Nephron stop-flow pressure response to obstruction for 24 hours in the rat kidney.

Complete ureteral ligation of 24-h duration significantly reduced stop-flow and estimated glomerular capillary pressures in nephrons accessible to micropuncture in obstructed kidneys. In kidneys without ureteral obstruction, a similar response occurred in single tubules blocked for 24 h without affecting nearby unblocked tubules. Thus, the response to tubular obstruction occurs on an individual nephron basis and results from constriction of individual afferent arterioles. The mechanism leading to the response is unknown, but a feedback mechanism operating through the juxtaglomerular apparatus of individual nephrons is an attractive possibility.

Regulation of angiotensin II receptor AT1 subtypes in renal afferent arterioles during chronic changes in sodium diet.

Studies determined the effects of chronic changes in sodium diet on the expression, regulation, and function of different angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor subtypes in renal resistance vessels. Rats were fed low- or high-sodium diets for 3 wk before study. Receptor function was assessed in vivo by measuring transient renal blood flow responses to bolus injections of ANG II (2 ng) into the renal artery. ANG II produced less pronounced renal vasoconstriction in rats fed a low- compared with high-sodium diet (16% vs. 56% decrease in renal blood flow, P < 0.001). After acute blockade of ANG II formation by iv enalaprilat injection in sodium-restricted animals, ANG II produced a 40% decrease in renal blood flow, a level between untreated dietary groups and less than high salt diet. Intrarenal administration of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists losartan or EXP-3174 simultaneously with ANG II caused dose-dependent inhibition of ANG II responses. Based on maximum vasoconstriction normalized to 100% ANG II effect in each group, AT1 receptor antagonists produced the same degree of blockade in all groups, with an apparent maximum of 80-90%. In contrast, similar doses of the angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2) receptor ligand CGP-42112 had only a weak inhibitory effect. In vitro equilibrium-saturation 125I-ANG II binding studies on freshly isolated afferent arterioles indicated that ANG II receptor density was lower in the low- vs. high-sodium animals (157 vs. 298 fmol/mg, P < 0.04); affinity was similar (0.65 nM). Losartan and EXP-3174 displaced up to 80-90% of the ANG II binding; fractional displacement was similar in both diet groups. In contrast, the AT2 receptor analogues PD-123319 and CGP-42112 at concentrations < 10(-6) M had no effect on ANG II binding. RT-PCR assays revealed the expression of both angiotensin II receptor type 1A (AT(1A)) and angiotensin II receptor type 1B (AT(1B)) subtypes in freshly isolated afferent arterioles, while there was very little AT2 receptor expression. Total AT1 receptor mRNA expression was suppressed by low sodium intake to 66% of control levels, whereas it was increased to 132% of control by high-sodium diet, as indicated by ribonuclease protection assay. Receptor regulation was associated with parallel changes in AT(1A) and AT(1B) expression; the AT(1A)/AT(1B) ratio was stable at 3.7. We conclude that AT1 receptors are the predominant ANG II receptor type in renal resistance vessels of 7-wk-old rats. Chronic changes in sodium intake caused parallel regulation of expression and amount of receptor protein of the two AT1 receptor genes that modulate receptor function and altered reactivity of renal vessels to ANG II.

Calcium signaling mechanisms in renal vascular responses to vasopressin in genetic hypertension.

Previous blood flow studies demonstrated that arginine vasopressin (AVP) produces exaggerated renal vasoconstriction in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with Wistar-Kyoto control rats (WKY). The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of postreceptor calcium signaling pathways in AVP-induced renal vasoconstriction in vivo. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured by electromagnetic flowmetry in anesthetized, water-loaded, 8-week-old WKY and SHR pretreated with indomethacin to avoid interactions with prostaglandins. AVP was injected into the renal artery to produce a transient 25% to 30% decrease in RBF without affecting arterial pressure. To achieve similar control levels of vasoconstriction, SHR received a lower dose (2 versus 5 ng). Coadministration of nifedipine with AVP produced dose-dependent inhibition of the AVP-induced renal vasoconstriction. Nifedipine exerted maximum inhibition by blocking 30% to 35% of the peak AVP response, indicating the involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent calcium channels. To evaluate intracellular calcium mobilization, 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) or heparin was coadministered with AVP. Each agent produced a dose-dependent inhibition of up to 65% of the maximum blood flow change produced by AVP. The degrees of inhibition produced by maximum effective doses of nifedipine and TMB-8 were additive; the combination blocked up to 85% of the response to AVP. These observations indicate that about one third of the AVP-induced constriction of renal resistance vessels is mediated by voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels responsive to the dihydropyridine nifedipine. Approximately two thirds of the change in vascular tone is due to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium mobilization from intracellular sources sensitive to TMB-8 and heparin. The results suggest that the exaggerated renal vascular reactivity to AVP challenge in SHR is probably not due to a strain difference in postreceptor calcium signal transduction. After AVP receptor stimulation, calcium mobilization and calcium entry signaling pathways participate to similar degrees in WKY and SHR.

Exaggerated natriuretic response to atrial natriuretic factor in rats developing spontaneous hypertension.

The present study was designed to evaluate the renal response to atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in young rats developing spontaneous hypertension (SHR) and compare this response to age-matched, normotensive controls (WKY) and adult animals. At 6 weeks of age, intravenous infusion of ANF (0.25 micrograms/kg min) in anesthetized, euvolemic rats produced a significantly larger natriuresis and diuresis in SHR compared with WKY rats; this strain difference was not observed in rats 11 weeks of age. SHR showed no age-related change in the natriuretic response to ANF, whereas adult WKY rats exhibited a greater response than young WKY rats. To determine the effect of renal perfusion pressure on the magnitude of the renal response to ANF, additional groups of 6- and 11-week-old SHR were studied while renal perfusion pressure was lowered acutely by aortic constriction (SHR-AC) to values similar to age-matched WKY rats. In young rats, the diuretic and natriuretic response to ANF was greatest in SHR, intermediate in SHR-AC, and lowest in WKY rats. In adult animals, the natriuretic and diuretic response was similar in SHR and WKY rats and tended to be less in SHR-AC. These results in both 6- and 11-week-old SHR are consistent with previous reports that the magnitude of the response to ANF is directly related to acute changes in renal perfusion pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Electrolyte and water balance in young spontaneously hypertensive rats.

In metabolic balance studies the intake and excretion of sodium, potassium, and water were measured in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) of the Okamoto-Aoki strain and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) that were 3 through 13 weeks of age. While fed their usual chow, young SHRs exhibited differences in excretion as compared to WKYs consuming essentially equivalent amounts of food and water. Fractional sodium and water excretion (percent of amount ingested) by SHRs were significantly less during Weeks 4-6 and 6-7, respectively, due to lower rates of urinary excretion. Potassium excretion was less in SHRs at 4-5 weeks. These observations indicate that SHRs retain more urinary sodium, potassium, and water during an early phase of hypertension than normotensive, age-matched WKYs. After 8 weeks of age, fractional excretion of electrolytes and water did not differ appreciably between strains. In another group of rats, sodium intake was restricted and observations were made from 3 through 13 weeks of age. Although SHRs excreted slightly less sodium, cumulative sodium balance was similar weeks of age and reduced the magnitude of the hypertension in 10- through 13-week-old SHRs. At the latter age, arterial pressure was not as high in sodium-restricted SHR as in SHR on the standard sodium diet, but it was elevated above that in either WKY groups. Thus dietary sodium restriction retards the development, but does not prevent the hypertension in SHR.

Angiotensin AT1B receptor mediates calcium signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells of AT1A receptor-deficient mice.

Our studies on angiotensin II receptor subtype 1A (AT1A) knockout mice define how endogenous receptors other than AT1A receptors stimulate changes in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Wild-type cells have a 1.7 ratio of AT1A/AT1B receptor mRNA as determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Mutant cells express AT1B receptor mRNA but not that for the AT1A receptor. In wild-type cells with AT1A present, Ang II (10(-7) mol/L) produces a characteristic rapid peak increase in [Ca2+]i of 150 to 180 nmol/L, followed by a plateau phase characterized by a sustained 70 to 80 nmol/L increase in [Ca2+]i. An unexpected finding was that the magnitude and time-dependent pattern of [Ca2+]i changes produced by Ang II were similar in cells that lacked AT1A receptors but possessed AT1B receptors. The response in mutant cells indicates effective coupling of an Ang II receptor to one or more second messenger systems. The similarity of response patterns between cells with and without AT1A receptors suggests that non-AT1A receptors are functionally linked to similar signal transduction pathways in mutant cells. The fact that mutant and wild-type cells exhibit similar patterns of calcium mobilization and entry supports the notion that AT1A and non-AT1A receptors share common signal transduction pathways. The AT2 receptor ligands PD-123319 and CGP-42112 do not alter Ang II effects in either VSMC type, suggesting a paucity of AT2 receptors and/or an absence of their linkage to [Ca2+]i pathways. The nonpeptide AT1 receptor blocker losartan antagonizes Ang II-induced [Ca2+]i increases in both cell groups, supporting mediation by native AT1B receptors and effective coupling of this subtype to second messenger systems leading to calcium entry and mobilization. Our results demonstrate that Ang II causes calcium signaling in AT1A-deficient VSMCs that is mediated by an endogenous losartan-sensitive AT1B receptor.

Role of angiotensin in the renal vasoconstriction observed during the development of genetic hypertension.

Studies have examined renal function to determine the role of the kidney in the pathogenesis and maintenance phases of hypertension in the Okamoto-Aoki strain of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). As compared to age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), 4- to 6-week old SHR are moderately hypertensive and have a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF), and an increased renal vascular resistance. Cross-breeding studies indicate the reduction in RBF and GFR in young SHR is genetically linked to the hypertension and thus may be of primary pathogenetic importance. The combination of an elevated vascular resistance and reduced RBF and GFR in young SHR implicates increased activity of a vasoconstrictor system(s), decreased activity of a vasodilator system(s), or both. Observations from several laboratories support the notion that endogenous angiotensin II contributes to the renal vasoconstriction in young SHR during the developmental phase of hypertension. Acute and chronic inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme reduce arterial pressure, reduce renal vascular resistance and increase renal blood flow in young and adult SHR. Renal vascular tone in SHR is more dependent on angiotensin converting enzyme activity than that in WKY. The ability of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors to produce renal vasodilation may be responsible, at least in part, for its antihypertensive effects. Other studies indicate that renal vascular reactivity to angiotensin II is exaggerated in young SHR. The strain differences in renal reactivity to angiotensin II can be abolished by cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin, indicating that endogenous prostanoids counteract some of the constrictor action of angiotensin II, with more pronounced buffering activity in WKY.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Altered reactivity of tubuloglomerular feedback.

The efficiency of coupling between salt delivery to the sensing site in the macula densa and the glomerular vascular effector response is altered by changes in extracellular fluid volume, in the amount of dietary protein, and many other conditions, including growth and maturation, and the development of hypertension in Okamoto-Aoki and Milan strains of genetically hypertensive rats. Examination of feedback-mediated responses by perfusion of Henle's loop reveals a tendency for multiple changes in characteristics of feedback curves for SNGFR and SFP. In general, inhibition of TGF activity is evidenced by a smaller maximum glomerular response, reduced reactivity, and a shift in the inflection point to a higher flow rate. The opposite responses are frequently noted during exaggerated TGF activity. It is not known at present whether one or more mechanisms are involved in mediating or modulating the functional correlates of these characteristics. Insight into these functional correlates may be provided by selective, graded inhibition and stimulation of the sensing and effector elements in the feedback loop. Investigations of potential extrarenal mechanisms of resetting indicate that atrial natriuretic factor and an unidentified factor present in the proximal tubular fluid may play a role under certain circumstances. In addition to the renin-angiotensin and arachidonic acid-prostanoid systems, the kallikrein-kinin system appears to modulate TGF activity. A large body of evidence indicates TGF activity is inversely correlated with renal interstitial pressure. Whether this correlation reflects causality or a phenomenological association awaits further investigation.

Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on renal hemodynamics in the rat.

Clearance experiments were conducted to determine the effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on renal hemodynamics and excretory function in anesthetized, euvolemic Munich-Wistar rats. Intra-aortic infusions of synthetic ANF (28 amino acids) at 7.5 and 15 micrograms X kg-1 X h-1 produced dose-related increases in absolute and fractional sodium and water excretion under steady-state conditions; renal blood flow (RBF) was unchanged, whereas mean arterial pressure significantly decreased but remained within the autoregulatory range. An apparent maximal response was elicited by 15 micrograms X kg-1 X h-1 as 30 micrograms X kg-1 X h-1 produced a similar increase in urine flow and sodium excretion. ANF infusion at 30 micrograms X kg-1 X h-1 produced no transient or sustained changes in RBF (electromagnetic flow probe). Renal vascular resistance was significantly decreased in parallel with reductions in arterial pressure; ANF-induced changes in resistance can be explained by autoregulatory adjustments. In another series, intra-aortic vs. intravenous infusion of ANF (7.5 micrograms X kg-1 X h-1) were compared in the same animal; the diuretic and natriuretic response to ANF was similar with the two routes of administration. We observed no consistent changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Our results indicate that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of synthetic ANF in the rat do not require an increase in RBF or GFR.

Tubuloglomerular feedback and blood flow autoregulation during DA1-induced renal vasodilation.

The effect of renal vasodilation produced by the dopamine DA1-receptor agonist, fenoldopam (SKF-82526), on tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) activity and the autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) was determined in euvolemic rats. Fenoldopam (2.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) increased RBF by 17% (electromagnetic flow probe) while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was unchanged; mean arterial pressure was decreased by 6%. Superficial cortical blood flow was increased by 12% (laser-Doppler flowmetry) while single-nephron GFR (SNGFR) and estimated glomerular capillary pressure (stop-flow pressure, Psf) were stable. SNGFR measured at proximal and distal sites along the same nephron was not affected by fenoldopam. Partial inhibition of TGF was indicated by the constancy of distal SNGFR and the proximal-distal SNGFR difference in the presence of increased distal delivery of native fluid. However, fenoldopam did not affect feedback control of Psf evaluated by perfusing artificial fluid through Henle's loop at 0-62 nl/min. Despite the decrease in renal vascular resistance over an arterial pressure range of 130 to 70 mmHg, RBF was autoregulated efficiently during fenoldopam infusion. These results indicate that DA1-receptor activation dilates the preglomerular and efferent arterioles without affecting GFR or glomerular pressure. However, this vasodilatory mechanism operates independent of autoregulation and TGF-induced changes in glomerular pressure such that preglomerular vessels remain responsive to the appropriate signals from these intrinsic control systems. The ability of fenoldopam to blunt feedback control of SNGFR may depend on changes in the filtration coefficient independent of glomerular pressure and/or a constituent of natural tubular fluid.

Glomerular ultrafiltration dynamics: historical perspective.

Our knowledge of the structure and function of the renal glomerulus is reviewed in a historical context. The glomerular corpuscles were first described by Malpighi in 1666. Subsequent injection studies led to conflicting claims concerning a glomerular-tubular connection. This connection was accepted only after the convincing demonstration of the anatomical relationship essentially as we now know it by Bowman in 1842. Ludwig was the first to propose that the mechanism of separation of fluid in the glomeruli was by ultrafiltration. Estimates of the ultrafiltration forces in mammals led to conflicting speculation as to whether or not filtration-pressure equilibrium was reached in glomerular capillaries. Results of direct determinations in some Munich-Wistar rats indicate filtration pressure equilibrium, an ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) of 0.08 nl X s-1 X mmHg-1, and a strong influence of plasma flow on filtration rate (GFR). In contrast, evidence has been presented that filtration dynamics in other Munich-Wistar rats and several other strains of rats are characterized by filtration disequilibrium, a Kf of 0.04 nl X s-1 X mmHg-1, and a weak dependence of GFR on plasma flow. In conscious and anesthetized rats, kidney GFR is usually relatively stable in the presence of renal vasodilation. Filtration disequilibrium is reported in the dog and equilibrium in the squirrel monkey. Although predictions for humans suggest filtration disequilibrium, final conclusions await an in-depth analysis of direct measurements.

Enhanced tubuloglomerular feedback activity in rats developing spontaneous hypertension.

Tubular microperfusion was used to evaluate tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF)-mediated changes in single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) and stop-flow pressure (SFP) in euvolemic 6- and 11- to 14-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Young SHR compared with WKY had an elevated mean arterial pressure (107 vs. 90 mmHg, P less than 0.001) and a lower proximally measured SNGFR (14 vs. 17 nl/min, P less than 0.001) with no loop perfusion. Perfusion at 32 nl/min produced a greater decrease in SNGFR of SHR (6 vs. 2 nl/min, P less than 0.001). Although basal SFPs were identical (39 mmHg), loop perfusion elicited a greater maximal decline in SFP (-10 vs. -4 mmHg, P less than 0.001) and reactivity of SFP (-1.2 vs. -0.5 mmHg X min X nl-1, P less than 0.001) in young SHR; a lower rate produced a half-maximal decrease in SFP (7 vs. 10 nl/min, P less than 0.02). In adult rats, SNGFRs with no flow through Henle's loop were the same (27 and 28 nl/min) and perfusion at 32 nl/min produced similar decrements in SNGFR (-13 vs. -11 nl/min). The maximal change in SFP was greater in adult SHR (-12 vs. -10 mmHg, P less than 0.02), but there were no strain differences in maximal SFP reactivity (-1.8 vs. -1.3 mmHg X min X nl-1) and the rate eliciting half-maximal SFP changes (12 vs. 12 nl/min). Reduction of arterial pressure to the normotensive range did not alter responses in either age group of SHR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rat renal hemodynamics during venous compression: roles of nerves and prostaglandins.

Experiments were conducted on euvolemic rats to characterize renal hemodynamic responses to a unilateral increase in renal venous pressure. Ipsilateral renal blood flow (RBF, electromagnetic flow probe) was measured in four groups to determine the roles of the renal nerves and endogenous prostaglandins. In control rats, elevation of venous pressure (3 to 22 mmHg) produced vasoconstriction and a 16% increase in renal vascular resistance (RVR) at 130 mmHg arterial pressure (P less than 0.001). In acutely denervated kidneys, a 19-mmHg increase in venous pressure reduced RBF but did not alter RVR (5% decrease), since there were proportional decreases in RBF and the arteriovenous pressure gradient. Indomethacin-treated rats with innervated kidneys responded to a similar increase in venous pressure with pronounced constriction; RVR increased by 50% (P less than 0.005). Venous compression elicited a 24% increase in RVR (P less than 0.05) in indomethacin-treated rats with denervated kidneys. The opposing effects of denervation and indomethacin treatment were significant and noninteractive. The findings indicate 1) activation of an ipsilateral renorenal neural reflex mediated a significant portion of the vasoconstriction; and 2) enhanced synthesis of prostaglandins produced net dilatory effects that attenuated the neurally mediated constriction. The opposing actions of the renal nerves and prostaglandins on the RVR responses to increased venous pressure were directly related to arterial pressure between 70 and 130 mmHg. In response to decrements in arterial pressure, the general pattern of vasodilation was not impaired by denervation of indomethacin when venous pressure was normal or elevated. These observations indicate that the origin of the pressure change, i.e., arterial vs. venous, engages different vasoactive factors that are responsible for varying circulatory responses in the rat kidney.

Impaired ability of prostaglandins to buffer renal vasoconstriction in genetically hypertensive rats.

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the mechanism(s) responsible for the exaggerated angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced renal vasoconstriction during the development of hypertension. In previous studies we observed that ANG II produces a twofold larger decrease in renal blood flow (RBF) in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats before but not after cyclooxygenase inhibition. We suggested that this strain difference could be attributed to differences in renal prostaglandin (PG) levels and/or action. To evaluate these possibilities, measurements of RBF were made in 6-wk-old, anesthetized SHR and WKY pretreated with indomethacin. ANG II was injected intrarenally before and during continuous intrarenal infusion of a low dose of PGE2, viprostol (PGE2 analogue), PGI2, iloprost (PGI2 analogue), and bradykinin. In the control period ANG II reduced RBF by 50% in both strains. Infusion of PGs reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of ANG II in WKY, but had no effect in SHR. In contrast, infusion of bradykinin blunted the ANG II-induced vasoconstriction to a similar degree in both WKY and SHR. To investigate whether this lack of protection in SHR is due to strain differences in the number and/or affinity of renal receptors of PGs, radiolabeled ligand binding studies for PGE2 and PGI2 receptors were undertaken in glomeruli isolated from young WKY and SHR. Scatchard analysis revealed a single, high-affinity receptor site for PGE2 that was similar in both strains of rats. Both strains also exhibited a single, high-affinity PGI2 receptor site. No differences were observed in the PGE2 or PGI2 receptor number between WKY and SHR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on renal blood flow in the rat.

Using a small-diameter electromagnetic flow transducer, the effect on the autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) of two structurally different prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, indomethacin, 4 mg/kg BW, and meclofenamate, 5 mg/kg BW, was studied in nondiuretic rats anesthetized with either the oxybarbiturate, sodium pentobarbital, or the thiobarbiturate, Inactin. Regardless of the anesthetic agent, RBF remained relatively constant above a perfusion pressure of 105 mmHg. Treatment with either indomethacin or meclofenamate had no measurable effect on the autoregulatory response. Each agent, however, resulted in an increase in the renal vascular response to exogenous angiotensin II, an effect consistent with prostaglandin synthetase inhibition. Base-line RBF was significantly reduced by indomethacin or meclofenamate only in those animals that had previously received angiotensin. These results support the hypothesis that, in th rat, autoregulation of RBF occurs independently of prostaglandin activity, but that a relationship does exist between the renal vascular actions of angiotensin II and prostaglandins.

Ryanodine receptor and capacitative Ca2+ entry in fresh preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: A multiplicity of hormonal, neural, and paracrine factors regulates preglomerular arterial tone by stimulating calcium entry or mobilization. We have previously provided evidence for capacitative (store-operated) Ca2+ entry in fresh renal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ryanodine-sensitive receptors (RyRs) have recently been identified in a variety of nonrenal vascular beds. METHODS: We isolated fresh rat preglomerular VSMCs with a magnetized microsphere/sieving technique; cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured with fura-2 ratiometric fluorescence. RESULTS: Ryanodine (3 micromol/L) increased [Ca2+]i from 79 to 138 nmol/L (P = 0.01). Nifedipine (Nif), given before or after ryanodine, was without effect. The addition of calcium (1 mmol/L) to VSMCs in calcium-free buffer did not alter resting [Ca2+]i. In Ca-free buffer containing Nif, [Ca2+]i rose from 61 to 88 nmol/L after the addition of the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid and to 159 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenched the Ca/fura signal, confirming divalent cation entry. In Ca-free buffer with Nif, [Ca2+]i increased from 80 to 94 nmol/L with the addition of ryanodine and further to 166 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenching was again shown. Thus, emptying of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with ryanodine stimulated capacitative Ca2+ entry. CONCLUSION: Preglomerular VSMCs have functional RyR, and a capacitative (store-operated) entry mechanism is activated by the depletion of SR Ca2+ with ryanodine, as is the case with inhibitors of SR Ca2+-ATPase.

EP(1) and EP(4) receptors mediate prostaglandin E(2) actions in the microcirculation of rat kidney.

Vasodilator prostaglandin PGE(2) protects the kidney from excessive vasoconstriction during contraction of extracellular fluid volume and pathophysiological states. However, it is not yet clear which of the four known E-prostanoid (EP) receptors is localized to resistance vessels and mediates net vasodilation. In the present study, we assessed the presence, signal transduction, and actions of EP receptor subtypes in preglomerular arterioles of Sprague-Dawley rat kidneys. RNA encoding EP(1), an EP(1)-variant, and EP(4) receptors was identified by RT-PCR in freshly isolated preglomerular microvessels; cultured preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) had EP(1)-variant and EP(4) RNA but lacked EP(1). EP(2) and EP(3) receptors were undetectable in both vascular preparations. In studies of cell signaling, stimulation of cAMP by various receptor agonists is consistent with primary actions of PGE(2) on the EP(4) receptor, with no inhibition of cAMP by EP(1) receptors. Studies of cytosolic calcium concentration in cultured renal VSMC support an inhibitory role of EP(4) during ANG II stimulation. In vivo renal blood flow (RBF) studies indicate that the EP(4) receptor is the primary receptor mediating sustained renal vasodilation produced by PGE(2), whereas the EP(1) receptor elicits transient vasoconstriction. The EP(1)-variant receptor does not appear to possess any cAMP or cytosolic calcium signaling capable of affecting RBF. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the EP(4) receptor is the major receptor in preglomerular VSMC. EP(4) mediates PGE(2)-induced vasodilation in the rat kidney and signals through G(s) proteins to stimulate cAMP and inhibit cytosolic calcium concentration.

Tubuloglomerular feedback kinetics in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats.

The steady-state behavior of the tubuloglomerular feedback system has been studied in detail, but little is known about its dynamics. However, kinetic data can provide insight regarding the contribution of feedback to autoregulatory responses. Accordingly, experiments were conducted in anesthetized, euvolemic, spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats to characterize the time course of changes in proximal tubular stop-flow pressure after step changes in the rate of orthograde perfusion of Henle's loop. We studied the responses both to increase in perfusion rate, which produced preglomerular vasoconstriction, and decreases in perfusion rate, which produced preglomerular vasodilation. In both strains, the pattern of induced stop-flow pressure transients consisted of a pure delay followed by a monoexponential decay to a new steady state. In SHR rats, delay times were shorter than in WKY rats, but response time constants were not significantly different in the two strains. However, response time constants for dilation were longer than for constriction in both strains. The delay times and relatively large response time constants observed indicate that tubuloglomerular feedback cannot mediate rapid autoregulatory responses to fluctuations in renal perfusion pressure. The response time of tubuloglomerular feedback is probably limited by both the time lag associated with fluid transit through the loop of Henle and a relatively slow rate-limiting step in the signal transduction process at the macula densa.

Effect of acute renal denervation and ANF on renal function in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Experiments were designed to evaluate the influence of the renal efferent nerves on baseline renal function and on the renal response to atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in euvolemic anesthetized 10- to 12-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Munich-Wistar (MW) rats. Acute unilateral renal denervation produced increases in absolute and fractional excretion of sodium and water by the ipsilateral kidney that were similar in SHR and WKY rats; larger responses were observed in MW rats. Excretion by the contralateral innervated kidney was unchanged in each group. Intravenous infusion of ANF (0.25 microgram.kg-1.min-1) caused a diuresis and natriuresis that was similar in the three strains and independent of changes in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow. The excretory responses to ANF were larger in denervated than in innervated kidneys. The magnitude of the natriuresis and diuresis produced by ANF was directly related to the pre-ANF rate of urinary excretion, suggesting independent and additive effects of acute renal denervation and ANF on tubular reabsorption. The exaggerated response in the acutely denervated kidney can be explained by removal of a modulatory effect of the renal efferent nerves and associated increases in tubular flow and delivery to more distal ANF-sensitive sites. The denervation responses suggest that the renal efferent nerves have similar effects on sodium and water reabsorption in anesthetized SHR and WKY rats at 10-12 wk of age. The renal nerves and ANF appear to play a larger role in the acute control of sodium and water excretion in MW rats compared to rats of the Okamoto-Aoki strain.