) and PST (0.32 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.02 nl . mm-1 . min-1), and 3) did not change the transport capacity of the TALH or the ADH response of the CCT. Preservation of proximal nephron integrity was also reflected by the absence of debris formation. There is a direct relation between an agent's ability to protect the functional integrity of the cells of the proximal nephron and its ability to preserve renal function.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1983

Segmental analysis of the renal tubule in buffer production and net acid formation.

Papillary and surface micropuncture in Munich-Wistar rats was used to assess the role of proximal segments of superficial and juxtamedullary (JM) nephrons, the distal tubule of superficial nephrons, and the terminal collecting duct in acid excretion. The relative role of these segments in ammonium production, bicarbonate reclamation, and net acid formation was assessed under hydropenic conditions and after a chronic acid load. In these two settings the proximal segment of both kinds of nephrons is the major site of ammonium production and bicarbonate reclamation. However, this segment's contribution to net acid formation was only significant during acidosis. On the other hand, segments beyond the distal tubule appear to be the major site of acid formation. In situ pH measurements were lower in these nephron segments and fell even more after the induction of an acidosis. Ammonia appears to enter fluid between the end of the distal tubule and the base of the collecting duct. In vivo pH measurements made near the bend of Henle's loop of JM nephrons were more alkaline than near the end of the proximal tubule of superficial nephrons. It is postulated that this difference in pH allows ammonium to dissociate, permitting the movement of ammonia out of the tubule lumen and into collecting duct fluid where it is protonated and, therefore, reentrapped. This process is enhanced by the ingestion of a chronic acid load.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1985

Effect of magnesium loading on magnesium delivery to the juxtamedullary end-descending limb.

Previous micropuncture and microperfusion studies in acutely hypermagnesemic rats have yielded conflicting results with respect to magnesium transport in Henle's loop. The following experiments were performed to reexamine, by micropuncture of papillary end-descending limb, whether magnesium undergoes intratubular secretion in magnesium-loaded rats. Group 1 animals served as normal controls; group 2 animals received an acute intravenous magnesium load; group 3 animals were orally magnesium loaded for 3 wk before receiving an acute intravenous magnesium load during micropuncture; group 4 animals were acutely thyroparathyroidectomized and water loaded before receiving an acute magnesium load. Fractional magnesium delivery to the end-descending limb did not differ from the corresponding value observed in the superficial proximal tubule in normal animals (67 +/- 5.3 vs. 76 +/- 7.6%). Acute magnesium loading raised plasma magnesium concentration and fractional magnesium excretion more than twofold but did not change fractional magnesium delivery to the end-descending limb or superficial nephron significantly from control values (75 and 73%). Chronic oral magnesium loading raised daily urinary magnesium excretion threefold (183 vs. 53 mumol X day-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.05), but acute magnesium loading in this group did not significantly alter fractional delivery to the end-descending limb (85 +/- 10%, NS). Increasing intratubular flow rate while acutely raising plasma magnesium concentration (group 4) also did not induce intratubular magnesium secretion. The absence of significant changes in fractional magnesium delivery to the end-descending limb during magnesium loading suggests that intratubular magnesium secretion, if at all present, is very small and of questionable significance.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Direct visualization of the isolated and perfused macula densa.

Direct examination of the structure and function of the macula densa is compromised by the relative inaccessibility and small size of this cell plaque. We report the isolation and perfusion of rabbit nephron segments with attached glomeruli and the direct visualization of the macula densa with differential interference-contrast microscopy. We used this technique to examine the structural sensitivity of the macula densa to perturbations in luminal osmolality and NaCl concentration. Reducing luminal osmolality from 290 to 70 mosmol/kg by removing NaCl resulted in a dilation of the lateral intercellular spaces that was both reversible and specific to the region of the macula densa. Associated with the dilation of the intercellular spaces was a small (congruent to 10%), but statistically significant, increase in the height of the macula densa cells. These structural events were related to the reduction in luminal osmolality, since isosmotic replacement of NaCl with mannitol resulted in no detectable structural changes. Thus, the macula densa may represent a small water-permeable plaque of cells within the remaining water-impermeable thick ascending limb of Henle's loop.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Lack of potassium effect on Na-Cl cotransport in the medullary thick ascending limb.

The effect of potassium on sodium chloride uptake into rabbit renal medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (mTALH) cells was studied to assess whether K participates in the Na-Cl cotransport system. Na uptake into the mTALH cells was inhibited 70% at 3 min by 1 mM furosemide. The total and furosemide-sensitive Na uptake was stimulated by Cl. Additionally, Cl uptake into the mTALH cells was stimulated by Na gradients and inhibited 42% at 3 min by 1 mM furosemide. Na uptake was studied in the presence of 0,5, or 140 mM external K gradients. Na uptake was similar in the absence and presence of K. Additionally, furosemide inhibited Na uptake as effectively in the absence or presence of K. Similar studies were conducted to study the effects of Na on 86Rb uptake. Na did not stimulate 86Rb uptake. The uptake of 86Rb was similar in the presence of 0,5, or 140 mM Na gradients. Furosemide had no significant inhibitory effect on 86Rb uptake. Barium (5 mM), an inhibitor of K conductance pathways, inhibited total 86Rb uptake by 19%. In the presence of 5 mM BaCl2, Na still did not have a stimulatory effect on 86Rb uptake. The results confirm the existence of a Na-Cl cotransport system in mTALH cells, but a direct effect of K on the NaCl cotransport system could not be demonstrated under the experimental conditions we used.

Animals↗