A molecular defect in thrombasthenic platelets.

An IgG antibody found in the serum of a thrombasthenic patient reacted in complement fixation with platelets from 350 normal individuals but was nonreactive with platelets from eight other thrombasthenic patients. ADP-induced aggregation of normal platelets was inhibited by the patient's antibody. Family studies using the quantitative complement fixation test showed that healthy heterozygotes were easily distinguishable from normal or thrombasthenic individuals since their platelets had an intermediate amount of the reactive antigen. Indirect immunoprecipitation tests using this serum and soluble membrane antigens labeled with iodine-125 that had been extracted from normal platelets by the detergent Nonidet P-40 gave a single radioactive peak at 120,000 mol wt in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A similar estimate of the molecular weight was obtained from Sephadex G-200 filtration of the soluble antigens extracted from normal platelets by spontaneous release or chaotropic agents and tested in complement fixation with the patient's serum. These findings strongly suggest that the molecule recognized by this antibody is absent or structurally modified in thrombasthenia cases and that it may be involved in platelet aggregation.

Potential role of the A alpha chain in the binding of calcium to human fibrinogen.

The binding of Ca2+ to human fibrinogen was investigated. Molecules with intact A alpha chain possessed three high-affinity binding sites but fibrinogen samples with partially degraded A alpha chain exhibited only two sites. It is therefore suggested that the integrity of this chain is required for the interaction between the protein and this cation.

Quantification of collagen synthesis by cultured human glomerular cells.

This study examines the amount of total collagen and its different fractions synthesized by cultured human glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells. Two quantitative techniques were used, namely estimation of proline (Pro) plus hydroxyproline (Hyp) present in the collagenase-sensitive proteins and ELISA or RIA of the different types of collagen. In addition, the pattern of collagen synthesis for both cell types was further examined using immunofluorescence methods and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Glomerular epithelial cells synthesized mainly type IV collagen and it was, for the better part, cell-associated. Mesangial cells synthesized approx. 4-times more collagen than epithelial cells. Type I collagen was predominant, but there were also type IV and III collagens. Secreted and cell-associated collagens were present in roughly equivalent amounts. In both cell lines 10-14% of the newly synthesized collagen had been degraded within the cells. These results provide quantitative data on collagen synthesis by human glomerular cells in vitro and represent the first necessary stage before studying which factors mediate the development of glomerular sclerosis.

Prostaglandin E2 enhances type 2-bradykinin receptor expression in human glomerular podocytes.

We examined the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on bradykinin (BK) binding, BK-dependent intracellular calcium and inositol phosphate (i.p.) concentrations and BK mRNA in human glomerular visceral epithelial cells (hGVEC). PGE2 (10 nM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-BK specific binding after a lag time of 24 h with a threshold at 0.1 nM. This increase appeared to be mediated exclusively by an increase in BK receptor (BKR)-2 expression. Scatchard analysis of [3H]-BK saturation binding showed that PGE2 produced an increase in the receptor site density without a change in the apparent dissociation constant. PGE2 also markedly stimulated cAMP production. This effect was thought to mediate the increase in expression of BKR-2 as 8-bromo cAMP and various cAMP-stimulating agents acted similarly. PGE2 did not change the BK-dependent intracellular IP3 and cytosolic calcium increases. The overexpression of BKR-2 in the presence of PGE2 was associated with an increase in mRNA as shown by the nuclease protection assay without any change in mRNA half-life. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, enhanced BKR-2 mRNA expression. In conclusion, treatment with PGE2 stimulates the synthesis of BKR-2 in hGVEC, possibly by interfering with an inhibitory protein involved in BKR-2 transcription.

Response of adenylate cyclase to parathyroid hormone and prostaglandins by human isolated glomeruli.

A role for hormonal substances and other biochemical messengers in the regulation of the glomerular filtration rate has been inferred from the results of micropuncture studies in the rat and from the demonstration of hormone-responsive adenylate cyclase activity in glomeruli isolated from the renal cortex of rats and rabbits. To investigate whether such hormonal factors may contribute to the regulation of glomerular function in humans, we studied the response of adenylate cyclase activity to the administration of human PTH-(1-34) and prostaglandins (PG) by glomeruli isolated from the renal cortex of four human kidneys. PTH and PGs (PGE2, PGI2, and, to a lesser extent, PGF2 alpha) stimulated human glomerular adenylate cyclase activity. Basal adenylate cyclase activity ranged from 0.2-1.2 nmol 20 min-1 mg-1. For each agonist, the percent increase above basal values (at the maximum concentration tested) and the concentration of the agonist that elicited 50% of the maximum stimulation (ED50) were as follows: for PTH 300-460% (10,000 mIU/ml); ED50, 100-550 mIU/ml; for PGE2, 160-380% (10 microM); ED50, 0.4-1.6 microM; and for PGI2, 180-650% (10 microM); ED50, 0.09-0.46 microM. The synthetic guanylnucleotide 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] potentiated the effect of PTH and PGI2, since the combined effects were greater than the sums of the effects of the individual agonists, and there was a significant interaction between Gpp(NH)p and PTH or PGI2, as indicated by three-factor analysis of variance. Additivity, but not potentiation, was observed for PGE2. The effects of PTH plus PGE2 or PGI2 were also additive, a finding that suggests that PTH and PGs are not linked to the same pool of adenylate cyclase. In contrast, the combination of PGE2 and PGI2 resulted in a significantly lower effect than the sum of their individual effects, a finding indicating that these PGs share in part a common pool of adenylate cyclase. Demonstration of PTH- and PG-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in human isolated glomeruli suggests a role for these agonists in the regulation of the glomerular filtration rate in man.

Angiotensin II receptors in human isolated renal glomeruli.

125I-Labeled angiotensin II ([125I]A II) binds specifically to glomeruli isolated from human kidneys that were obtained at nephrectomy or early autopsy. Equilibrium was reached after 30 min, and specific binding represented more than 90% of the total binding. Dissociation after dilution with the addition of an excess of unlabeled hormone was more rapid than after dilution alone. The effect increased as a function of the A II concentration. The Scatchard plot derived from saturation experiments was curvilinear, with an upward concavity. Two groups of receptor sites could be defined by the Kd values (0.1 and 2 nM, respectively) and the number of receptor sites (40 and 300 fmol mg glomerular protein-1, respectively). Alternatively, binding could be considered to follow a negative cooperative type of hormone-receptor interaction. [Asn1, Val5]A II, [Asp1,Ile5]A II, [des, Asp1,Ile5]A II, [Sar1, Ala8]A II, and [Sar1, Ile8]A II were all equally effective as competitive inhibitors of [125I]A II binding. Both calcium and magnesium (0.5-5 mM) produced an increase in [125I]A II specific binding, whereas guanylylimidodiphosphate, an analog of GTP, inhibited it. Degradation of the [125I]A II present in the incubation medium was estimated by three different techniques. It increased linearly with time and reached 20% at 30 min. Specific binding of A II to human glomeruli at plasma concentrations observed in man under physiological conditions and during the iv administration of A II demonstrates that human renal glomeruli include target cells for A II and thus suggests a role for A II in regulation of the glomerular filtration rate in man.

Solubilization of angiotensin II receptors in rat glomeruli.

125I-labelled angiotensin II (A II) specifically binds to solubilized receptors extracted from rat isolated glomeruli using CHAPS (3-[3-( cholamidopropyl ) dimethylammonio ]-1-propanesulfonate). The yield of solubilization of the binding sites was 3.3%. Equilibrium was reached after 15-20 min and specific binding represented 75% of total binding. Dissociation of the hormone-receptor complex after addition of an excess of A II was very slow in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+. [Sar1 Ala8] A II and [Sar1 Ile8] A II were more potent as competitive inhibitors of 125I-labelled A II than A II itself and its heptapeptide. These basic features of 125I-labelled A II binding to the extracted material were similar to those observed previously with untreated glomeruli.

Stimulation of cyclic GMP synthesis in human cultured glomerular cells by atrial natriuretic peptide.

Recently a stimulatory effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the particulate guanylate cyclase system has been reported in the glomeruli from different species. Using cultures of homogeneous human glomerular cell lines, we found that rat and human ANP stimulated markedly cGMP formation in epithelial cells with a threshold dose of 1 nM. A 20-fold increase was obtained at 5 microM. Stimulation was also present but less substantial (2-fold at 5 microM) in mesangial cells. cGMP was formed rapidly and released in the medium. ANP and sodium nitroprusside, an activator of soluble guanylate cyclase, had additive effects on cGMP formation. ANP did not inhibit cAMP formation in both cell lines. These results demonstrate that, at least in the human species, epithelial cells represent the main target of ANP in the glomerulus. Synthesis of cGMP in the glomerular epithelial cells in response to ANP also suggests that the excess of urinary cGMP produced by the kidney which is observed after ANP administration is of glomerular rather than of tubular origin.

Stimulation of guanylate cyclase by atrial natriuretic factor in isolated human glomeruli.

A 23 amino acid synthetic peptide fragment of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in isolated human glomeruli in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. ANF activated particulate guanylate cyclase whereas it had no effect on soluble guanylate cyclase. These results demonstrate that the glomerulus is a target structure for ANF in humans. They also suggest that ANF-induced increase in glomerular filtration rate is due to a direct effect of this peptide on the glomerular cells mediated by activation of glomerular guanylate cyclase.

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.

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.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme in isolated human glomeruli.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was measured with hippurylhistidylleucine as a substrate in isolated human glomeruli. The mean level was 2.2 +/- 0.47 mIU/mg glomerular protein. S9780, a newly designed competitive inhibitor of ACE, inhibited this activity by 85% at 0.3 microM. [3H]S9780 specifically bound to isolated human glomeruli. The Kd value and the number of sites were 23 nM and 83 fmol/mg, respectively. The prodrug, S9490, and Captopril were less potent than S9780 in displacing [3H]S9780 from its binding sites. Angiotensin I had no effect. Binding of [3H]S9780 was inhibited after preincubation of the glomeruli with a specific polyclonal anti-human ACE antibody. These results demonstrate that ACE is present in human adult glomeruli.

Catabolism of human fibrinogen fragment D in normal subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis.

The catabolism of human fragment D, (FgD), obtained by plasmin digestion of fibrinogen has been investigated in normal subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis and the results compared with those obtained for fibrinogen (Fg). Fg was labelled with I-125 and Fg D with I-131 using the chloramine T method. The plasma disappearance curves of both labelled proteins fitted a two exponential curve. In controls the plasma clearance rate of Fg D was greater than that of Fg as shown by the marked difference between the half-lives of these two tracers: 8,9 and 83,5 hours for Fg D and Fg respectively. The fractional catabolic rate of Fg D was 3.38 times the plasma pool per day. In nine patients with liver cirrhosis, catabolism of Fg was not modified. In contrast, catabolism of Fg D was significantly reduced with a half life of 13.0 hours and a low fractional catabolic rate. These results suggest the role of the liver in the catabolism of Fg D in man.

The half-life of plasmic degradation products of human fibrinogen in rabbits.

Human fibrinogen and purified plasmic degradation fragments X (stages 1 and 2), D and E were labelled with 125-I using the lactoperoxidase method. The chromatographic, electrophoretic and immunologic properties of the labelled proteins were found to be similar to those of non-labelled fragments. All the degradation products diffused rapidly (T 1/2 0.27-0.75 hours) from the intravascular space of rabbits, as compared with fibrinogen (4.26 hours). In addition, the metabolic half-life was found to be 49.3 hours for fibrinogen, as compared with only 5.6, 6.1, 2.3 and 1.4 for fragments X (stage 1), X (stage 2), D and E, respectively. The metabolic half-life roughly reflects the molecular size of the degradation products.

Evaluation of a polyester collagen-coated heparin bonded vascular graft.

This animal study was designed to compare a collagen coated heparin bonded vascular graft (CHG) versus a collagen coated vascular graft (CG) regarding intraoperative blood loss and healing process. 24 polyester vascular grafts (12 CHG and 12 CG) of 6 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length were implanted between the common iliac and external iliac artery in 12 adult dogs. The grafts were explanted between the first and the sixth months which followed the implantations. The healing process was observed by gross examination, microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination. Prostaglandin PGE2, TXB2, 6 keto PGF1 alpha and PGF2 alpha were measured by radioimmunologic assay from samples retrieved from the medium part of the graft. During implantation, there was no notable difference in blood loss through the graft. At the time of explantation, 20 grafts were patent (10 CHG, 10 CG). In both grafts, the healing process developed progressively between 2 and 6 months and 90% of the internal surface of the grafts were covered with endothelial like cells. At 6 months, the internal layer was thinner in heparinized graft. PGI2 secretion was found with the two types of grafts. In conclusion, the present study showed no difference in the blood loss or healing characteristic of CHG and CG except for a potentially thinner internal layer with CHG. Comparative studies in humans are necessary to evaluate the potential benefit of heparin bonded graft in clinical practice.

[Mechanism of action and catabolism of atrial natriuretic factor in cultured human and animal kidney cells]. / Mode d'action et catabolisme du facteur auriculaire natriurétique dans les cellules rénales humaines et animales en culture.

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.