Rat kidney papilla contains abundant synaptobrevin protein that participates in the fusion of antidiuretic hormone-regulated water channel-containing endosomes in vitro

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) regulates renal water excretion by altering the permeability of the collecting duct to water. ADH-responsive epithelial cells are the major cell type lining kidney tubules in the inner medulla and papilla. ADH modulates apical membrane water permeability by the insertion and removal of vesicles containing aquaporin collecting duct water channel protein (now termed AQP-2). To identify and characterize proteins responsible for trafficking of AQP-2-containing vesicles, we utilized antibody and cDNA probes to synaptobrevin b (also termed VAMP-2, for vesicle-associated membrane protein 2), a protein that mediates synaptic vesicle exocytosis in the brain and whose structural homologs are now considered to be components of a complex responsible for intracellular vesicle fusion in all cells. We now report that rat kidney inner medulla and papilla contain abundant synaptobrevin protein. Only light endosomes, one of two types of purified papillary AQP-2-containing endosomes, possess synaptobrevin. Light endosomes fuse in vitro by means of an ATP-dependent process that is significantly inhibited when endosomes are preincubated with either anti-synaptobrevin antibody or tetanus toxin. These data define a functional role for a synaptobrevin protein in the fusion of endosomes in vitro. The presence of abundant synaptobrevin proteins in endosomes containing AQP-2 water channels, as well as insulin-sensitive glucose transporters [Cain, C. C., Trimble, W. S. & Lienhard, G. E. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 11681-11684], and in cells of Malpighian tubules responsible for urine formation in insects [Chin, A. S., Burgess, R. W., Wong, B. R., Schwartz, T. L. & Scheller, R. H. (1993) Gene 131, 175-181] suggests a specialized role for synaptobrevin in vesicle-mediated membrane transport modulated by peptide hormones.

Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) and ERK kinase (MEK) in brain: regional distribution and regulation by chronic morphine

Quantitative blot immunolabeling techniques were used to determine the concentrations of ERK1 (M(r) 44 kDa) and ERK2 (M(r) 42 kDa), the two major extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, in different regions of rat brain. The aggregate ERK concentrations (ERK1 and ERK2) were relatively high in each of the brain regions studied, ranging from approximately 0.35 ng/microgram protein in cerebellum to approximately 1.2 ng/microgram protein in nucleus accumbens. However, differences in the regional distributions of ERK1 and ERK2 resulted in ratios of their relative abundance that differed by close to 10-fold among the regions studied. The ratios of ERK1 protein to ERK2 protein varied along a rostral-caudal gradient from a low of 0.16 in frontal cortex to a high of 1.5 in pons/medulla. In hypotonic homogenates from regions at either extreme of the gradient, ERK1 and ERK2 were both found to be predominantly (> 80%) soluble. In subcellular fractions prepared from sucrose homogenates of frontal cortex and pons/medulla, both ERK1 and ERK2 were enriched in the synaptosomal and cytosolic fractions, whereas ERK2 was also enriched in the microsomal fraction. By contrast, in subfractions containing purified nuclei, levels of ERK1 and ERK2 were about one-third of those seen in homogenates and, in subfractions enriched in mitochondria, both ERK1 and ERK2 were barely detectable. The catalytic activity of the ERKs paralleled their protein levels in all of the brain regions except the hippocampus, in which the activity and phosphotyrosine content were disproportionately high. As a possible explanation for this apparent disparity, the regional distribution of ERK kinase (MEK), which phosphorylates and activates the ERKs, was also investigated. The levels of immunoreactivity of the M(r) 45 kDa ERK kinase band differed by about threefold among the brain regions, with the highest levels being present in nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, substantia nigra, and caudate/putamen. Therefore, a higher concentration of ERK kinase immunoreactivity did not appear to account for the disproportionate levels of ERK activity and phosphotyrosine content in the hippocampus. Potential regulation of ERK and ERK kinase levels was also investigated in rats subjected to chronic morphine treatment. ERK1 and ERK2 levels were increased selectively in locus coeruleus and caudate/putamen after chronic morphine treatment, whereas ERK kinase immunoreactivity remained unchanged in all of the brain regions analyzed. In summary, the regional differences in ERK and ERK kinase expression and the region-specific regulation of ERK expression suggest that ERK-related signaling may play an important role in CNS function and its adaptive responses.

Acidification of vasopressin-induced endosomes in toad urinary bladder

It is well established that water channels (WC) are removed from the apical membrane of vasopressin-sensitive epithelia by endocytosis. The processing and the ultimate fate of endocytosed WC is, however, incompletely understood. In many cells, endosome acidification plays an important role in the processing and sorting of endocytosed proteins. Endosome acidification in the toad urinary bladder was therefore examined in vivo by fluorescence ratio video microscopy after induction of endocytosis by vasopressin removal and transepithelial water flow in the presence of the pH-sensitive fluid phase marker 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-dextran. Fifteen minutes after induction of endocytosis, the majority of endosomes had a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The number of acidic endosomes increased progressively with time. Two hours after endocytosis began, 98% of the endosomes had a pH < 6.0. Bafilomycin completely blocked endosome acidification, indicating that H+ transport is mediated by a vacuolar H(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase. Bafilomycin had no effect on transepithelial water flow in bladders repetitively stimulated by vasopressin. These findings, as well as the work of other investigators, suggest that if WC recycling occurs, it is not dependent on acidification of the endosomal compartment. Acidification of vasopressin-induced endosomes most likely represents a terminal event in the endocytic pathway.

Water channel vesicles from toad urinary bladder contain a family of proteins present in other tissues

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation causes the fusion and subsequent retrieval of cytoplasmic vesicles containing water channels (WCV) with the apical membrane of toad bladder granular cells. Previously, we showed that purified WCV contain 12 major protein bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To identify various WCV proteins, we screened a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies and characterized an immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, 5E5, that recognizes integral membrane WCV proteins of 38, 33, and 31 kDa. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analyses show that 5E5 binds to multivesicular body endosomes shown previously to contain ADH water channels. In addition, 5E5 recognizes these proteins in selected cells of the skin, intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung. However, 5E5 does not appear to recognize components of the water channel itself. We conclude that WCV contain several membrane proteins recognized by 5E5 that are present in certain cells of the other organs. Monoclonal 5E5 provides a probe to determine the structure and function of these endosomal proteins as well as their role in the ADH water permeability response.

Characterization of purified endosomes containing the antidiuretic hormone-sensitive water channel from rat renal papilla

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation of renal epithelial cells elicits a large increase in apical membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf) produced by the fusion of water channel containing vesicles with the apical membrane. Removal of ADH stimulation results in retrieval of apical water channels into a specialized non-acidic endosomal compartment. Previous studies (Sabolic, I., Wuarin, F., and Shi, L. B. (1992) J. Cell Biol. 119, 111-122) have shown that water channel containing papillary endosomes labeled with fluorescein-dextran can be isolated from rat renal papilla. We have utilized small particle flow sorting methodology to both monitor and improve upon the purification of these water channel containing endosomes (WCV). Flow cytometry analysis on a vesicle-by-vesicle basis demonstrates that WCV are homogeneous with respect to entrapped fluorescein-dextran, the apical membrane enzyme marker leucine amino peptidase and ultrastructural morphology. WCV do not acidify their luminal contents after addition of Mg-ATP but contain abundant functional water channels (Pf0.28 cm/s at 23 degrees C) as determined by stopped flow fluorimetry. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis shows that purified WCV are composed of 20 major protein bands. To determine the identity of WCV water channels, WCV proteins were probed with affinity purified antisera recognizing two renal water channel proteins. These include Aquaporin-CHIP found in the proximal tubule and thin descending limb of Henle and the candidate ADH water channel protein WCH-1 or Aquaporin- (AQP) CD present in the ADH-responsive epithelial cells of the collecting duct. These data reveal that WCV contained little or no AQP-CHIP protein. In contrast, WCV are highly enriched for AQP-CD protein. Together, these data define the protein composition of the papillary WCV and link directly the presence of functional apical membrane water channels with the presence of the AQP-CD protein.

Permeability properties of rat renal lysosomes

Although lysosomes maintain large pH gradients and may be subjected to significant osmotic gradients in vivo, little is known about their passive permeability properties. In recent studies, vacuolar H(+)-adenosine-triphosphatases (ATPases), such as those found in lysosomes, have been suggested to act as water channels. In addition, the erythrocyte and proximal tubule water channel CHIP28 is present on the plasma membrane of proximal tubule cells and may undergo endocytosis so that it is incorporated in lysosomes. We therefore examined water, proton, and small nonelectrolyte permeabilities in freshly purified lysosomes from rat renal proximal tubule. Lysosomes were purified by differential and Percoll gradient centrifugation. The preparation contained only lysosomes when examined by electron microscopy. Moreover, analysis by flow cytometry showed virtually all particles to be positive for acid phosphatase and cathepsin B activities. Permeabilities were measured on a stopped-flow fluorimeter by monitoring the self-quenching or pH-sensitive quenching of entrapped fluorescein derivatives. Osmotic water permeability (Pf) averaged 0.011 +/- 0.003 cm/s (n = 6), a value similar to that of biological membranes containing water channels. However, Pf was insensitive to the organic mercurial reagent p-chloromercuribenzene-sulfonate and to HgCl2 and exhibited an activation energy of 10.8 +/- 0.8 kcal/mol. These results indicate that water flux in lysosomes occurred via the lipid bilayer, and not via water channels. Addition of ATP led to lysosomal acidification (proton flux = 4.6 +/- 0.8 x 10(-11) mmol H+.s-1.cm-2), which was completely inhibited by 0.1 microM bafilomycin. Pf was insensitive to this agent as was the passive proton permeability (0.36 +/- 0.18 cm/s, n = 4). Permeabilities to small nonelectrolytes varied in proportion to the oil-water partition coefficient, confirming the applicability of Overton's rule to lysosomes. We conclude that proximal tubular lysosomes exhibit high Pf, which occurs via the lipid bilayer and not via vacuolar H(+)-ATPase.

Cellular and subcellular immunolocalization of vasopressin-regulated water channel in rat kidney

Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) regulates body water balance by controlling water permeability of the renal collecting ducts. The control mechanisms may involve alterations in the number or unit conductance of water channels in the apical plasma membrane of collecting-duct cells. How this occurs is unknown, but indirect evidence exists for the "shuttle" hypothesis, which states that vasopressin causes exocytic insertion of water channel-laden vesicles from the apical cytosol. To test key aspects of the shuttle hypothesis, we have prepared polyclonal antisera against the recently cloned collecting-duct water channel protein and used the antisera in immunolocalization studies (light and electron microscopic levels) in thin and ultrathin cryosections from rat kidney. Labeling was seen exclusively in collecting-duct principal cells and inner medullary collecting-duct cells. Apical membrane labeling was intense. There was heavy labeling of abundant small subapical vesicles and of membrane structures within multivesicular bodies. In addition, labeling of basolateral plasma membranes in inner medullary collecting ducts was present. Depriving rats of water for 24 or 48 hr markedly increased collecting-duct water-channel protein expression determined by immunoblotting and immunolabeling. These results are compatible with at least two complementary modes of water-channel regulation in collecting-duct cells: (i) control of channel distribution between the apical membrane and a reservoir in subapical vesicles (shuttle hypothesis) and (ii) regulation of the absolute level of expression of water-channel protein.

The protective effect of serum lipoproteins against bacterial lipopolysaccharide

Lipoproteins bind and inactivate bacterial endotoxin, both in vitro and in vivo. Both cholesterol ester-rich and TG-rich lipoproteins, and TG-rich lipid emulsions can prevent death in mice when pre-incubated with a lethal dose of endotoxin before intraperitoneal administration. Chylomicrons can also prevent death when given intravenously after endotoxin in rats. The metabolic fate of lipoprotein-bound endotoxin appears to be directed by the lipoprotein particle. When administered with chylomicrons, the plasma clearance and hepatic uptake of endotoxin are enhanced. Endotoxin is shunted preferentially to hepatocytes and away from hepatic macrophages, thereby increasing endotoxin excretion [corrected] in bile. The survival benefit and alterations in metabolism afforded by chylomicrons correlate with a reduction in peak serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), providing a possible mechanism by which lipoproteins protect against endotoxin-induced death. These findings suggest a possible role for lipoproteins or lipid emulsions in the body's defence against endotoxaemia.

Isolation of highly purified, functional endosomes from toad urinary bladder

Endosomes are difficult to isolate as they share size and density properties with much more abundant cellular organelles such as mitochondria. In cultured cell lines the tandem use of charge-dependent isolation techniques and differential centrifugation is necessary to isolate endosomes. Endosomal populations of the toad urinary bladder are of special interest because they are thought to contain a water channel. Understanding of the molecular structure of the water channel has been constrained, as there is currently no practical method to isolate functional water-channel-containing vesicles. This study reports the tandem use of charge-dependent techniques and centrifugation to isolate populations of endosomes from the toad urinary bladder. To purify water-channel-containing vesicles aqueous two-phase partition was utilized to fractionate a preparation partially purified by differential centrifugation. Populations of endosomes were analysed by small-particle flow cytometry techniques. A 5-fold enrichment in endosomes, achieved with aqueous two-phase partition, allowed us to identify two populations of endosomes of diverse size in a toad bladder endosomal fraction. Preenrichment also improved the efficiency of flow cytometry sorting, allowing isolation of the two endosomal populations in sufficient quantities for secondary analysis. A population of larger endosomes had very high water permeability, indicating the presence of water channels. The two populations had different SDS/PAGE fingerprints. Electron micrographs of the flow-sorted material shows a uniform population of membrane vesicles devoid of mitochondria and other identifiable cellular organelles. Hence, aqueous two-phase partition and flow cytometry allow identification of two populations of endosomes in the toad urinary bladder which have diverse structural and functional properties. Isolation of functional water-channel-containing vesicles allows co-localization of water-channel function with candidate water-channel proteins.

The molecular structure of the antidiuretic hormone elicited water channel

Measurements of osmotic water permeability (Pf) have shown that the plasma membranes of human red cells and certain epithelial cells possess specialized water channels. Although these water channels have been characterized extensively using biophysical techniques, the proteins that compose these unique channels have only recently been identified. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation rapidly increases collecting duct epithelial cell Pf by fusion of water channel-containing vesicles (WCV) with their apical membranes. The proteins of WCV from toad bladder and rodent kidney have been characterized. The principal proteins in toad bladder WCV are 55,000 daltons (55 kDa) and 53 kDa and span the lipid bilayer of these vesicles. Polyclonal antisera raised against the 55-kDa and 53-kDa proteins inhibit ADH-stimulated toad bladder Pf by 80% and recognize protein bands of 46, 38 and 30 kDa in mouse kidney. Purification of WCV from rat kidney reveals enrichment of the 46-kDa protein. Recently, a 28-kDa integral membrane protein (called CHIP-28) has been isolated from human red cells. It forms functional water channels in Xenopus oocytes and when reconstituted into proteoliposomes. Large amounts of CHIP-28 protein are present in epithelial cells of the proximal tubule and descending thin limb of Henle's loop. Molecular cloning efforts are underway to elucidate the structure and function of these candidate water channel proteins.

Water channels

The movement of water across cell membranes has been an active area of research for more than 100 years and is of fundamental importance in the normal water metabolism of all terrestrial animals. The objective of this review is to integrate recent data obtained from the isolation and molecular cloning of water channel proteins, with functional information provided by biophysical measurements of membrane water transport. Whereas the water permeability of most cell membranes can be accounted for by the diffusion of water across the lipid bilayer, other cells, including the erythrocyte as well as certain cells in renal epithelia, possess specialized water channels. Water channels are composed of specialized proteins that create highly selective aqueous pores across cell membranes. Data concerning the distribution, permeability, and function of these various water channels will greatly enhance our knowledge of how water is transported across cell membranes.

Fate of antidiuretic hormone water channel proteins after retrieval from apical membrane

In toad bladder granular cells, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulates insertion of vesicles containing water channels (WCV), markedly increasing apical membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf). After withdrawal of ADH stimulation, WCV are removed from the apical membrane and fluid-phase markers endocytosed from the apical solution appear predominantly in endosomes at 10-15 min and multivesicular bodies at 30-60 min. Although the luminal contents of this endocytic pathway have been well characterized, the fate of membrane proteins, including functional ADH water channels in these vesicles remains unclear. Using electron microscopic, flow cytometric, and stopped-flow fluorescence measurements and characterization of labeled vesicle proteins, we examined the fate of membrane proteins contained within WCV. The protein complements of endosomes harvested after 10, 30, and 60 min of ADH withdrawal were similar. Selective covalent labeling of apical proteins during ADH stimulation followed by ADH reversal for 30 or 60 min showed that apical proteins colocalize with fluid-phase marker-labeled endosomes at all times, and most apically labeled protein bands present in the 10-min fraction were also present in the 30- and 60-min endosome fractions. Endosomes at 10 and 30 min but not at 60 min contained functional water channels revealed by high Pf and proton permeability, low activation energy of Pf, and sensitivity of Pf to mercurial reagents. We conclude that a portion of apically exposed membrane proteins, including candidate water channel proteins, travel together with fluid-phase markers from 10-min endosomes into later endosomal compartments. Functional water channels may be inactivated or some essential protein component selectively sorted away between 30 and 60 min after ADH withdrawal.

Chylomicrons enhance endotoxin excretion in bile

Chylomicrons prevent endotoxin toxicity and increase endotoxin uptake by hepatocytes. As a consequence, less endotoxin is available to activate macrophages, thereby reducing tumor necrosis factor secretion. To determine whether the chylomicron-mediated increase in hepatocellular uptake of endotoxin results in increased endotoxin excretion into bile, we examined bile after endotoxin administration. A sublethal dose (7 micrograms/kg) of 125I-endotoxin was incubated with either rat mesenteric lymph containing nascent chylomicrons (500 mg of chylomicron triglyceride per kg of body weight) or an equal volume of normal saline (controls) for 3 h and then infused into male Sprague-Dawley rats. Bile samples were collected via a common bile duct catheter for 24 h. Infusion of endotoxin incubated with chylomicrons increased biliary excretion of endotoxin by 67% at 3 h (P < or = 0.006) and by 20% at 24 h (P < or = 0.01) compared with infusion of endotoxin incubated in saline. Endotoxin activity, as measured by the Limulus assay, was not detected in the bile of test animals. However, endotoxin activity was detected after hot phenol-water extraction of bile, demonstrating that endotoxin is inactive in the presence of bile but retains bioactivity after hepatic processing. Since the majority of an intravenous endotoxin load has been shown to be cleared by the liver, acceleration of hepatocyte clearance and biliary excretion of endotoxin may represent a component of the mechanism by which chylomicrons protect against endotoxin-induced lethality.

Transport defects of rabbit inner medullary collecting duct cells in obstructive nephropathy

Urinary obstruction markedly reduces collecting duct Na+ reabsorption. To define the cellular mechanisms of this derangement in Na+ reabsorption in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of obstructed kidneys, suspensions of intact IMCD cells and inner medulla plasma membranes (IMPM) were prepared from 24 h obstructed and untreated control kidneys. Oxygen consumption (QO2) studies revealed marked reductions in both amiloride-sensitive and ouabain-sensitive QO2 but not ouabain-insensitive QO2 in intact IMCD cells from obstructed, compared with control animals, indicating a reduction in oxygen-dependent transport activities of both the Na+ channel and the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase). Amiloride-sensitive conductive 22Na+ uptake in intact IMCD cells from obstructed kidneys was significantly decreased by 45% at 10 s, 30 s, and 1-5 min (10 s: 2.42 +/- 0.63 vs. 4.49 +/- 0.64 nmol Na+ flux/mg protein, n = 7, P < 0.05; 1 min: 4.65 +/- 0.7 vs. 8.27 +/- 0.98 nmol Na+ flux/mg protein, n = 7, P < 0.05), indicating decreased activity of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels in these cells. However, immunoblots of IMPM with antibodies to Na+ channel proteins did not show significant differences in content of Na+ channel proteins between membranes from obstructed and control groups. Ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in IMPM of obstructed kidneys was also reduced (61.1 +/- 18.1 vs. 152.6 +/- 25.8 nmol ATP degradation.min-1.mg protein-1, n = 6, P < 0.02), and immunoblots with monoclonal antibodies against the alpha 1- and beta-subunits of rabbit Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase showed a 51 +/- 7% reduction of both subunits in IMPM from obstructed kidneys (n = 4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chylomicrons alter the fate of endotoxin, decreasing tumor necrosis factor release and preventing death

The hypertriglyceridemia of infection was traditionally thought to represent the mobilization of substrate to fuel the body's response to the infectious challenge. However, we have previously shown that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins can protect against endotoxin-induced lethality. The current studies examine the mechanism by which this protection occurs. Rats infused with a lethal dose of endotoxin preincubated with chylomicrons had a reduced mortality compared with rats infused with endotoxin alone (15 vs. 76%, P < 0.001). Preincubation with chylomicrons increased the rate of clearance of endotoxin from plasma and doubled the amount of endotoxin cleared by the liver (30 +/- 1 vs. 14 +/- 2% of the total infused radiolabel, P < 0.001). In addition, autoradiographic studies showed that chylomicrons directed more of the endotoxin to hepatocytes and away from hepatic macrophages. Rats infused with endotoxin plus chylomicrons also showed reduced peak serum levels of tumor necrosis factor as compared with controls (14.2 +/- 3.3 vs. 44.9 +/- 9.5 ng/ml, mean +/- SEM, P = 0.014). In separate experiments, chylomicrons (1,000 mg triglyceride/kg) or saline were infused 10 min before the infusion of endotoxin. Chylomicron pretreatment resulted in a reduced mortality compared with rats infused with endotoxin alone (22 vs. 78%, P < 0.005). Therefore, chylomicrons can protect against endotoxin-induced lethality with and without preincubation with endotoxin. The mechanism by which chylomicrons protect against endotoxin appears to involve the shunting of endotoxin to hepatocytes and away from macrophages, thereby decreasing macrophage activation and the secretion of cytokines.

Transport defects of rabbit medullary thick ascending limb cells in obstructive nephropathy

To characterize the sodium transport defect responsible for salt wasting in obstructive nephropathy, the major sodium transporters in the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL), the apical Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and the basolateral Na-K-ATPase, were studied in fresh suspensions of mTAL cells and outer medulla plasma membranes prepared from obstructed and untreated kidneys. Oxygen consumption (QO2) studies in intact cells revealed marked reductions in the inhibitory effects of both furosemide and ouabain on QO2 in cells from obstructed, as compared with control animals, indicating a reduction in activities of both the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and the Na-K-ATPase. Saturable [3H]bumetanide binding was reduced in membranes isolated from obstructed kidneys, but the Kd for [3H]bumetanide was unchanged, indicating a decrease in the number of functional luminal Na-K-2Cl cotransporters in obstructed mTAL. Ouabain sensitive Na-K-ATPase activity in plasma membranes was also reduced, and immunoblots using specific monoclonal antibodies directed against the alpha and beta subunits of rabbit Na-K-ATPase showed decreased amounts of both subunits in outer medullas of obstructed kidney. A significant decrease in [3H]bumetanide binding was detected after 4 h of ureteral obstruction, whereas Na-K-ATPase activity at this time was still not different from control. We conclude that ureteral obstruction reduces the amounts of both luminal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and basolateral Na-K-ATPase in mTAL of obstructed kidney and that these reductions contribute to the salt wasting observed after release of obstruction.

Purification and partial characterization of candidate antidiuretic hormone water channel proteins of M(r) 55,000 and 53,000 from toad urinary bladder

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases toad bladder granular cell apical membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf) by insertion of cytoplasmic vesicles containing water channels into the apical membrane. Termination of ADH stimulation results in endocytosis of water channel-containing membrane. In previous work, we have purified water channel-containing vesicles and demonstrated that they contain 12 major protein bands when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). On the basis of vectorial labeling studies of granular cells and purified vesicles, we have proposed previously that vesicle proteins of 55, 53, and 17 kDa are ADH water channel components. In this report, we have purified and analyzed these three proteins using a combination of SDS-PAGE, peptide mapping, amino acid composition, and amino-terminal analyses. The 55- and 53-kDa proteins are distinct protein species possessing a high degree of structural similarity. Both possess a large content of cysteine. The 17-kDa protein appears to be a proteolytic fragment of the 53-kDa protein. None of these three proteins is phosphorylated or contains large amounts of covalently linked carbohydrate. ADH-elicited Pf is inhibited by the organic mercurial reagent fluorescein mercuric acetate (FMA). Exposure of water channel-containing vesicles to FMA labels selectively four vesicle proteins of 92, 55, 53, and 29 kDa while reducing vesicle Pf by 82%. The combination of FMA and 2-mercaptoethanol or exposure to another mercurial reagent, n-ethylmaleimide, does not inhibit vesicle Pf. Together, these data provide additional evidence for the role of the 55- and 53-kDa proteins as components of the ADH water channel. These candidate ADH water channel proteins are distinct from a 28-kDa candidate water channel protein (CHIP 28) isolated recently from human erythrocyte membranes and kidney proximal tubule by Agre and co-workers (Preston, G. M., Carroll, T. P., Guggino, W. B., and Agre, P. (1992) Science 256, 385-387).

Cytoplasmic dilution induces antidiuretic hormone water channel retrieval in toad urinary bladder

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases the osmotic water permeability (Pf) of the toad urinary bladder by insertion of water channels into the apical cell membrane. Transepithelial water flow (Jv) reduces Pf by inducing endocytosis of apical water channels despite continuous ADH stimulation. This phenomenon is termed flux inhibition. We wished to determine whether cytoplasmic dilution or transcellular Jv causes flux inhibition because both have been proposed previously as a primary regulatory mechanism for this process. Apical membrane endocytosis was quantified by monitoring the uptake of the fluid phase marker fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran). FITC-dextran fluorescence was monitored in Triton X-100 extracts of epithelial cells as the ratio of total tissue fluorescence compared with background fluorescence. The background was defined as cellular autofluorescence and nonspecific tissue staining due to the presence of small amounts of free fluorescein contaminating the FITC-dextran. FITC-dextran uptake measured under symmetric isotonic (220 mosmol/kgH2O) conditions in either the absence (1.0 +/- 0.4 SD; n = 14) or presence (1.3 +/- 0.3; n = 4) of ADH was not statistically different from that of background. In contrast, flux inhibition induced by a 180 mosmol/kgH2O apical-to-basolateral osmotic gradient increased FITC-dextran uptake to 3.4 +/- 1.3 (n = 7). FITC-dextran uptake was identical in bladders exposed to symmetric hypotonic (150 mosmol/kgH2O) solutions during ADH (3.6 +/- 0.9; n = 6) or adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (3.1 +/- 0.4 fold; n = 3) stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional and structural characterization of endosomes from toad bladder epithelial cells

Previous functional studies of toad bladder endosomes have been complicated by the presence of multiple endosome subpopulations each possessing different permeability characteristics. To identify and characterize both water channel-containing vesicles (WCV) and other endosome subpopulations, we combined flow cytometry, electron microscopy, stop-flow fluorometry, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Flow cytometry of endosomes identified distinct populations of fluorescein-labeled endosomes in bladders after removal of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation (ADH withdrawal). Centrifugation separated the larger fluorescein-labeled vesicles, sedimenting at lower speed (intermediate pellet, IP), from the smaller fluorescein-labeled vesicles, sedimenting at high speed (high-speed pellet, HSP). Permeability and structural studies of these subpopulations revealed the following. 1) IP endosomes labeled 10 min after ADH withdrawal (ADH IP) represented a highly purified population of WCV with high water permeability (Pf) that exhibited a low-activation energy and sensitivity to organic mercurials. 2) IP endosomes from unstimulated bladders did not contain functional water channels. 3) HSP from either ADH withdrawal or unstimulated bladders exhibited low Pf and acidified after addition of extravesicular ATP; moreover, protein compositions of purified HSP were distinct from those of purified IP. These results suggest that HSPs represent constitutive and not ADH-sensitive endosomes. 4) High permeability to protons (PH+) was seen in ADH IP endosomes but not the other fractions, providing strong evidence that the ADH water channel conducts protons. 5) Multivesicular bodies (MVB) exhibited low Pf and PH+, indicating that they do not possess functional water channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Water and nonelectrolyte permeabilities of apical membranes of toad urinary bladder granular cells

Certain types of epithelial cells such as those lining the toad urinary bladder have been classified as "tight" because their apical membranes exhibit low permeabilities to water, ions, and small nonelectrolytes. However, the permeability properties and structural features of these specialized apical membranes remain unclear because these membranes have never been purified. To isolate toad bladder granular cell apical membranes, we derivatized the bladder apical surface with the membrane-impermeant bifunctional reagent N-hydroxysulfosuccinimydyl-S,S-biotin (NHS-SS-biotin). After cell disruption, these derivatized apical membranes were purified using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads in a magnetic field. With the use of lactoperoxidase-mediated radioiodination as a marker for apical membrane, this preparative procedure purified apical membrane 48- or 72-fold as compared with homogenate. Thin section electron microscopy revealed unilamellar vesicles with some nonvesiculated membranes, while fragments of organelles such as mitochondria were absent. Water and nonelectrolyte permeabilities of purified apical membrane vesicles were similar to those obtained in intact bladders in the absence of antidiuretic hormone stimulation. The results demonstrate that isolated apical vesicles do not contain water channels and confirm the applicability of Overton's rule to the apical membrane of the toad urinary bladder. The technique has general applicability to isolation of other plasma membranes, and the apical membranes obtained are suitable for structural analysis.

Molecular aspects of water transport

Due to its fundamental importance, the movement of water across cell membranes has been an active area of research for more than 100 years. This subject is central to consideration of normal water metabolism by terrestrial animals, as well as derangements in overall water balance that are frequently encountered by nephrologists in the care of their patients. The objective of this review is to discuss the most basic aspects of cell membrane water permeability and provide a framework for these data in the context of the care of pediatric patients with renal disease. While the water permeability of most cell membranes can be accounted for by the diffusion of water across the lipid bilayer, other cells, including the red blood cell and certain epithelial cells that line the proximal and collecting tubules of the kidney and the urinary bladder of amphibians, possess specialized water channels. Water channels are composed of specialized proteins that create aqueous pores across cell membrane. Currently, there are active research efforts to isolate and characterize water channel proteins from these cell types. Data concerning the distribution, permeability and function of these various water channels will greatly enhance our knowledge of how water is transported across cell membranes.

Molecular genetics, reductionism, and disease concepts in psychiatry

The study of mental illness by the methods of molecular genetics is still in its infancy, but the use of genetic markers in psychiatry may potentially lead to a Virchowian revolution in the conception of mental illness. Genetic markers may define novel clusters of patients having diverse clinical presentations but sharing a common genetic and mechanistic basis. Such clusters may differ radically from the conventional classification schemes of psychiatric illness. However, the reduction of even relatively simple Mendelian phenomena to molecular genetics has been shown to be a surprisingly complex and problematic enterprise. Mental illnesses exist at many levels of including social, environmental, and developmental interactions. Reductionistic shifts in the classification of such a disease entity will have to address the interlevel dynamics that take place within the structure of theories of mental illness. The question of how molecular analysis of psychiatric disease will impact on the structure of existing theories and classification systems is the central topic of this paper.

Chylomicrons can inhibit endotoxin activity in vitro

Trauma, thermal injury, and nonlethal doses of endotoxin can promote the translocation of endotoxin across the mucosal barrier of the colon into the mesenteric lymphatics and systemic circulation. Bacterial endotoxemia induces changes in lipid metabolism, including an increase in circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Because cholesterol-rich lipoproteins can neutralize the toxic activity of endotoxin, both in vitro and in vivo, we asked whether triglyceride-rich chylomicrons can inhibit endotoxin activity in vitro as measured by a chromogenic Limulus assay. We tested the effect of intact versus heat-denatured chylomicrons on the in vitro activity of increasing concentrations of Escherichia coli (055:B5) endotoxin. Intact chylomicrons inhibited up to 12-fold the detection of as much as 1 microgram of endotoxin/mg of chylomicron triglyceride, compared to denatured chylomicrons (P less than 0.001). This study shows that chylomicrons are potent inhibitors of endotoxin activity in vitro. Because translocated endotoxin from the colon associates with gut-derived chylomicrons in the mesenteric lymphatics, this may represent a natural defensive mechanism against endotoxemia of enteric origin.

Detection of endotoxin in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in vitro

Numerous investigations have been performed in which volunteers have received infusions of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins without apparent screening of the infusates for bacterial endotoxin. This study was designed to examine the capacity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins to mask their endotoxin content in vitro as measured by a chromogenic modification of the standard Limulus assay. Lipoproteins and lipoprotein-deficient plasma were isolated from normal human plasma by sequential ultracentrifugation under apyrogenic conditions. Individual lipoproteins and a synthetic lipid emulsion were suspended in 10% lipoprotein-deficient plasma. Samples were then incubated at 37 degrees C for 4 hours with increasing concentrations of E. coli (055:B5) endotoxin and assayed for detectable endotoxin activity. The capacity to inhibit detection of endotoxin in 10% lipoprotein-deficient plasma was significantly increased (10 to 100 times) by the addition of VLDL (1.0 mg triglyceride/ml), chylomicrons (1.0 mg triglyceride/ml), or the synthetic lipid emulsion (2.5 mg triglycerides/ml). These data demonstrate that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and the synthetic lipid emulsion, can markedly inhibit the detection of endotoxin by the Limulus assay in vitro. In addition to the potential of harm to experimental subjects, infusion of endotoxin could vitiate kinetic studies by direct alteration of lipoprotein metabolism and by inducing changes in hepatic blood flow. Thus experimental protocols that involve the infusion of humans with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins should include detailed testing for the presence of endotoxin.

Quantitation and topography of membrane proteins in highly water-permeable vesicles from ADH-stimulated toad bladder

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation of toad bladder granular cells rapidly increases the osmotic water permeability (Pf) of their apical membranes by insertion of highly selective water channels. Before ADH stimulation, these water channels are stored in large cytoplasmic vesicles called aggrephores. ADH causes aggrephores to fuse with the apical membrane. Termination of ADH stimulation results in prompt endocytosis of water channel-containing membranes via retrieval of these specialized regions of apical membrane. Protein components of the ADH water channel contained within these retrieved vesicles would be expected to be integral membrane protein(s) that span the vesicle's lipid bilayer to create narrow aqueous channels. Our previous work has identified proteins of 55 (actually a 55/53-kDa doublet), 17, 15, and 7 kDa as candidate ADH water channel components. We now have investigated these candidate ADH water channel proteins in purified retrieved vesicles. These vesicles do not contain a functional proton pump as assayed by Western blots of purified vesicle protein probed with anti-H(+)-ATPase antisera. Approximately 60% of vesicle protein is accounted for by three protein bands of 55, 53, and 46 kDa. Smaller contributions to vesicle protein are made by the 17- and 15-kDa proteins. Triton X-114-partitioning analysis shows that the 55, 53, 46, and 17 kDa are integral membrane proteins. Vectorial labeling analysis with two membrane-impermeant reagents shows that the 55-, 53-, and 46-kDa protein species span the lipid bilayer of these vesicles. Thus the 55-, 53-, and 46-kDa proteins possess characteristics expected for ADH water channel components. These data show that the 55- and 53- and perhaps the 46-, 17-, and 15-kDa proteins are likely components of aqueous transmembrane pores that constitute ADH water channels contained within these vesicles.

Current understanding of the cellular biology and molecular structure of the antidiuretic hormone-stimulated water transport pathway

Images

Toad urinary bladder epithelial cells contain an analogue of cytoskeletal protein 4.1

Epithelial cell polarity and vectorial transport require cytoskeletal proteins that maintain local cell membrane structure and mediate cytoplasmic vesicle movement. The cytoskeleton of leaky epithelia, such as the intestinal mucosa and renal proximal tubule cells, has been extensively studied. However, cytoskeletal studies in tight epithelia such as the mammalian collecting duct and toad urinary bladder generally have been confined to ultrastructural investigation. Recent research in nonepithelial cell types has identified an interesting family of cytoskeletal proteins. Present in multiple cell types, these protein 4.1 analogues share a number of similar functional characteristics, yet are structurally diverse. They are multiply phosphorylated by several different kinases, and phosphorylation regulates their associations with other cytoskeletal constituents, integral membrane components, and cytoplasmic vesicles. Using a combination of immunochemical and immunofluorescent techniques, we have demonstrated that toad bladder epithelial cells contain a 65-kDa analogue of human erythrocyte protein 4.1. Toad bladder epithelial cell protein 4.1 is structurally similar to its erythrocyte counterpart and is phosphorylated. This protein 4.1 species is present throughout the toad bladder granular cell cytoplasm, suggesting that it participates in multiple granular cell functions.

Differential laminar distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive axons in infant and adult monkey prefrontal cortex

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate the laminar distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive axons in area 9 of infant and adult rhesus monkey prefrontal cortex. In neonatal animals, TH-positive axons had a bilaminar location in the superficial and deep cortical layers, whereas in the adults, labeled fibers were more evenly distributed across all layers. These differences reflected the fact that fiber density in the superficial layers was over 35% greater in neonates than in adults, but in the middle cortical layers, fiber density was over 100% greater in adults than in neonates. The most striking changes in fiber distribution appeared to occur during the first few months of life. These findings may reveal differences in the role of dopamine in the regulation of prefrontal cortical function in neonatal and adult monkeys.

The mouse polycystic kidney disease mutation (cpk) is located on proximal chromosome 12

The mouse congenital polycystic kidney (cpk) mutation produces a condition that resembles human autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) in its pattern of inheritance, clinical progression, and histopathology. Inheritance of this mouse mutation in crosses segregating the Rb(12.14)8Rma translocation chromosome and various DNA markers of Chromosome 12 have localized cpk to a site near D12Nyu2, approximately 7 cM from the centromere of Chromosome 12. This result suggests that the homologous PKD2 gene should be localized to either human chromosome 2p23-p25 or chromosome 7q22-q31.

Antidiuretic hormone modulates membrane phosphoproteins in toad urinary bladder and retrieved water channel containing apical membrane vesicles

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) dramatically increases the water permeability of toad urinary bladder by insertion of unique highly selective water channels into the apical membranes of granular cells. Before ADH stimulation, water channels are stored in high concentrations in the limiting membranes of large cytoplasmic vesicles called aggrephores. ADH stimulation causes aggrephore fusion with the granular cell apical membrane and increases water permeability. Transepithelial osmotic water flow causes a rapid attenuation of the ADH-elicited increase in water permeability through a process called flux inhibition. Flux inhibition is due to retrieval of ADH water channels by apical membrane endocytosis. When phosphoproteins of intact bladders are labeled with (32P)orthophosphate, the 32P content of 34-, 28-, and 17-kDa proteins is increased by ADH stimulation. When flux inhibition occurs, the 32P-labelling of a 15.5-kDa protein is reduced to approximately one half its original value (Konieczkowski M, Rudolph SA, J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1985;234:515). These observations have been confirmed, and these studies have been extended, by using a combination of subcellular fractionation and membrane protein chemistry techniques. All four of these phosphoproteins are present in membrane fractions of granular cells. Analysis of membrane proteins by a combination of Triton X-114 partitioning and an alkaline stripping technique reveals that the 28- and 17-kDa species are integral membrane proteins of unknown function. In contrast, the 32P-labeled 15.5-kDa protein is a peripheral membrane protein. It is attached to the cytoplasmic (outer) surface of highly water-permeable vesicles retrieved during flux inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Human very low density lipoproteins and chylomicrons can protect against endotoxin-induced death in mice

Endotoxemia stimulates many physiologic responses including disturbances in lipid metabolism. We hypothesized that this lipemia may be part of a defensive mechanism by which the body combats the toxic effects of circulating endotoxin. We tested the effects of mixtures of endotoxin, lipoproteins, and lipoprotein-free plasma and determined the ability of varying concentrations of human very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons, as well as low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL), and of the synthetic lipid emulsion SOYACAL to prevent endotoxin-induced death in mice. This study demonstrates that the triglyceride-rich VLDL and chylomicrons, as well as cholesterol-rich LDL and HDL, and cholesterol-free SOYACAL can protect against endotoxin-induced death. Protection required small amounts of lipoprotein-free plasma, and depended on the incubation time and the concentration of lipoprotein lipid. Despite stringent techniques to prevent exogenous endotoxin contamination eight of ten duplicate VLDL preparations contained endotoxin (5,755 +/- 3,514 ng endotoxin/mg triglyceride, mean +/- SEM) making the isolation of endotoxin-free VLDL difficult. In contrast, simultaneous preparations of LDL and HDL were relatively free of endotoxin contamination (3 +/- 3 and 320 +/- 319 ng/mg total cholesterol, respectively), suggesting that the contamination of VLDL occurs in vivo and not during the isolation procedure. These observations suggest a possible role for increased triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the host's defense against endotoxemia and infection.

High proton flux through membranes containing antidiuretic hormone water channels

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation of toad urinary bladder granular cells causes simultaneous increases in transepithelial water and H+ permeabilities (PF and PH+, respectively), suggesting that ADH-elicited water channels inserted into granular cell apical membranes might be permeable to both water and H+. We have previously used self-quenching fluorophores entrapped within endocytic vesicles selectively retrieved from water-permeable apical membranes to measure vesicle PF. The membranes of these vesicles possess an extremely high PF such that our measurements provide only minimum estimates of vesicle PF and have limited our ability to quantitate the properties of ADH water channels. We therefore quantitated vesicle PH+ using similar rapid mixing techniques. Vesicle PH+ was 5.1 +/- 0.5 x 10(-3) cm/s. Activation energy of this process was 3.6 +/- 0.6 kcal/mol, indicative of H+ flux through an aqueous channel. The mercurial reagent, para-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate (PCMBS), which inhibits ADH-stimulated transepithelial PF in intact bladders by 50-60%, inhibited vesicle PH+ by 55%. N-Ethylmaleimide and phloretin, which do not alter ADH-stimulated PF, did not affect vesicle PH+. We conclude that membranes containing ADH water channels possess substantial PH+ that likely reflects proton flux through water channels. The apparent high PH+ of the ADH water channel may have important implications for intracellular trafficking of these water channels in ADH-responsive epithelial cells.

Results of a program to reduce admissions for adult asthma

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of an outpatient program designed to reduce readmissions for asthma exacerbations among adults with asthma.

DESIGN

Randomized patient selection with crossover.

SETTING

Bellevue Hospital, New York City, New York.

PATIENTS

We identified 104 adult asthmatics who had previously required multiple hospitalizations for asthma attacks. Forty-seven patients were randomly assigned to an intensive outpatient treatment clinic and 57 patients continued to receive their previous outpatient care. Nineteen patients from this latter group were then crossed to the intensive outpatient therapy clinic.

INTERVENTIONS

Attenders of the intensive outpatient treatment program were treated with a vigorous medical regimen and educational program. Emphasis was placed on teaching patients aggressive self-management strategies in case of marked asthma exacerbation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The main measurement used to determine efficacy of the study program was readmission rate and hospital days used. Prospective comparison of treated compared with untreated patients indicated that program enrollment resulted in a threefold reduction in readmission rate and a twofold reduction in hospital day use rate (P less than 0.004 and P less than 0.02, respectively). Using retrospective data with patients serving as their own controls, we found a threefold reduction in readmission rate and in hospital day use (P less than 0.003) during a 32-month follow-up period. A similar magnitude of reduction in hospital utilization was found when patients were crossed over to the intensive treatment group (P less than 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

By using a vigorous medical regimen and intensive educational program, we were able to decrease hospital use among a group of adult asthmatics who had previously required repeated readmissions for acute asthma exacerbations.

Apical membrane vesicles of ADH-stimulated toad bladder are highly water permeable

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation of the toad urinary bladder causes intracellular vesicles called aggrephores to fuse with the apical plasma membrane of granular cells. Aggrephore membranes contain particle aggregates. Particle aggregates are believed to be water channels that cause large increases in the water permeability (PF) of the granular cell apical membrane. Removal of ADH causes the retrieval of particle aggregate-containing apical membrane via endocytosis and a decline in PF. We have previously shown that fluid phase markers are sequestered in these particle aggregate-containing vesicles during retrieval of the apical membrane and that these vesicles can be recovered in cell homogenates. We have now loaded these vesicles with the self-quenching fluorophore carboxyfluorescein (CF) to measure and compare their PF with that of CF-loaded resealed human erythrocyte ghosts. The membranes of these retrieved vesicles have a very high water permeability. The minimum PF of 99% of these vesicles is 4.5 X 10(-2) cm/s. This PF is comparable with that of erythrocyte ghosts (5.4 X 10(-2) cm/s) measured under identical conditions. We conclude that these vesicles are highly permeable to water, and this is consistent with their postulated function of retrieving water channels that have been inserted into the apical membrane in response to ADH.

Saphenous vein bypass to pedal arteries. An aggressive strategy for foot salvage

Patients with forefoot ischemia and severe tibial artery disease present a major challenge to revascularization and foot preservation. Encouraged by the success of saphenous vein bypass to the more proximal arteries of the lower leg, we extended this technique to the pedal arteries. Between February 1986 and September 1988, we performed 26 bypasses in 24 men (mean age, 66 years) with critical foot ischemia. Sixty-three percent of the patients had diabetes mellitus, 50% had hypertension, and 71% were actively smoking. Angiography invariably revealed multiple tibial artery occlusions with reconstitution of the pedal arteries. The foot salvage rate was 83% (mean survival, 14 months), primary patency was 83% (mean survival, 9 months), and survival was 86% (mean, 12 months). There were 11 wound complications (42%); two resulted in disruptions of the distal anastomosis and eventual graft failure. Bypass to the pedal arteries yields a high rate of foot salvage and is comparable with more proximal bypass procedures; however, wound complications are common and require special technical considerations.

Interleukin 1 regulates synthesis of amyloid beta-protein precursor mRNA in human endothelial cells

We have analyzed the modulation of amyloid beta-protein precursor (APP) gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The level of the APP mRNA transcripts increased as HUVEC reached confluency. In confluent culture the half-life of the APP mRNA was 4 hr. Treatment of the cells with human-recombinant interleukin 1 (IL-1), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or heparin-binding growth factor 1 enhanced the expression of APP gene in these cells, but calcium ionophore A23187 and dexamethasone did not. The protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(isoquinolinsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) inhibited IL-1-mediated increase of the level of APP transcripts. To map IL-1-responsive elements of the APP promoter, truncated portions of the APP promoter were fused to the human growth hormone reporter gene. The recombinant plasmids were transfected into mouse neuroblastoma cells, and the cell medium was assayed for the human growth hormone. A 180-base-pair region of the APP promoter located between position -485 and -305 upstream from the transcription start site was necessary for IL-1-mediated induction of the reporter gene. This region contains the upstream transcription factor AP-1 binding site. These results suggest that IL-1 upregulates APP gene expression in HUVEC through a pathway mediated by protein kinase C, utilizing the upstream AP-1 binding site of the APP promoter.

Identification of aortic thrombus by magnetic resonance imaging

The unique properties of magnetic resonance imaging result in the potential to differentiate various components of the diseased arterial wall. In this article four cases are presented in which magnetic resonance imaging showed mural aortic thrombus and its anatomic relationship to the visceral and renal arteries. Once thrombus is identified and localized specific operative strategies can be undertaken to prevent recurrent embolic events and/or avoid perioperative thromboembolic complications.

Regulation of class I antigen expression in the rat

We have investigated the regulation of expression of class I transplantation antigens encoded by the A and E loci in the rat with regard to resting expression level, induction by interferon, and antigen turnover. Flow cytometric measurements showed that the expression of the A locus products is significantly greater than that of the E locus product. Comparisons among a number of haplotypes indicated that the expression of A locus products varies only marginally (+/- 20%) among strains and that expression of the E locus product is approximately one-fifth that of the A locus products. The influence of nonMHC genes on the expression of class I antigens was evaluated by comparing their expression in inbred and congenic strains: it was not significant in this system. Stimulation of lymphocytes with alpha or gamma interferon resulted in proportional increases in the expression of the antigens encoded by both the A and the E loci, and these increases in cell surface antigen expression were reflected in similar increases in the levels of class I mRNA and in the rate of antigen synthesis. Measurement of turnover kinetics showed that the turnover of the A locus antigens is substantially more rapid than that of the E locus antigen, and the difference in half-lives is 3-4-fold. The addition of a broadly reactive anti-class I monoclonal antibody resulted in significant dose-dependent inhibition of the proliferative response of lymph node lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A. The inhibition was maximal when the antibody was added during the early stages of activation.

Particle size distribution of lipoproteins from human atherosclerotic plaque: a preliminary report

It is commonly believed that low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol into the artery wall. In addition, some epidemiologic studies have suggested that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, such as very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), may be much less important than LDLs in atherogenesis. To determine if VLDLs or their metabolic remnants could have a direct role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, we examined lipoproteins isolated from endarterectomy specimens. Atherosclerotic plaque was obtained from eight subjects who underwent aortoiliac endarterectomy (4), aortic aneurysm repair (2), or visceral/renal endarterectomy (2). Plaques were washed extensively, minced, and incubated with a buffered saline solution. Lipoproteins were recovered from this solution via a selected-immunoaffinity column by means of a polyclonal antibody to human LDL (apolipoprotein B-100). Particle sizing from electron photomicrographs of negatively stained specimens indicated that 8% of the lipoprotein particles were the size of plasma VLDL (350 to 800 nm). Thirty-six percent were the size of plasma VLDL remnant particles (250 to 350 nm), and 56% were consistent in size with plasma LDL (175 to 250 nm). We conclude that VLDL- and VLDL remnant-sized particles appear to comprise a significant percentage of the lipoproteins found in human atherosclerotic plaque and could have a direct role in the atherosclerotic process.

Apical membrane endocytosis via coated pits is stimulated by removal of antidiuretic hormone from isolated, perfused rabbit cortical collecting tubule

Antidiuretic hormone increases the water permeability of the cortical collecting tubule and causes the appearance of intramembrane particle aggregates in the apical plasma membrane of principal cells. Particle aggregates are located in apical membrane coated pits during stimulation of collecting ducts with ADH in situ. Removal of ADH causes a rapid decline in water permeability. We evaluated apical membrane retrieval associated with removal of ADH by studying the endocytosis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from an isotonic solution in the lumen. HRP uptake was quantified enzymatically and its intracellular distribution examined by electron microscopy. When tubules were perfused with HRP for 20 min in the absence of ADH, HRP uptake was 0.5 +/- 0.3 pg/min/micron tubule length (n = 6). The uptake of HRP in tubules exposed continuously to ADH during the 20-min HRP perfusion period was 1.3 +/- 0.8 pg/min/micron (n = 8). HRP uptake increased markedly to 3.2 +/- 1.1 pg/min/micron (n = 14), when the 20-min period of perfusion with HRP began immediately after removal of ADH from the peritubular bath. Endocytosis of HRP occurred in both principal and intercalated cells via apical membrane coated pits. We suggest that the rapid decline in cortical collecting duct water permeability which occurs following removal of ADH is mediated by retrieval of water permeable membrane via coated pits.

Identification of specific apical membrane polypeptides associated with the antidiuretic hormone-elicited water permeability increase in the toad urinary bladder

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases the water permeability of the toad urinary bladder. The increase occurs in the apical plasma membrane of granular cells that line the urinary surface of the bladder and is produced by the insertion of water permeability units that have been identified by freeze-fracture electron microscopy as intramembrane particle aggregates. Under water-impermeable conditions, particle aggregates reside in intracellular vesicles called "aggrephores." In response to ADH, the aggrephores fuse with the apical plasma membrane and render it water permeable. When ADH is removed, intramembrane particle aggregates and aggrephores are retrieved from the apical membrane, and it returns to a water-impermeable state. To identify proteins involved in the water permeability response, we used lactoperoxidase/glucose oxidase to 125I-label external apical membrane proteins to compare control and ADH-treated bladders. Several polypeptides were consistently labeled in ADH-treated bladders and not in paired controls. After demonstrating that lactoperoxidase behaves as a fluid-phase marker and is sequestered in aggrephore-like vesicles when ADH is withdrawn, we used the technique of Mellman et al. [Mellman, I.S., Steinman, R. M., Unkeless, J. C. & Cohn, Z. A. (1980) J. Cell Biol. 86, 712-722] to label proteins endocytosed when water permeability declines after ADH is withdrawn to test whether the membrane proteins labeled in ADH-treated bladders behaved like particle aggregates. The internalized membranes contained polypeptides of the same molecular weights (55,000, 17,000-14,000, and 7,000) as those labeled on the apical surface of ADH-treated but not control bladders. These polypeptides are evidently involved in the ADH-stimulated water permeability response and may be components of particle aggregates.

Visualization of endocytosed markers in freeze-fracture studies of toad urinary bladder

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) stimulation increases the apical membrane water permeability of granular cells in toad urinary bladder. This response correlates closely with the fusion of tubular cytoplasmic vesicles with the membrane and delivery of intramembrane particle (IMP) aggregates from the tubules (aggrephores) to the apical membrane. These aggregates are believed to be associated with the channels responsible for the water permeability increase. Removal of ADH triggers apical membrane endocytosis and disappearance of aggregates from the apical membrane. However, it has been unclear whether aggregate disappearance is due to disassembly of aggregates within the apical membrane or to their endocytic retrieval as intact structures. Using colloidal gold and horseradish peroxidase to follow endocytosis from the apical surface after ADH removal, we have directly observed in cross-fractured bladder cells the intramembrane structure of intracellular vesicles that contain these fluid-phase markers. Under these conditions, intact aggregates can be identified in the membrane of tubular endocytosed vesicles. This directly demonstrates that conditions which lower apical membrane water permeability cause the tubular aggrephores to "shuttle" intact aggregates from the apical membrane back into the cytoplasm. An additional population of vesicles with tracer are found which are spherical and display structural features of the apical membrane, as well as occasional aggregates. These vesicles may be responsible for retrieval of aggregates from the surface apical membrane.

Characterization and purification of a mammalian osmoregulatory protein, aldose reductase, induced in renal medullary cells by high extracellular NaCl

GRB-PAP1 is a continuous line of epithelial cells derived from a rabbit renal inner medulla. Elevation of the NaCl concentration in the medium bathing these cells strongly induced the expression of a soluble protein with an apparent molecular mass of 39 kDa. The protein, purified by affinity chromatography with Amicon Matrex Gel Orange A, had enzyme activity characteristic of aldose reductase (alditol:NADPH+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.21). Goat antiserum against this purified aldose reductase selected the 39-kDa band from immunoblots of cells grown in a medium containing high NaCl. When the osmolality of the medium was increased by adding NaCl, the amount of aldose reductase protein and the aldose reductase activity increased together from very low to sustained high levels over several days. The aldose reductase protein was more than 10% of the soluble cell protein when cells were propagated in medium made hyperosmotic by adding NaCl to increase medium osmolality to 600 mosm.kg-1.