Involvement of the Bufadienolides in the Detection and Therapy of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a major challenge for clinicians as well as basic scientists. The mortality rate for ARDS has been maintained within the range of 40-52%. The authors have examined the involvement of the "cardiotonic steroids" in the pathogenesis and therapy of ARDS. We have studied the possible role of the bufadienolide, marinobufagenin (MBG), in the pathogenesis of ARDS in both a rat model of ARDS and in patients afflicted with that disorder. In addition, the potential therapeutic benefit of an antagonist of MBG, resibufogenin (RBG), in an animal model has been evaluated. METHOD: A syndrome resembling human ARDS was produced in the rat by exposing the animals to 100% oxygen for 48 h. In other animals, RBG was administered to these "hyperoxic" rats, and the serum MBG was measured. In human ICU patients, urinary samples were examined for levels of MBG, and the values were compared to those obtained from other ICU patients admitted with diagnoses other than ARDS. RESULTS: (1) Exposure of rats to hyperoxia produced a histologic picture which resembled that of human ARDS. (2) Serum levels of MBG in the "hyperoxic" rats substantially exceeded those obtained in animals exposed to ambient oxygen levels and were reduced to normal by RBG. (3) In ARDS patients, substantial elevations in urinary MBG were obtained compared to those in non-ARDS ICU patients. CONCLUSIONS: MBG may serve as an important biomarker for the development of ARDS, and RBG may represent a preventative/therapy in this disorder.

Contribution of angiogenic factors in a rat model of pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pre-eclampsia is a disorder that results in significant feto-maternal complications with yet no definitive pharmacologic intervention. One postulated etiologic mechanism is an imbalance between circulating pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. We investigated these factors sequentially throughout pregnancy (19-21 days) in our rat model of pre-eclampsia, which involves the imposition of excessive volume expansion. METHODS: We evaluated the status of the pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors at the following time points: 3-5, 7-10 and 17-20 days of gestation. RESULTS: We have previously determined that the urinary excretion of the circulating bufodienolide, marinobufagenin, is elevated at the 3- to 5-day time period, prior to the advent of hypertension and proteinuria. At 3-5 days of pregnancy, there was no evidence of angiogenic imbalance in the normal pregnant (NP) and 'pre-eclamptic' (PDS) rats. At the 7- to 10-day time point, plasma PlGF was greater in the NP rats than in the PDS group (p < 0.05). The plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the PDS animals was greater than that in the NP rats (p < 0.05). The placental sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were greater in the PDS rats than in NP rats (p < 0.05). These changes were also present at the 17- to 20-day time point in both plasma and placenta. The administration of resibufogenin, an antagonist of marinobufagenin, early in pregnancy, prevented angiogenic imbalance. CONCLUSION: We conclude that angiogenic imbalance plays a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia in this rat model. Furthermore, the earliest event in the pathogenetic sequence appears to be the secretion and elaboration of marinobufagenin.

Marinobufagenin, resibufogenin and preeclampsia.

The bufodienolides are cardiac glycosides which have the ability to inhibit the enzyme, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase (sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase). They are cardiac inotropes, cause vasoconstriction (and, potentially, hypertension) and are natriuretic. Evidence has accrued over time which supports the view that they are mechanistically involved in volume expansion-mediated hypertension. In this communication, the authors summarize data which support the view that the bufodienolides and, in particular, marinobufagenin (MBG) are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In a rat model of the syndrome, MBG causes hypertension, proteinuria, intrauterine growth restriction and increased weight gain. All of these phenotypic characteristics are prevented by an antagonist to MBG, resibufogenin (RBG). The "preeclamptic" animals also develop a vascular leak syndrome, resulting in hemoconcentration. Abnormalities in the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) system play a role in the mechanism by which MBG produces the abnormalities in the pregnant rat. Studies to discover the relevance of these findings to human preeclampsia are currently underway in several laboratories and clinics.

Marinobufagenin inhibits proliferation and migration of cytotrophoblast and CHO cells.

Marinobufagenin (MBG) is an endogenous mammalian cardiotonic steroid that is involved in the inhibition of the sodium pump Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Increased plasma levels of MBG have been reported in patients with volume expansion-mediated hypertension and preeclampsia. We have recently demonstrated that MBG impairs both the proliferation and growth factor-induced migration of human first trimester cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells, crucial for proper placental development. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms regulating the MBG-induced impairment of CTB differentiation, migration and invasion are unknown. The human extravillous CTB cell line SGHPL-4 was utilized for this study. The phosphorylation of MAP kinase protein ERK1/2 was evaluated by Cellular Activation of Signaling ELISA (CASE) in control CTB cells and those treated with MBG. MBG at concentrations of 10 and 100nM inhibited CTB cell proliferation, migration and invasion (60%, 50% and 50%, respectively). MBG also caused a significant decrease in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In addition, MBG decreased proliferation, migration, and ERK1/2 activity in another motile cell line, CHO cells. Another sodium pump inhibitor, ouabain, similarly decreased proliferation and ERK1/2 activity in CTB and CHO cells. These data suggest that the changes observed in cell function may be mediated by inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. We demonstrate that the MBG-induced impairment of CTB cell proliferation, migration and invasion is associated with decreased ERK1/2 activity which may be mediated by inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Effects of resibufogenin in experimental hypertension.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are two major pathophysiologic processes involved in the development of hypertension: (1) expanded extracellular fluid volume and (2) vasoconstriction. We have developed a model of preeclampsia in the rat, in which excessive volume expansion (VE) plays a role. These animals excrete increased amounts of the bufodienolide, marinobufagenin (MBG), even before their hypertension and proteinuria become established. Furthermore, their hypertension is corrected by administration of resibufogenin (RBG), a compound structurally similar to MBG. METHOD: We studied two models of experimental hypertension in the nonpregnant animal, produced either by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt administration or by angiotensin infusion. RESULTS: RBG administered to the DOCA-salt rats lowered blood pressure and reduced proteinuria in the VE animals, but had no affect on the rats infused with angiotensin. Furthermore, although the production of superoxide anion in the aortas of both groups of hypertensive rats was increased over control, RBG reduced these levels to normal in the VE (DOCA-salt) animals only. RBG had no effect in the angiotensin-infused rats. The urinary excretion of angiotensinogen did not rise in VE-mediated hypertension, but did increase in the angiotensin-infused rats. CONCLUSIONS: MBG plays an important role in the causation of hypertension in the VE rats, but not in the vasoconstrictive model. RBG is effective only in VE-mediated hypertension.

Marinobufagenin impairs first trimester cytotrophoblast differentiation.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome that is the leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy in the developed world. In preeclampsia, a combination of immunological, genetic and environmental factors can lead to altered cytotrophoblast (CTB) invasion of the uterine wall, a process that is critical for normal placental development and pregnancy maintenance. Marinobufagenin (MBG) is an endogenous inhibitor of the sodium pump Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, and increased plasma MBG is associated with hypertension, chronic renal failure and preeclampsia. In the present study, the effects of MBG on CTB differentiation and invasion were investigated utilizing the first trimester extravillous CTB cell line SGHPL-4. MBG significantly inhibited SGHPL-4 proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, growth factor-induced migration and invasion were significantly inhibited by MBG treatment. These findings demonstrate that MBG impairs CTB differentiation along the invasive pathway. Elucidating the mechanisms by which MBG impairs placental development may increase our understanding of fetal and maternal pathologies associated with preeclampsia.

Phosphate transport inhibition by KW-3902, an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, is mediated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

We have previously demonstrated that 1,3-dipropyl-8-(3-noradamantyl) xanthine (KW-3902) has an inhibitory effect on phosphate (Pi) transport with no effect on glucose transport in the rat renal proximal tubular cell, similar to that of parathyroid hormone (PTH). In the current studies we investigated the effect of KW-3902, rat PTH (1-34), and 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), another selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, on Pi transport and the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We then compared these effects of KW-3902 with those of rat PTH in rat renal proximal tubule cells. The results showed that both KW-3902 (30 mumol/L) and rat PTH (1-34, 5 mumol/L) significantly inhibited Pi uptake in proximal cells from a control level of 61 +/- 3 to 19 +/- 3 (a reduction of 69%) and 46 +/- 4 picomoles phosphate/mg protein/min (a reduction of 25%), respectively (P < 0.01). The inhibitory effect of 30 mumol/L KW-3902 alone on Pi transport was more than twice that of 5 mumol/L rat PTH (1-34) alone (P < 0.01). KW-3902 stimulated the production of cAMP in a dose-dependent manner (r = 0.997, P < 0.01). Rat PTH (1-34; 5 mumol/L) also stimulated cAMP production, which was greater than that induced by 30 mumol/L KW-3902 alone. A significant increase in cAMP production by 30 mumol/L DPCPX was also observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of myeloma light chains on phosphate and glucose transport in renal proximal tubule cells.

Primary cultures of cells derived from the rat proximal tubule were exposed to up to 200 microM lambda- or kappa-light chain obtained from myeloma patients. Light chains inhibited the uptake of both phosphate and glucose by the cells while albumin had no effect. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of both the lambda- and kappa-light chains on phosphate transport were similar, 34 and 35 microM respectively. The IC50 of the kappa-light chain on glucose transport was 360 microM. The inhibitory effect of light chains was dose-dependent (r = 0.90, p < 0.01 for the lambda-light chain and r = 0.93, p < 0.001 for the kappa-light chain, on phosphate transport; and r = 0.93, p < 0.001 for glucose transport). Dixon and Line-weaver-Burk plot analyses were characteristic for noncompetitive inhibition. The inhibition constant 89 microM for phosphate uptake derived from the Dixon plot was similar to the IC50 calculated from the dose-response curves. These findings indicate that light chains, at concentrations found in the tubule fluid of a typical myeloma patient, are potent inhibitors of phosphate and glucose transport in proximal tubular cells, and that direct cell toxicity is a major mechanism of light chain nephrotoxicity.

Pharmacological classification and renal actions of diuretics.

Diuretics may be classified according to their chemical structure, their mechanism and site of action within the nephron, and their diuretic potency. Those agents with primary action in the proximal nephron include the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, e.g. acetazolamide, a sulfonamide derivative. Other drugs containing the sulfonamido grouping, e.g. furosemide, chlorothiazide and metolazone, also have secondary effects on the proximal nephron. Those drugs which have their major pharmacologic activity within the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, inhibiting the sodium/potassium/2 chloride electroneutral transport system, include the sulfonamide agents furosemide, bumetanide, piretanide and torasemide, and the phenoxyacetic acid derivative, ethacrynic acid. In the early portion of the distal convoluted tubule, sodium chloride reabsorption is impaired by the thiazide group, indapamide and metolazone, as their primary site of action. In the late reaches of the distal convolution and in the collecting duct, agents that inhibit the exchange of sodium for that of hydrogen and potassium have their major sites of activity. These agents, spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene, differ not only chemically but in their mechanisms of action. Diuretics may also be grouped according to potency. The loop of Henle agents are the most powerful, causing the excretion of 20-25% of filtered sodium load. The thiazide group and metolazone are moderately potent, resulting in the excretion of 5-8% of filtered sodium, and the 'potassium-sparing' drugs are only mildly potent, causing the excretion of only 2-3% of filtered sodium.

Effect of KW-3902, a novel adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, on sodium-dependent phosphate and glucose transport by the rat renal proximal tubular cell.

KW-3902, 1,3-dipropyl-8-(3-noradamantanyl)xanthine, is a novel potent and selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonist. KW-3902 has been found to cause significant diuresis and natriuresis. To investigate the action of this adenosine A1-receptor antagonist on phosphate transport in renal proximal tubular cells, we studied its effect on the uptake of phosphate by the cultured rat renal proximal tubular cell. KW-3902 significantly inhibited sodium-dependent uptake of phosphate at 10 minutes. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent with maximum effect achieved at a KW-3902 concentration of 3 x 10(-5) M in the uptake media. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, of KW-3902 on phosphate uptake was 2 x 10(-6) M. Dixon plot analysis of the uptake data was consistent with pure non-competitive inhibition. The inhibition constant, Ki, of 6.2 x 10(-6) M for phosphate transport, derived from the Dixon plot, was in close agreement with the IC50 calculated from a semilog dose response curve. Sodium-dependent glucose transport was not affected by KW-3902. These findings reveal that KW-3902 has a direct and specific inhibitory effect on phosphate uptake in renal proximal tubules.

Life-threatening hyperkalemia associated with captopril administration.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have become commonly used medications for hypertension and congestive heart failure. These agents are noted for their low incidence of adverse effects; but in certain cases, these effects can be life-threatening. Severe hyperkalemia is one of the potentially dangerous effects of the ACE inhibitors. While cases of life-threatening hyperkalemia associated with the use of ACE inhibitors have been described previously, in no instance was dialysis required. Herein, we report a case of acute hyperkalemia in a patient with congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency, the resolution of which required hemodialysis. The hyperkalemia in this case occurred without an increase in the patient's azotemia. In addition, the patient did not respond to attempts to effect the intracellular shift of potassium. This suggested that there may have been a defect in internal potassium homeostasis.

Parathyroid hormone transport effects and hormonal processing in primary cultured rat proximal tubular cells.

The development of satisfactory cell culture models for the study of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced inhibition of Pi transport has proven difficult. Using subcellular fractionation techniques we investigated the response of primary cultures of rat proximal tubular cells to PTH-(1-34). Specific binding of 125I-bPTH-(1-34) occurred at 2 degrees C. After 5 min of rewarming, trypsin-releasable radioactivity decreased from 90 to 50%, indicating internalization of the ligand. Cell disruption, followed by density centrifugation with 17% Percoll either directly after binding at 2 degrees C or post-rewarming for 20 min, showed a shift of 125I label from the plasma membrane (5'-nucleotidase) to lysosomal fractions (beta-D-glucosaminidase), confirming the sequential occurrence of cell surface binding, internalization and transport to lysosomes of 125I-bPTH-(1-34). Reculture at 37 degrees C revealed steady accumulation of trichloroacetic acid-soluble radioactivity in the medium, indicating degradation of 125I-bPTH-(1-34). Phosphate transport in the absence of sodium was minimal. Incubation of the cells with bPTH-(1-34) resulted in up to 50% inhibition of sodium-dependent phosphate transport. Prior phosphate depletion abrogated the response to PTH.

Relationship of the renin-angiotensin system and systemic arterial pressure to sodium excretion during atrial natriuretic peptide infusion in men.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of the renin-angiotensin system and mean arterial pressure to sodium excretion and urine flow rate during an infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) at physiologically relevant doses in humans. Eight normal volunteers were studied during five periods: (1) baseline in the supine position; (2) during an infusion of ANP at physiologic doses (0.01 micrograms/kg/min) in the supine position; (3) during ANP infusion and 60 degrees head-up tilt; (4) during ANP infusion, head-up tilt, and interruption of the renin-angiotensin axis with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) enalaprilat; and (5) in the supine position during ANP infusion and ACEI. Infusion of ANP in the supine posture significantly increased urine flow rate and sodium excretion compared to baseline while mean arterial pressure and plasma renin activity were unchanged. During head-up tilt and ANP infusion, urine flow rate and sodium excretion were no longer significantly elevated over baseline while mean arterial pressure decreased and plasma angiotensin II levels increased. Addition of ACEI caused a marked diminution of urine flow rate and sodium excretion compared to baseline levels despite continued ANP infusion. Although mean arterial pressure after ACEI administration was lower than baseline, it was not significantly different from the non-ACEI head-up tilt state. Placing subjects in the supine position during ANP infusion and ACEI administration increased mean arterial pressure to levels that were no longer different from baseline, but urine flow rate and sodium excretion remained significantly depressed to the same degree as during head-up tilt with ACEI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diuretics in the therapy of hypertension: current status.

Diuretics were the first effective oral agents for treating hypertension. They have proven to be safe and effective. Recently, they have been scrutinized as possibly being responsible for certain side effects that may increase risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A careful review of the literature suggests this class of agents warrants continued use as first-line therapy of hypertension, especially in certain demographic groups. However, monitoring of potential baleful effects and a general reduction in dosage are appropriate. Furthermore, selection of other (alternative) agents for monotherapy is advised in certain clinical circumstances.

Iatrogenic hypercalcemia in hemodialysis patients.

Calcium carbonate is frequently used in large doses as a phosphorus binder in hemodialysis patients, which often results in hypercalcemia. In most studies in which calcium carbonate is prescribed to control serum phosphorus levels the patients are not given calcitriol. However, calcitriol may be necessary for suppression of parathyroid hormone. The risk of hypercalcemia when calcium supplements are used in conjunction with calcitriol has not previously been examined in detail. We reviewed the charts of 74 hemodialysis patients (119 patient dialysis years) to determine the relationship of serum calcium to calcitriol, calcium therapy, and PTH levels. Twenty-eight patients (38%) were hypercalcemic at some point. Calcitriol therapy significantly increased the risk of hypercalcemia, independently of calcium therapy (p = 0.032). However, patients on a low dose of calcitriol were more than twice as likely to be hypercalcemic than patients on higher doses. Mean PTH levels were lower in the patients on the lower doses of calcitriol, indicating less severe hyperparathyroid disease. We conclude that hypercalcemia is a common complication in hemodialysis patients on calcitriol and calcium carbonate. Whether lowering the dialysate calcium, as suggested by other investigators, will successfully decrease the risk of hypercalcemia without worsening hyperparathyroidism remains to be determined.

Differential effects of atrial natriuretic peptide infusion at physiological doses in different postures in humans.

To evaluate potential physiological actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in humans, normal male volunteers were studied in the supine and head-up tilt positions both in the absence and presence of an ANP infusion at a rate which increased plasma ANP levels to ranges observed during physiological stimuli such as volume expansion. Infusion of ANP in the supine position provoked a significant natriuresis and diuresis and suppressed aldosterone secretion. Head-up tilt alone caused expected decreases in urine flow rate and the absolute and fractional excretion rates of sodium and increases in plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels. The combination of head-up tilt and ANP infusion resulted in a less marked decrease in urine flow rate and sodium excretion and a similar increase in plasma renin activity. However, there was a significant decrease in plasma aldosterone levels. These data support a physiologic action of ANP on renal and adrenal function.

Indicator characteristics of bromothymol blue derivatives.

Some Bromothymol Blue derivatives with a nitro, amino, isothiocyanato or sulfonamide group substituted on the sulfonated ring of the dibromothymolsulfonephthalein have been studied spectrometrically. All the dyes have two characteristic absorption peaks which can be used to measure pH in the physiological range. The molar absorptivities, wavelengths of maximum absorption and pK(a) values have been determined from the absorbances, and are similar for all four dyes.

Acid-base disturbances in cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Eighty-one consecutive cases of uncomplicated cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) were retrospectively graded for severity of chest roentgenogram (CXR) changes and grouped according to primary acid-base abnormalities, either single or mixed. Mean age was 72, 50 male, 31 female. Twenty-three percent had no acid-base disturbances (ABD). Isolated respiratory alkalosis was most common (41%), followed by metabolic acidosis, 22%; metabolic alkalosis, 10%, and respiratory acidosis, 9%. Age, sex, race distribution, morbidity and mortality were not significantly different between the groups. Overall mortality was 17%. Significantly higher mortality was associated with age over 70, pH less than 7.4, and presence of acute myocardial infarction. CXR scores did not correlate with pH, pCO2 or pO2, mortality or morbidity. Some patients with the most severe ABDs recovered while others, who had no ABD on presentation, eventually died. Thus, in 81 consecutive episodes of uncomplicated CPE, isolated respiratory alkalosis was the commonest ABD, occurring in 41%. No correlation was found between ABD and severity of CPE, morbidity or mortality.

Cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in cardiac allograft patients--a seven-year follow-up.

Renal function was observed retrospectively in a population of 228 adults who underwent a cardiac allograft at the University of Pittsburgh from June 1980 through June 1987, survived a minimum of one year, and received cyclosporine. Renal function was determined by serial measurement of serum creatinine concentration. Serum creatinine rose from 1.2 +/- 0.0 mg/dl at time of hospital discharge to 2.0 +/- 0.0 mg/dl at two and four years and 3.3 +/- 0.1 mg/dl at seven years. The fall in renal function was biphasic, with a rapid decline (reciprocal creatinine slope -0.018 dl/mg-mo) through 24 months and a slower decline thereafter -0.0036 dl/mg/month). This occurred despite a progressive decrease in cyclosporine levels from 668 +/- 23 ng/ml (whole blood RIA) to 380 +/- 12 ng/ml at seven years. Three of 222 patients (1.6%) developed end-stage renal disease within 18 months of initiation of cyclosporine therapy. Only one additional patient of 26 followed through 54 months (3.8%) developed end-stage disease thereafter. The decline in renal function seen with cyclosporine is rapid in the first 18 months, with a slower but continuing decline seen with later follow up. At least in heart transplantation, the risk of end-stage renal disease is significant, but not prohibitive.