Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) modulates vacuolar H+-ATPase activity in a cell model of proximal tubule.

BACKGROUND: The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is localized in the apical membrane of proximal tubules in close proximity to the transporters responsible for proton secretion. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of CaSR stimulation on the biochemical activity of the vacuolar H+-ATPase in a cellular model of proximal tubule cells, OKP cells. METHODS: Biochemical activity of H+-ATPase was performed using cell homogenates, and the inorganic phosphate released was determined by a colorimetric method. Changes in cytosolic ionized calcium [Ca2+]i were also determined using Fluo-4. RESULTS: A significant increase of vacuolar H+-ATPase activity was observed when the CaSR was stimulated with agonists such as Gd3+ (300 µM) and neomycin (200 µM). This activity was also stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion by changes in extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o) between 10-4 and 2 mM. Gd3+ and neomycin produced a sustained rise of [Ca2+]i, an effect that disappears when extracellular calcium was removed in the presence of 0.1 µM thapsigargin. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) activity with U73122 (5 × 10-8 M) reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by neomycin. CONCLUSION: CaSR stimulation induces an increase in the vacuolar H+-ATPase activity of OKP cells, an effect that involves an increase in [Ca2+]i and require phospholipase C activity. The consequent decrease in intratubular pH could lead to increase ionization of luminal calcium, potentially enhancing its reabsorption in distal tubule segments and reducing the formation of calcium phosphate stones.

Differential regulation of H+-ATPases in MDCK-C11 cells by aldosterone and vasopressin.

The objective of the present work was to characterize the biochemical activity of the proton pumps present in the C11 clone of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, akin to intercalated cells of the collecting duct, as well as to study their regulation by hormones like aldosterone and vasopressin. MDCK-C11 cells from passages 78 to 86 were utilized. The reaction to determine H+-ATPase activity was started by addition of cell homogenates to tubes contained the assay medium. The inorganic phosphate (P(i)) released was determined by a colorimetric method modified from that described by Fiske and Subbarow. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration in the cells was determined using the Ca2+-sensing dye fluo-4 AM. Homogenates of MDCK-C11 cells present a bafilomycin-sensitive activity (vacuolar H+-ATPase), and a vanadate-sensitive activity (H+/K+-ATPase). The bafilomycin-sensitive activity showed a pH optimum of 6.12. ATPase activity was also stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion as K+ concentration was increased between 0 and 50 mmol x L(-1), with an apparent K(m) for the release of P(i) of 0.13 mmol x L(-1) and Vmax of 22.01 nmol x mg(-1) x min(-1). Incubation of cell monolayers with 10(-8) mol x L(-1) aldosterone for 24 h significantly increased vacuolar H+-ATPase activity, an effect prevented by 10(-5) mol x L(-1) spironolactone. Vacuolar H+-ATPase activity was also stimulated by 10(-11) mol x L(-1) vasopressin, an effect prevented by a V1 receptor-specific antagonist. This dose of vasopressin determined a sustained rise of cytosolic ionized calcium. We conclude that (i) homogenates of MDCK-C11 cells present a bafilomycin-sensitive (H+-ATPase) activity and a vanadate-sensitive (H+/K+-ATPase) activity, and (ii) vacuolar H+-ATPase activity is activated by aldosterone through a genomic pathway and by vasopressin through V1 receptors.