Direct effects of music in non-auditory cells in culture.

The biological effects of electromagnetic waves are widely studied, especially due to their harmful effects, such as radiation-induced cancer and to their application in diagnosis and therapy. However, the biological effects of sound, another physical agent to which we are frequently exposed have been considerably disregarded by the scientific community. Although a number of studies suggest that emotions evoked by music may be useful in medical care, alleviating stress and nociception in patients undergoing surgical procedures as well as in cancer and burned patients, little is known about the mechanisms by which these effects occur. It is generally accepted that the mechanosensory hair cells in the ear transduce the sound-induced mechanical vibrations into neural impulses, which are interpreted by the brain and evoke the emotional effects. In the last decade; however, several studies suggest that the response to music is even more complex. Moreover, recent evidence comes out that cell types other than auditory hair cells could response to audible sound. However, what is actually sensed by the hair cells, and possible by other cells in our organism, are physical differences in fluid pressure induced by the sound waves. Therefore, there is no reasonable impediment for any cell type of our body to respond to a pure sound or to music. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the response of a human breast cancer cell line, MCF7, to music. The results' obtained suggest that music can alter cellular morpho-functional parameters, such as cell size and granularity in cultured cells. Moreover, our results suggest for the 1 st time that music can directly interfere with hormone binding to their targets, suggesting that music or audible sounds could modulate physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Na(+)-ATPase in spontaneous hypertensive rats: possible AT(1) receptor target in the development of hypertension.

Clinical and experimental data show an increase in sodium reabsorption on the proximal tubule (PT) in essential hypertension. It is well known that there is a link between essential hypertension and renal angiotensin II (Ang II). The present study was designed to examine ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase activity and its regulation by Ang II in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We observed that Na(+)-ATPase activity was enhanced in 14-week-old but not in 6-week-old SHR. The addition of Ang II from 10(-12) to 10(-6) mol/L decreased the enzyme activity in SHR to a level similar to that obtained in WKY. The Ang II inhibitory effect was completely reversed by a specific antagonist of AT(2) receptor, PD123319 (10(-8) mol/L) indicating that a system leading to activation of the enzyme in SHR is inhibited by AT(2)-mediated Ang II. Treatment of SHR with losartan for 10 weeks (weeks 4-14) prevents the increase in Na(+)-ATPase activity observed in 14-week-old SHR. These results indicate a correlation between AT(1) receptor activation in SHR and increased ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase activity. Our results open new possibilities towards our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the increased sodium reabsorption in PT found in essential hypertension.

PKA-mediated effect of MAS receptor in counteracting angiotensin II-stimulated renal Na+-ATPase.

We showed previously that angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] reversed stimulation of proximal tubule Na+-ATPase promoted by angiotensin II (Ang II) through a D-ala(7)-Ang-(1-7) (A779)-sensitive receptor. Here we investigated the signaling pathway coupled to this receptor. According to our data, Ang-(1-7) produces a MAS-mediated reversal of Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase by a Gs/PKA pathway because: (1) the Ang-(1-7) effect is reversed by GDPbetaS, an inhibitor of trimeric G protein and Gs polyclonal antibody. Cholera toxin, an activator of Gs protein, mimicked it; (2) in the presence of Ang II, Ang-(1-7) increased the PKA activity 10-fold; (3) the peptide inhibitor of PKA blocked the Ang-(1-7) effect on Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase; (4) Ang-(1-7) reverses the Ang II-stimulated PKC activity; (5) cAMP mimicked the Ang-(1-7) effect on the Ang II-stimulated Na+-ATPase. Our results provide new understanding about the signaling mechanisms coupled to MAS receptor-mediated renal Ang-(1-7) effects.

Diverse actions of ouabain and its aglycone ouabagenin in renal cells.

The cellular actions of ouabain are complex and involve different pathways, depending on the cell type and experimental conditions. Several studies have reported that Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cellular sensitivity to ouabain is not related to Na-K-ATPase inhibition, and others showed that some cell types, such as Ma104, are resistant to ouabain toxicity albeit their Na-K-ATPase isoforms possess high affinity for this glycoside. We describe here that the effects of ouabain and ouabagenin also diverge in MDCK and Ma104 cells, being MDCK cells more resistant to ouabagenin, while Ma104 cells are resistant to both molecules. This feature seems to correlate with induction of cell signaling, since ouabain, but not ouabagenin, induced an intense and sustained increase in tyrosine phosphorylation levels in MDCK cells. Moreover, ouabain-induced phosphorylation in Ma104 cells was approximately half than that observed in MDCK cells. The proportion between alpha and beta subunits of Na-K-ATPase was similar in MDCK cells, though Ma104 cells presented more alpha subunits, located mainly at the cytoplasm. Furthermore, a fluorescent ouabain-analog labeled mainly the cytoplasm of Ma104 cells, the opposite of that seen in MDCK cells, corroborating the results using anti-Na-K-ATPase antibodies. Hence, the results suggest that ouabain and ouabagenin differ in terms of Na-K-ATPase inhibition and cell signaling activation in MDCK cells. Additionally, MDCK and Ma104 cell lines respond differently to ouabain, perhaps due to an intrinsic ability of this glycoside to selectively reach the cytoplasm of Ma104 cells.

Mechanisms of ouabain toxicity.

The suggested involvement of ouabain in hypertension raised the need for a better understanding of its cellular action, but the mechanisms of ouabain toxicity are only now being uncovered. In the present study, we show that reduced glutathione (GSH) protected ouabain-sensitive (OS) cells from ouabain-induced toxicity and that the inhibition of GSH synthesis by D, L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) sensitized ouabain-resistant (OR) cells. We could not observe formation of *OH or H2O2, but there was an increase in O2*-only in OS cells. Unexpectedly, an increased number of OR cells depolarized after treatment with ouabain, and BSO blocked this depolarization. Moreover, GSH increased ouabain-induced depolarization in OS cells. A sustained increase in tyrosine phosphorylation (P-Tyr) and Ras expression was observed after treatment of OS cells, and GSH prevented it. Conversely, BSO induced P-Tyr and Ras expression in ouabain-treated OR cells. The results obtained have three major implications: There is no direct correlation between membrane depolarization and ouabain-induced cell death; ouabain toxicity is not directly related to its classical action as a Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitor but seems to be associated to signal transduction, and GSH plays a major role in preventing ouabain-induced cell death.

Comparative study on the effects of cyclosporin a in renal cells in culture.

BACKGROUND: Although cyclosporin A (CSA) inhibits P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), the relationship between this inhibition and CSA-induced nephrotoxicity is not established. METHODS: Three renal cell lines were used to investigate the effects of CSA in cellular viability and accumulation of rhodamine 123 (Rho123): LLC-PK1, which does not express ABCB1 substantially; MDCK, expressing moderate amounts of this protein, and Ma104 cells, which express high amounts of ABCB1. RESULTS: The viability was significantly reduced in the three cell lines after treatment with CSA concentrations >10 microM. Ma104 was the more resistant and LLC-PK1 the more sensitive. CSA increased Rho123 accumulation in the three cell lines when incubated simultaneously, MDCK presenting the higher increase. However, different results were achieved when the periods of incubation with Rho123 and CSA were disconnected: a post-incubation with CSA was more effective in Ma104 cells, while MDCK and LLC-PK1 showed no difference between pre-, co- and post-incubation with CSA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the effects of CSA may be divided into two groups: ABCB1-independent (direct injury), and ABCB1-dependent toxicity, due to modulation of its activity. This could result in increased accumulation of noxious ABCB1 substrates, contributing to CSA-induced nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, the mechanisms of ABCB1 modulation by CSA may be different for different cell lines.

A new steroidal saponin from AGAVE brittoniana and its biphasic effect on the Na+-ATPase activity.

A new steroidal saponin, 3-{(O-6-deoxy-a-L-mannopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-O-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)oxy}-6-hydroxy-(3beta,5alpha,6alpha,25R)-spirostan-12-one, was isolated from Agave brittoniana Trel. The structure was determined by extensive NMR spectroscopy studies and chemical conversions. Its effects on the Na+-ATPase and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activities of the proximal tubule from pig kidney were evaluated. It was observed that this steroidal saponin exerts a biphasic effect on the Na+-ATPase activity. It is concluded that the effect of the aqueous extract as a diuretic is due, at least in part, to the action of saponin on the ouabain-insensitive Na+-ATPase.

Angiotensin-(1-7) reverts the stimulatory effect of angiotensin II on the proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase activity via a A779-sensitive receptor.

Recently, we demonstrated that the stimulatory effect of Ang II on the Na(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules is reversed, in a dose-dependent manner, by Ang-(1-7) [Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1467 (2000) 189]. In the present paper, we characterized the receptor involved in this phenomenon. The preincubation of the Na(+)-ATPase with 10(-8) M Ang II increases the enzyme activity from 7.50+/-0.02 (control) to 12.40+/-1.50 nmol Pi mg(-1) min(-1) (p<0.05). Addition of 10(-9) M Ang-(1-7) completely reverts this effect returning the ATPase activity to the control level. This effect seems to be specific to Ang-(1-7) since Ang III (10(-12)-10(-8) M) does not modify the stimulation of the renal proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase activity by Ang II. Saralasin abolishes the Ang-(1-7) effect in a dose-dependent manner being the maximal effect obtained at 10(-11) M. The increase in A779 concentration (from 10(-12) to 10(-7) M), a specific Ang-(1-7) antagonist, also abolishes the Ang-(1-7) effect. On the other hand, PD123319 (10(-8)-10(-6) M), an AT(2) antagonist receptor, and losartan (10(-12)-10(-7) M), an AT(1) antagonist receptor, does not modify the effect of Ang-(1-7). Taken together, these data indicate that Ang-(1-7) reverts the stimulatory effect of Ang II on the Na(+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubule through a A779-sensitive receptor.

ABCC1 is related to the protection of the distal nephron against hyperosmolality and high sodium environment: possible implications for cancer chemotherapy.

AIMS: Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage. ABCC1 protein transports GSH. Although this protein is largely studied in cancer, due to multidrug resistance phenotype, its role in the tubular cells of the kidney is unknown. The goal of this study was to find out whether ABCC1 has a role in protecting cells from the distal nephron against the stress caused by high medullar osmolality. MAIN METHODS: MA104 cells were treated with high concentrations of sodium chloride, urea, or both to raise the osmolality of the culture medium. Cell viability was accessed by MTT and trypan blue assays. ABCC1 expression and extrusion of carboxi-fluorescein (CF), a fluorescent ABCC1 substrate, were measured by flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: Incubation of MA104 cells in a high sodium concentration medium resulted in changes in cell granularity and altered expression and activity of ABCC1. Urea did not alter ABCC1 expression or activity, but reversed the observed NaCl effects. High sodium concentrations also had a negative effect on cell viability and urea also protected cells against this effect. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings demonstrate that ABCC1 plays a significant role in the protection of kidney epithelial cells against the stress caused by high sodium environment present in renal medulla.

Atrial natriuretic peptides and urodilatin modulate proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase activity through activation of the NPR-A/cGMP/PKG pathway.

The signaling pathway mediating modulation of Na(+)-ATPase of proximal tubule cells by atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and urodilatin through receptors located in luminal and basolateral membranes (BLM) is investigated. In isolated BLM, 10(-11)M ANP or 10(-11)M urodilatin inhibited the enzyme activity (50%). Immunodetection revealed the presence of NPR-A in BLM and LLC-PK1 cells. Both compounds increased protein kinase G (PKG) activity (80%) and this effect did not occur with 10(-6)M LY83583, a specific inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase. The inhibitory effect of these peptides on Na(+)-ATPase activity did not occur after addition of 10(-6)M KT5823, a specific inhibitor of PKG. LLC-PK1 cells were used to investigate if ANP and urodilatin change the activity of sodium pumps by luminal receptor interaction. ANP and urodilatin inhibited Na(+)-ATPase activity (50%), with maximal effect at 10(-10)M, similar to 10(-7)M db-cGMP, and did not occur with 10(-7)M LY83583, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. ANP and urodilatin specifically inhibit Na(+)-ATPase activity by activation of the cGMP/PKG pathway through NPR-A located in luminal membrane and BLM, increasing understanding of the mechanism of natriuretic peptides on renal sodium excretion, with proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase one possible target.

The angiotensin receptor type 1-Gq protein-phosphatidyl inositol phospholipase Cbeta-protein kinase C pathway is involved in activation of proximal tubule Na+-ATPase activity by angiotensin(1-7) in pig kidneys.

In a previous study, we observed that angiotensin(1-7) (Ang(1-7)) stimulates proximal tubule Na+-ATPase activity through the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R). Here we aimed to study the signalling pathways involved. Our results show that the stimulatory effect of Ang(1-7) on Na+-ATPase activity through AT1R involves a Gq protein-phosphatidyl inositol-phospholipase Cbeta (PI-PLCbeta) pathway because: (1) the effect was reversed by GDPbetaS, a non-hydrolysable GDP analogue, and by a monoclonal Gq protein antibody; (2) the effect was similar and not additive to that of GTPgammaS, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue; (3) Ang(1-7) induced a rapid decrease (30 s) in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate levels, a PI-PLCbeta substrate; and (4) U73122, a specific inhibitor of PI-PLCbeta, abolished Ang(1-7)-induced stimulation of Na+-ATPase activity. Angiotensin(1-7) increased the protein kinase C (PKC) activity similarly to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC. This effect was reversed by losartan, a specific antagonist of AT1R. The stimulatory effects of Ang(1-7) and PMA on Na+-ATPase activity are similar, non-additive and reversed by calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC. A catalytic subunit of PKC (PKC-M) increased the Na+-ATPase activity. These data show that Ang(1-7) stimulates Na+-ATPase activity through the AT1R-Gq protein-PI-PLCbeta-PKC pathway. This effect is similar to that described for angiotensin II, showing for the first time that these compounds could have similar effects in the renal system.

ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein) but not ABCC1 (MRP1) is downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Although the kidney is a major target in hypertension, several studies have correlated important immune alterations with the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), like increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory infiltration in kidneys and thymic atrophy. Because adenosine-triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1; P-glycoprotein) and adenosine-triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family C member 1 (ABCC1; multidrug resistance protein 1), two proteins first described in multidrug resistant tumors, physiologically transport several immune mediators and are required for the adequate functioning of the immune system, we aimed to measure the expression and activity of these proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), thymocytes, and also kidneys of normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats and SHR. Our results showed that ABCB1, but not ABCC1, activity was diminished (nearly 50%) in PBMC. Moreover, Abcb1b gene was downregulated in PBMC and kidney of SHR and this was not counterbalanced by an upregulation of its homolog Abcb1a, suggesting that the diminished activity is due to downregulation of the gene. No alteration was detected in ABCB1 activity in SHR thymocytes, indicating that this downregulation occurs after lymphocytes leave the primary lymphoid organs. Even though it is not known at present which parameter(s) is(are) responsible for this downregulation, it may contribute for the altered immune response observed in hypertension and to possible altered drug disposition in hypertensive individuals, resulting in greater drug interaction and increased drug toxicity.

Entamoeba histolytica: ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase activity.

Our aim was to determine the presence of sodium pumps in Entamoeba histolytica. It is shown through the measurement of ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity and immunoblotting that E. histolytica does not express (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase. On the other hand, we observed a Na(+)-ATPase with the following characteristics: (1) stimulated by Na(+) or K(+), but these effects are not addictive; (2) the apparent affinity is similar for Na(+) and K(+) (K(0.5) = 13.3 +/- 3.7 and 15.4 +/- 3.1mM, respectively), as well as the V(max) (24.9 +/- 1.5 or 27.5 +/- 1.6 nmol Pi mg(-1)min(-1), respectively); (3) insensitive up to 2mM ouabain; and (4) inhibited by furosemide with an IC(50) of 0.12 +/- 0.004 mM. Furthermore, this enzyme forms a Na(+)- or K(+)-stimulated, furosemide- and hydroxylamine-sensitive ATP-driven acylphosphate phosphorylated intermediate.

Urea inhibition of renal (NA+ + K+)ATPase activity is reversed by cAMP.

In the present work we studied the modulation of the effect of urea on the renal (Na+ + K+)ATPase by cAMP. We observed that urea inhibits the (NA+ + K+)ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 60% of inhibition at the concentration of 1M. This effect was completely reversed by dibutyryl-cAMP (dBcAMP) at 5 x 10(-4)M. The effect of dBcAMP was mimicked by 50 units of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and completely abolished by 5 x 10(-7)M H89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A. Addition of 1M urea decreases basal phosphorylation of the immunoprecipitated (NA+ + K+)ATPase in 50%, with this effect completely reversed by 5 x 10(-4)M dBcAMP. Furthermore, 5 x 10(-4)M dBcAMP by itself induced (NA+ + K+)ATPase phosphorylation. Taken together these data indicate that cAMP could be, in addition to the organic solutes already known, an important physiological modulator of the deleterious effect of urea on enzyme activity.

Mechanisms of vanadate-induced cellular toxicity: role of cellular glutathione and NADPH.

Besides its insulin-mimetic effects, vanadate is also known to have a variety of physiological and pharmacological properties, varying from induction of cell growth to cell death and is also a modulator of the multidrug resistance phenotype. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are still not understood. The present report analyzes the mechanisms of vanadate toxicity in two cell lines previously found to have different susceptibilities to this compound. It was shown that catalase and GSH reversed the sensitivity of a vanadate-sensitive cell line and NADPH sensitized vanadate-resistant cells. NADPH also increased the residues of P-Tyr and the induction of Ras protein expression in vanadate-resistant cells, while GSH avoided these effects in vanadate-sensitive cells. Thus, it seems that the effects of vanadate in signal transduction are dependent on NADPH and are related to cell death. Based on the effects observed in the present study it was suggested that once inside the cell, vanadate is reduced to vanadyl in a process dependent on NADPH. Vanadyl then may react with H2O2 generating primarily peroxovanadium species (PV) rather than following the Fenton reaction. The PV compounds formed would be responsible for P-Tyr increase, Ras induction, and cell death. The results obtained also point to vanadate as a possible chemotherapic in the use of multidrug-resistant tumors.