Effect of age on the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by kidney of rat.

The decreased absorption of calcium by the small intestine of the adult may reflect changes in vitamin D metabolism with age. The purpose of this study was to compare the capacity of young (1.5 mo of age) and adult (12 mo of age) vitamin D-deficient rats to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Young rats responded to an oral dose of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with significantly increased intestinal absorption of calcium and a three-fold increase in the intestinal content of vitamin D-stimulated calcium-binding protein. Adult rats showed no significant increase in these parameters. The conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was measured in the whole animal by administering a dose of tritiated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and determining the appearance of tritiated metabolites in plasma and small intestine. In the adult rat, only 2.1 +/- 0.6% of the plasma radioactivity was in the form of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 after 24 h compared with 20.8 +/- 3.0% in the young. The conversion of tritiated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to its products was also measured directly in isolated slices of renal cortex. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 production by adult renal slices was found to be less than one-tenth that of slices from the young. These results indicate that there is a marked decrease in the capacity of the vitamin D-deficient adult rat to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This is probably due to the decreased capacity of the adult kidney to 1-hydroxylate 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. These studies also demonstrate the usefulness of renal slices in measuring changes in the renal conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the mammal.

Modulation of the cyclic AMP content of rat renal inner medulla by oxygen: possible role of local prostaglandins.

The lower O2 tension and more active anerobic metabolism that pertain in the inner medulla (IM) of kidney relative to cortex (C) are well recognized, but there is no evidence that O2 availability constitutes a limiting or regulatory factor in IM metabolism or function. In the present in vitro study, we examined the effects of O2 on adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) metabolism in slices of rat renal C and IM. After a 20-min incubation of slices in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer with 95% O2 + 5% CO2 serving as the gas phase, the cAMP content of IM was 6-10 fold higher than that of C in either the presence or absence of 2 mM 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine in the incubation media. In slices of IM incubated for 20 min with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, cAMP was 22.5+/-SE 2.48 pmol/mg wet weight at 95% O2 and 4.37 without O2. Oxygenation of O2-deprived IM increased cAMP twofold in 2 min, an effect fully expressed in 5 min (fivefold increase). Further, cAMP of IM rose progressively and significantly over a range of atmospheric O2 content from 0 to 50% conditions which should reproduce and encompass O2 tensions that pertain in tissues in vivo. By contrast, basal cAMP content of C varied less than twofold in the presence of 95% versus no O2, implying that O2 modulation of cAMP was specific for IM. Indomethacin and meclofenamate, structurally distinct inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, both significantly decreased basal cAMP accumulation in oxygenated slices of IM but not of C. Meclofenamate also reduced basal adenylate cyclase activity determined in homogenates prepared from slices of IM which had been incubated at 95% O2. In slices of IM previously exposed to indomethacin or meclofenamate at 95% O2, a maximally effective concentration of exogenous prostaglandin E1 restored cAMP and adenylate cyclase activity to levels which approximated those observed at 95% O2 in the absence of an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. These results suggest that O2 enhancement of cAMP content in IM may be mediated at least in part by local prostaglandins.

Pathogenic role of cyclic AMP in the impairment of urinary concentrating ability in acute hypercalcemia.

A possible association between the impairment of urinary concentrating ability and an impairment of the vasopressin-dependent cyclic AMP system in hypercalcemia was investigated in rat kidneys both in vivo and in vitro. The increases of urinary osmolality and negative free water clearance and the increase of urinary cyclic AMP excretion by vasopressin injection were significantly less in the hypercalcemic rats than in the control rats. The increase of cyclic AMP concentration by vasopressin in renal medullary tissue was significantly less in the slices obtained from the hypercalcem'c rats than in those obtained from the control rats. The activation of adenylate cyclase by vasopressin was significantly less in the group with an increased concentration of calcium in media than the control group, but phosphodiesterase activity was not affected by calcium concentration in the media. These data suggest that the impaired urinary concentrating ability in hypercalcemic kidneys is due at least in part to the direct inhibitory effect of calcium on the vasopressin-dependent cyclic AMP system at the level of adenylate cyclase in renal medulla.

Direct inhibitory effect of hypercalcemia on renal actions of parathyroid hormone.

The effects of calcium on the renal actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were studied in vivo and in vitro. In parathyroidectomized rats, variable levels of blood calcium concentration were induced by intravenous infusion of calcium. The renal responses to the injected PTH, i.e. phosphate and cyclic AMP excretion, were compared in these animals. After PTH injection, the increases of both phosphate and cyclic AMP excretion were less in the calcium-infused animals than in the control group without calcium infusion. There was an inverse correlation between the renal responses to PTH and plasma calcium concentration of 4.2-13.5 mg/100 ml. But calcium had no effect on phosphate excretion induced by infusion of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In the in vitro experiments, the increase of cyclic AMP concentration in response to PTH was less in renal cortical slices taken from the calcium-infused animals than in ones from the control group without calcium infusion. Calcium also inhibited the activation of renal cortical adenylate cyclase in response to PTH, but calcium had no effect on phosphodiesterase. The data indicate that calcium directly inhibits renal actions of PTH both in vivo and in vitro. Such inhibitory mechanism is probably at or before the step of PTH-dependent cyclic AMP generation in the kidney.

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase by parathyroid hormone and cyclic AMP in rat renal cortex in vitro.

It has been demonstrated that parathyroid hormone (PTH) inhibits the proximal tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate, and increases the urinary excretion of that ion. There is also a qualitative similarity between the alterations of the proximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate, sodium, and water after PTH administration and after acetazolamide administration. These findings suggest that the renal effect of PTH is possibly mediated through the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in proximal tubules. Therefore, a possible inhibitory effect of PTH on carbonic anhydrase was evaluated in the homogenate of rat renal cortex by an indicator titration method. Incubation of cortical homogenates with PTH for 10 min at 37degreesC inhibited carbonic anhydrase activity. The inhibitory effect of PTH was ATP-, Mg++-, and K+-dependent and temperature-dependent; inactivation of PTH by heating at 100degreesC abolished the effect of PTH both to activate adenylate cyclase and to inhibit carbonic anhydrase. Calcium 5 mM also partially abolished effects of PTH to activate adenylate cyclase and to inhibit carbonic anhydrase. The inhibitory effect of PTH on carbonic anhydrase was specific to renal cortex. Cyclic AMP, the intracellular messenger substance for PTH, also inhibited carbonic anhydrase in renal cortex. The cyclic AMP-induced inhibition was also Mg++ dependent and temperature dependent, and required preincubation at 37degreesC. But 5'-AMP, a metabolic derivative of cyclic AMP without its biological effect, had no inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase. All the above results are consistent with the hypothesis that PTH inhibits proximal tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate and phosphate through the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, and that inhibitory effect is mediated through the cyclic AMP system.

Role of renal metabolism and excretion in 5-nitrofuran-induced uroepithelial cancer in the rat.

5-Nitrofurans have been used in the study of chemical carcinogenesis. There is substantial evidence that N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl] formamide (FANFT) is deformylated to 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)thiazole (ANFT) in the process of FANFT-induced bladder cancer. Paradoxically, ANFT is less potent as a uroepithelial carcinogen than FANFT when fed to rats. Feeding aspirin with FANFT to rats decreases the incidence of bladder cancer. Isolated kidneys were perfused with 5-nitrofurans to determine renal clearances and whether aspirin acts to decrease urinary excretion of the carcinogen. In FANFT-perfused kidneys, FANFT was deformylated to ANFT and excreted (1.06 +/- 0.22 nmol/min) at a rate eightfold higher than excretion of FANFT. In kidneys perfused with equimolar ANFT, excretion of ANFT was 0.25 +/- 0.05 nmol/min, which suggests a coupling of renal deformylation of FANFT to excretion of ANFT in FANFT-perfused kidneys. Neither aspirin nor probenecid altered the urinary excretion or half-life of FANFT or ANFT. In rats fed 0.2% FANFT as part of their diet, coadministration of aspirin (0.5%) increased urinary excretion of ANFT during a 12-wk feeding study, which suggests decreased tissue binding or metabolism of ANFT. Kidney perfusion with acetylated ANFT (NFTA), a much less potent uroepithelial carcinogen, resulted in no ANFT excretion or accumulation, which indicates the specificity of renal deformylase. Renal deformylase activity was found in broken cell preparations of rat and human kidney. These data describe a unique renal metabolic/excretory coupling for these compounds that appears to explain the differential carcinogenic potential of the 5-nitrofurans tested. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that aspirin decreases activation of ANFT by inhibiting prostaglandin H synthase.

Effects of catecholamines and their interaction with other hormones on cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate of the kidney.

Catecholamines have several physiological effects on the kidney. These include: (a) stimulation of renin synthesis in the cortex: (b) antidiuresis by beta adrenergic agents; and (c) diuresis by alpha adrenergic stimulation. The role of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in the renal actions of catecholamines was evaluated by measuring the effects of several adrenergic agents on cyclic AMP concentration in the dog kidney. Beta adrenergic activity increased cyclic AMP concentration in the renal cortex, a finding consistent with the hypothesis that beta-adrenergic stimulation augments renin synthesis by increasing cyclic AMP generation. Beta adrenergic stimulation, like vasopressin, increased cyclic AMP concentration in the renal medulla. This suggests that beta adrenergic stimulation causes antidiuresis by augmenting cyclic AMP generation in the renal medulla. Alpha adrenergic activity inhibited the effect of vasopressin to stimulate cyclic AMP generation. These results support the hypothesis that the diuretic effect of alpha adrenergic stimulation is mediated by inhibition of the effect of vasopressin to increase cyclic AMP generation.

Effects of vasopressin and prostaglandin E 1 on the adenyl cyclase-cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate system of the renal medulla of the rat.

Vasopressin increased adenyl cyclase activity in homogenates of both inner and outer renal medulla of the rat. It also increased the concentration of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in slices of both inner and outer medulla but not in renal cortex. In the inner medulla, a concentration of prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)), which was ineffective by itself significantly reduced the stimulation of adenyl cyclase activity and cyclic AMP concentration induced by vasopressin. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PGE(1) can compete with vasopressin for adenyl cyclase-binding sites. However, the findings in the outer medulla suggest the situation is more complex. Although 10(-8) M PGE(1) had no effect by itself and inhibited the vasopressin-induced elevation of cyclic AMP, larger amounts of PGE(1) increased both adenyl cyclase activity and cyclic AMP levels. The maximum effect on the latter parameter was at least 6 times as great as that of maximum amounts of vasopressin.

Effect of prostaglandin E 1 on certain renal actions of parathyroid hormone.

Parathyroid hormone increased basal adenyl cyclase activity and that increase was inhibited by prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)). Tissue cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) concentrations were increased by parathyroid hormone and that increase was likewise inhibited by PGE(1). Both parathyroid hormone and dibutyryl cyclic AMP increased (32)P incorporation into renal cortical phospholipids. PGE(1) diminished the effect of parathyroid hormone but not dibutyryl cyclic AMP to influence that parameter. PGE(1) likewise modulated the effect of parathyroid hormone but not dibutyryl cyclic AMP to decrease fractional phosphate reabsorption by the renal tubule. It is suggested that PGE(1) inhibits the effect of parathyroid hormone by decreasing its effect on adenyl cyclase. Such interaction may be important in modulating the intracellular action of parathyroid hormone on kidney cortex.

Depression of fractional sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule of the dog without sodium diuresis.

The effect of infusions of hyperoncotic solutions on fractional sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule of the dog was studied by the recollection micropuncture method. Tubule fluid to plasma inulin concentration ratios were measured for identified proximal tubule segments before and after infusion of 25% albumin or dextran solutions. Results were compared with changes in fractional reabsorption during saline diuresis. Plasma volume increased 66% +/- SE 5.8 after infusion of albumin solution and 94% +/- SE 8.2 after infusion of dextran solution. Fractional sodium reabosorption by the proximal tubule was depressed after infusion of both of these hyperoncotic solutions. Nevertheless, changes in sodium excretion after infusion of albumin and dextran were small. In contrast, after infusions of isotonic sodium chloride solution, which increased plasma volume 61% +/- SE 5.8, a decrease in fractional reabsorption of 50.7% +/- SE 7.2 was associated with large changes in sodium excretion.

"Essential" hypernatremia due to ineffective osmotic and intact volume regulation of vasopressin secretion.

A physiological explanation for sustained hyperosmolality was sought in a patient with histiocytosis. During 23 days of observation with only sodium intake regulated at 100 mEq daily, elevation (mean 310 mOsm/kg of water) and fluctuation (range 298-323) of the fasting plasma osmolality were recorded. The presence of endogenous vasopressin was indicated by the patient's ability to concentrate the urine to as high as 710 mOsm/kg of water with a creatinine clearance of 84 cc/min, and by dilution of the urine in response to alcohol. The failure of increasing fluid intake to as high as 6.2 liters daily to lower the plasma osmolality indicated that deficient fluid intake was not solely responsible for the elevated plasma osmolality. Hypertonic saline infusion during water diuresis resulted in the excretion of an increased volume of dilute urine. The water diuresis continued despite a rise in plasma osmolality from 287 to 339. An isotonic saline infusion initiated during hydropenia resulted in a water diuresis which continued despite a rise in the plasma osmolality from 303 to 320. Stable water diuresis induced during recumbency by either oral ingestion of water or intravenous infusion of normal saline was terminated by orthostasis and resumed with the return to the recumbent position. Antecedent alcohol ingestion blocked the antidiuresis of orthostasis. The data are interpreted as indicating impairment of the osmoreceptor mechanism as the primary cause of the hyperosmolar syndrome. They also indicate that vasopressin secretion was regulated primarily by changes in effective blood volume. Chlorpropamide was found to be an effective treatment for the syndrome.

Prostaglandin hydroperoxidase-mediated 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl) [14C]thiazole metabolism and nucleic acid binding.

Prostaglandin hydroperoxide-mediated metabolism and binding of 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl) [14C]thiazole ([14C]ANFT) metabolite to nucleic acids and proteins were investigated with rabbit bladder transitional epithelial and solubilized ram seminal vesicle microsomes. Metabolism was assessed by spectrophotometric and radiochemical techniques. Substrate and inhibitor studies are consistent with both metabolism and binding of [14C]ANFT occurring by the prostaglandin hydroperoxidase activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase. The ratio of the rates of [14C]ANFT product formation is approximately 3:7:10 (organic soluble:non-trichloroacetic acid precipitable: trichloroacetic acid precipitable) over a wide range of arachidonic acid concentrations. Approximately 2 and 1% of the total [14C]ANFT metabolized binds to transfer RNA and DNA, respectively. The metabolite isolated from the organic phase had a chromatographic profile and ultraviolet spectra different from authentic ANFT. If transfer RNA or DNA is added at the end of a 5-min incubation, no binding to nucleic acids was observed. The demonstration of prostaglandin hydroperoxidase-mediated covalent binding to nucleic acids is consistent with the involvement of this enzyme in 5-nitrofuran-induced bladder carcinogenesis.

Metabolism of N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase.

Cooxidative metabolism of the urinary bladder carcinogen N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (FANFT) was examined using solubilized and particulate microsomal preparations from the rabbit renal inner medulla and the ram seminal vesicle. Metabolism was measured by the rate of decrease in absorbance at 400 nm. In these soluble and particulate preparations, FANFT metabolism was observed only in the presence of specific fatty acids. These fatty acids are substrates for prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase. Structurally dissimilar inhibitors of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase such as indomethacin, aspirin, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, ethoxyquin, and meclofenamic acid specifically inhibited FANFT metabolism. Other inhibitor and substrate specificity studies suggest that FANFT was not metabolized by nitroreductase, xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase, lipid peroxidation, or mixed-function oxidases. In addition, the lack of detectable 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)thiazole formation suggests that arylformamidase was not participating in FANFT metabolism measured in these experiments. The data indicate that prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase can mediate FANFT metabolism by a cooxidative process.

Peroxidase metabolism of the urinary bladder carcinogen 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)thiazole.

Metabolism of 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)thiazole (ANFT) by a variety of different peroxidases was examined. Metabolism of ANFT was measured by the binding of radiolabeled substrates to protein and DNA. Prostaglandin hydroperoxidase but not horseradish peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, or chloroperoxidase metabolically activated ANFT. All four peroxidases catalyzed the binding of benzidine to protein and DNA. With peroxide substrates, peroxidase-catalyzed binding of both carcinogens was observed with or without molecular oxygen. Arachidonic acid-dependent binding of ANFT and benzidine by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase was inhibited by anaerobic conditions and aspirin. Chloroperoxidase activation of benzidine was also inhibited by aspirin. Vitamin E inhibited activation of both carcinogens by all enzymes examined. Prostaglandin hydroperoxidase-catalyzed binding of benzidine to protein was inhibited by the 5-nitrofurans ANFT and 3-hydroxymethyl-1-(([3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)allydidene] amino))hydantoin and acetaminophen, while only acetaminophen inhibited horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed binding. These results indicate that different peroxidases may exhibit specificity with respect to their activation of carcinogens. Only prostaglandin hydroperoxidase activated the 5-nitrofuran ANFT, while a number of peroxidases activated the aromatic amine benzidine.

Metabolic activation of carcinogenic aromatic amines by dog bladder and kidney prostaglandin H synthase.

Microsomal enzyme preparations from dog liver, kidney, and bladder were used to assess the prostaglandin H synthase-catalyzed activation of carcinogenic aromatic amines to bind covalently to proteins and nucleic acids. Benzidine, a urinary bladder carcinogen, bound to protein of bladder transitional epithelial and renal inner and outer medullary microsomes and was dependent upon addition of arachidonic acid, but not upon reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Bladder transitional epithelial microsomes also activated o-dianisidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 2-naphthylamine to bind to protein and transfer RNA and benzidine and O-dianisidine to bind DNA. Cosubstrate and inhibitor specificities were consistent with activation by prostaglandin H synthase. Binding of benzidine to protein was not observed with either hepatic or renal cortical microsomes upon addition of arachidonic acid or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Prostaglandin H synthase and mixed-function oxidase-catalyzed bindings of 2-naphthylamine to protein and to transfer RNA were compared using liver and bladder microsomes. Only mixed-function oxidase-catalyzed binding was observed in liver, and only prostaglandin H synthase-catalyzed binding was observed in bladder. The rate of binding catalyzed by bladder microsomes was considerably greater than that catalyzed by hepatic microsomes. In addition, the bladder content of prostaglandin H synthase activity was approximately 10 times that of kidney inner medullary, a tissue reported to have a relatively high content of this enzyme in other species. These results are consistent with involvement of bladder transitional epithelial prostaglandin H synthase in the genesis of primary aromatic amine-induced bladder cancer.

Effect of peroxidase inhibitors on an in vivo metabolite of the urinary bladder carcinogen N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide in rats.

Peroxidase metabolism of 2-amino-4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)thiazole (ANFT) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro metabolism of ANFT was characteristic of the hydroperoxidase activity of prostaglandin H synthase. The peroxidase inhibitors, 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil and methimazole, significantly reduced ANFT binding to trichloroacetic acid precipitable material and glutathione conjugate formation. Isolated perfused kidneys rapidly converted the glutathione conjugate to its corresponding mercapturic acid (ANFT-MA). With both radiochemical and electrochemical techniques, ANFT-MA was identified in the urine of rats given N-[14C]-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide, the carcinogenic N-formyl analogue of ANFT. ANFT was the major urinary metabolite with N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide not detected. A 30-min pretreatment with 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil and methimazole significantly reduced urinary excretion of ANFT-MA in rats given N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (150 mg/kg) from 14.8 +/- 2.1 (SE) to 7.9 +/- 0.8 and 6.2 +/- 1.1 nmol/18 h, respectively. Peroxidase inhibitor pretreatment did not alter the excretion of ANFT or prostaglandin E2. These results provide further in vitro and in vivo support for the involvement of peroxidases, i.e., the hydroperoxidase activity of prostaglandin H synthase, in ANFT metabolism.

Transport of the renal carcinogen 3-hydroxymethyl-1-([3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)allydidene]amino) hydantoin by renal cortex and cooxidative metabolism by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase.

Transport of the renal carcinogen 3-hydroxymethyl-1-([3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-allydidene]amino) hydantoin (HMN) by the renal cortex and metabolism by the kidney was evaluated. Organic acid and base transport by renal cortical slices was determined using [131I]Hippuran and [14C]tetraethylammonium, respectively. HMN caused a dose-dependent reversible inhibition of [131]Hippuran accumulation but did not alter [14C]tetraethylammonium uptake. By contrast, benzidine inhibited organic base but not acid transport. The decrease in absorbance at 405 nm was used as an index of microsomal metabolism of HMN. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent metabolism of HMN was not observed with either cortical or medullary microsomes. However, there was prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase-mediated metabolism of HMN. Specific substrate, cofactor, and inhibitor studies suggest that metabolism occurs by the prostaglandin hydroperoxidase activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase. At least one product of HMN metabolism was characterized and shown to be different from HMN by its high-pressure liquid chromatographic and ultraviolet spectral properties. The renal mixed-function oxidases system, lipid peroxidation, nitroreduction, and lipoxygenase did not seem to be involved in HMN metabolism. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the kidney is a site for cooxidative metabolism of chemicals which elicit carcinogenic and nephrotoxic effects in the kidney. Facilitated transport of HMN into renal tissue by the organic acid transport system may explain the greater potential for HMN to elicit renal carcinogenesis compared to other tissues.

Benzidine binding to nucleic acids mediated by the peroxidative activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase.

The cooxidative metabolism of the urinary bladder carcinogen benzidine was examined using renal inner medullary microsomes. The products of [14C]benzidine metabolism were recovered in the aqueous but not in the organic soluble fraction of reacting mixtures. The reactive metabolites formed during cooxidative metabolism of benzidine bound to DNA and transfer RNA. Cooxidative metabolism of benzidine and subsequent binding to nucleic acids was dependent upon specific fatty acid substrates and was blocked by inhibitors of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase. The ratio of the rates of benzidine product formation was approximately 10:3:1 (trichloroacetic acid precipitable:non-trichloroacetic acid precipitable:transfer RNA bound) over a wide range of arachidonic acid concentrations. Cumene hydroperoxide also initiated cooxidative metabolism of benzidine but was less effective than was arachidonic acid. In contrast to arachidonic acid, cumene hydroperoxide-mediated metabolism of benzidine and fuaiacol peroxidase activity was not blocked by indomethacin. Using electron paramagnetic resonance, radicals were detected after addition of arachidonic acid or cumene hydroperoxide to the microsomal preparation. Radical production was completely quenched by addition of benzidine or guaiacol. These results demonstrate that the peroxidative activity of renal medullary prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase mediates benzidine metabolism and subsequent binding to nucleic acids.

Renal reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:cytochrome c reductase-mediated metabolism of the carcinogen N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide.

N-[4-(5-Nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide (NFTA) metabolism was examined in vitro using microsomes prepared from rat liver and renal cortex and from rabbit liver and renal cortex and outer and inner medulla. NFTA nitroreduction was observed with each tissue. Three mol of NADPH were used per mol of NFTA reduced. Substrate and inhibitor specificity suggested that the microsomal nitroreduction was due to NADPH:cytochrome c reductase. Metabolite(s) formed bound to protein, RNA, DNA, and synthetic polyribonucleotides. Maximum covalent binding was seen with polyguanylic acid. A guanosine-NFTA adduct was isolated. Binding was inhibited by sulfhydryl compounds and vitamin E. The [14C]NFTA:glutathione or [3H]glutathione:NFTA conjugates obtained from microsomal incubations showed identical chromatographic properties as the product obtained by the reaction of synthetic N-hydroxy-NFTA with [3H]glutathione. Structures of synthetic N-hydroxy-NFTA and the microsomal reduction product 1-[4-(2-acetylaminothiazolyl)]-3-cyano-1-propanone were established by mass spectrometry. The latter reduction product did not bind macromolecules. These results suggest that renal NADPH:cytochrome c reductase reduces NFTA to an N-hydroxy-NFTA intermediate that binds nucleophilic sites on macromolecules.

Eicosanoid synthesis by cultured human urothelial cells: potential role in bladder cancer.

Prostaglandin (PG) H synthase and eicosanoid products of arachidonic acid metabolism have been implicated in several steps in the carcinogenic process. This study assessed these parameters using primary cultures of human urothelial cells. To determine the possible presence of permeability barriers to agonist stimulation, incubations were performed with adherent cells in the presence or absence of thioglycolate pretreatment or with cell suspensions. No evidence for permeability barriers was observed. With adherent cells in the absence of thioglycolate, radioimmunoassayable PGE2 was stimulated by epinephrine less than 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate = thrombin less than bradykinin = A23187 much less than arachidonic acid. Tumor promoters but not non-tumor promoters stimulated PGE2 synthesis. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol which like 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate activates protein kinase C also increased PGE2 synthesis. Cells prelabeled with [14C]arachidonic acid were exposed to agonists and the profile of eicosanoids synthesized was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. With bradykinin, the pattern of eicosanoids synthesized was 6-keto-PGE1 alpha (12% of total 14C label), thromboxane B2 (0.4%), PGF2 alpha (1.7%), PGE2 (18%), PGD2 (1%), leukotrienes (0.4 to 1%), 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (3%), 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (4%), 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (0%) and 5-hydroxy-5,8,12,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (2%). Thus, human urothelial cells contain both prostaglandin H synthase and lipoxygenase pathways with the former being more prominent. These pathways may participate in urinary bladder carcinogenesis.