Influence of systemically applied angiotensin II on the microcirculation of glomerular capillaries in the rat

A computational model of flow and species transport in the mesangium

A variety of macromolecules accumulate in the glomerular mesangium in many different diseases, but the physics of the transport of these molecules within the mesangial matrix has not been extensively studied. We present a computational model of convection and diffusion within the porous mesangial matrix and apply this model to the specific instance of immunoglobulin A (IgA) transport in IgA nephropathy. We examine the influence of physiological factors including glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness and mesangial matrix density on the total accumulation of IgA. Our results suggest that IgA accumulation can be understood by relating convection and diffusion, thus demonstrating the importance of intrinsic glomerular factors.

Quantitative Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging of Vascular Dysfunction in Progressive Kidney Diseases

Progressive kidney diseases and renal fibrosis are associated with endothelial injury and capillary rarefaction. However, our understanding of these processes has been hampered by the lack of tools enabling the quantitative and noninvasive monitoring of vessel functionality. Here, we used micro-computed tomography (µCT) for anatomical and functional imaging of vascular alterations in three murine models with distinct mechanisms of progressive kidney injury: ischemia-reperfusion (I/R, days 1-56), unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO, days 1-10), and Alport mice (6-8 weeks old). Contrast-enhanced in vivo µCT enabled robust, noninvasive, and longitudinal monitoring of vessel functionality and revealed a progressive decline of the renal relative blood volume in all models. This reduction ranged from -20% in early disease stages to -61% in late disease stages and preceded fibrosis. Upon Microfil perfusion, high-resolution ex vivo µCT allowed quantitative analyses of three-dimensional vascular networks in all three models. These analyses revealed significant and previously unrecognized alterations of preglomerular arteries: a reduction in vessel diameter, a prominent reduction in vessel branching, and increased vessel tortuosity. In summary, using µCT methodology, we revealed insights into macro-to-microvascular alterations in progressive renal disease and provide a platform that may serve as the basis to evaluate vascular therapeutics in renal disease.

Assessment of renal function; clearance, the renal microcirculation, renal blood flow, and metabolic balance

Historically, tools to assess renal function have been developed to investigate the physiology of the kidney in an experimental setting, and certain of these techniques have utility in evaluating renal function in the clinical setting. The following work will survey a spectrum of these tools, their applications and limitations in four general sections. The first is clearance, including evaluation of exogenous and endogenous markers for determining glomerular filtration rate, the adaptation of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the clinical arena, and additional clearance techniques to assess various other parameters of renal function. The second section deals with in vivo and in vitro approaches to the study of the renal microvasculature. This section surveys a number of experimental techniques including corticotomy, the hydronephrotic kidney, vascular casting, intravital charge coupled device videomicroscopy, multiphoton fluorescent microscopy, synchrotron-based angiography, laser speckle contrast imaging, isolated renal microvessels, and the perfused juxtamedullary nephron microvasculature. The third section addresses in vivo and in vitro approaches to the study of renal blood flow. These include ultrasonic flowmetry, laser-Doppler flowmetry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), phase contrast MRI, cine phase contrast MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, blood oxygen level dependent MRI, arterial spin labeling MRI, x-ray computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. The final section addresses the methodologies of metabolic balance studies. These are described for humans, large experimental animals as well as for rodents. Overall, the various in vitro and in vivo topics and applications to evaluate renal function should provide a guide for the investigator or physician to understand and to implement the techniques in the laboratory or clinic setting.

Differences in cortical microcirculation in the kidneys of unilaterally congenital hydronephrotic rats

The surgically induced split hydronephrotic kidney has been generally accepted as a valid model for the assessment of renal microcirculation by means of intravital microscopy. Whereas nearly all previous work on this issue has been done with a transillumination technique, we used an epiillumination model that is suitable for investigation of microvascular perfusion in both normal and hydronephrotic kidneys without surgical manipulation of the ureter. By means of the congenital unilaterally hydronephrotic Tauchi rat, microcirculation of the hydronephrotic and that of the nonhydronephrotic kidney were compared. For that purpose both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys of Tauchi rats were exteriorized on a specially designed microscopy stage. After injection of FITC-dextran and rhodamine 6G, microvascular perfusion was assessed in both kidneys. The new model allowed visualization of arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules in both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys. Glomeruli could only be regularly seen in the hydronephrotic kidney, but also in some normal kidneys. Capillary blood cell velocity was significantly higher in the hydronephrotic kidneys (0.67 +/- 0.03 mm/s) compared to the normal kidney (0.32 +/- 0.05 mm/s; P < 0.05), whereas capillary diameters were smaller (4.2 +/- 0.02 microm vs. 5.7 +/- 0.2 microm; P < 0.05). In addition, the hydronephrotic kidney showed a significantly lower density of perfused microvessels compared to the normal controls. Epiillumination intravital microscopy allows assessment of the cortical microcirculation in both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys without surgical induction of hydronephrosis. The hydronephrotic kidney shows significant microcirculatory differences compared to normal kidneys that should be taken into account when using a hydronephrotic model for pharmacological testing.

Thromboxane A2 interferes with a disposal process of aggregated protein in glomeruli

Immune complexes in glomeruli are involved in development of diverse glomerulonephritis. The disposal process of glomerular immune complexes has been unclarified. The present studies were undertaken to determine if thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is associated with the disposal of macromolecules in the glomeruli using mice injected with aggregated bovine serum albumin (a-BSA). A-BSA promptly accumulated in the glomeruli, the level reaching a plateau at 6 hr after the injection of a-BSA, and then decreased by 48 hr. The production of glomerular TXA2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin I2 concomitantly increased with the decrease of a-BSA in the glomeruli. TXA2 synthase inhibitors and TXA2 receptor antagonists accelerated clearance of glomerular a-BSA without enhancing renal tissue blood flow. They did not affect a-BSA level in the plasma. In contrast, aminophylline, dopamine and mannitol significantly increased renal tissue blood flow, but did not decrease glomerular a-BSA. TXA2 synthase inhibitors decreased TXA2 production in the glomeruli. TXA2 synthase inhibitors and TXA2 receptor antagonists did not influence the generation of PGE2. The TXA2 analogue U-46619 significantly increased the accumulation of a-BSA in the glomeruli. We propose that TXA2 interferes with the disposal process of aggregated protein in the glomeruli. We also postulate that interception of glomerular activity of TXA2 may be an effective intervention for managing immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis.

Effects of diadenosine polyphosphates, ATP and angiotensin II on cytosolic Ca2+ activity and contraction of rat mesangial cells

Diadenosine polyphosphates (Apn A) are known to influence cellular Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) in several cells. Their vasoactive potency has been described in various systems including the kidney. We examined the effects of diadenosine polyphosphates, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and angiotensin II (Ang II) on cytosolic Ca2+ activity of mesangial cells (MC) in culture obtained from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. [Ca2+]i was measured as a fluorescence ratio F340/F380 with the fura-2 technique using three excitation wavelengths (340 nm, 360 nm and 380 nm) and a photon counting tube. Resting [Ca2+]i was not significantly different in MC from WKY and SHR rats and was measured as 132 +/- 9 nmol/l (n = 65) and 114 +/- 12 nmol/l (n = 36), respectively. Diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap3A-Ap6A) increased [Ca2+]i transiently with an initial peak and a secondary plateau phase comparable to the effects of ATP or Ang II. Increases in [Ca2+]i induced by all these agonists were not significantly different between MC of WKY and SHR rats. ATP, Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A, Ap6A (each 5 micromol/l) increased the fura-2 fluorescence ratio initially by 0.66 +/- 0.09 (n = 33), 0.52 +/- 0.08 (n = 18), 0.25 +/- 0.05 (n = 16), 0.09 +/- 0.06 (n = 7), 0.09 +/- 0.04 (n = 11), respectively. A half-maximal initial increase in the fura-2 fluorescence ratio was reached at 22 nmol/l, 0.9 micromol/l, 2.0 micromol/l and 4.0 micromol/l with Ang II, Ap3A, ATP and Ap4A, respectively. Ap4A (100 micromol/l, n = 18) led to a reversible contraction of MC. Diadenosine polyphosphates increase [Ca2+]i in rat MC, in a similar manner to ATP or Ang II and lead to a contraction of MC, suggesting that these nucleotides are also involved in the control of glomerular haemodynamics.

Acute effect of physiological concentrations of vasopressin on rat renal function

1. The antidiuretic, pressor and electrolyte transport effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) were simultaneously evaluated in the anaesthetized water diuretic rat. Increasing concentrations of AVP (7.5, 75 and 750 ng/kg bolus and per h), were used to produce plasma levels which approximate the physiological range (408 +/- 2.4, 35.7 +/- 12.5, 85.2 +/- 16.1 pg/mL respectively). 2. Administration of a minimally effective antidiuretic dose (7.5 ng) increased mean urine osmolality (from 101 +/- 7 to 312 +/- 89 mosmol/kg) without altering mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal plasma flow (RPF) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A maximal antidiuretic dose of AVP (75 ng) increased mean urine osmolality to 2002 +/- 109 mosmol/kg and was associated with significant mean increases in MAP (9 mmHg), RPF and GFR (25%) by 30-60 min. A further ten-fold increase in AVP (750 ng) produced a greater increase in MAP (116 +/- 6 to 134 +/- 7 mmHg; P < 0.01) as well as increasing RPF and GFR by 35.5 and 38.9% respectively. 3. Increasing concentrations of AVP also progressively increased the fractional excretion of sodium, potassium and phosphate. However, fractional calcium and magnesium excretion was significantly decreased with maximal and supramaximal concentrations. 4. These studies support evidence that AVP is a pressor hormone in physiological concentrations in baroreceptor intact animals. Its role in renal electrolyte transport is unclear. Measured increases in RPF and GFR with the maximal and supramaximal AVP concentrations appear to be correlated with the increase in MAP.

Systemic chemotherapy in tumor-bearing rats using high-dose cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) with low nephrotoxicity in combination with angiotensin II and sodium thiosulfate

Systemic chemotherapy using high-dose DDP and its antidote, STS, was combined with the AT-II-induced hypertension method and evaluated for efficacy against s.c. tumors in rats. After i.v. infusion of DDP plus AT-II for 5 min, STS was administered i.v. over a further 5 min. The rats treated with this combination chemotherapy showed normal levels of BUN and serum creatinine 4 days after the treatment, although most rats given i.v. STS after DDP without AT-II showed severe nephrotoxicity. The absence of obvious nephrotoxicity in AT-II-combined chemotherapy using i.v. DDP plus post-administered STS can be explained by a transient inhibition of DDP-delivery to the kidney during the AT-II-induced hypertension. The anti-tumor effect of this modified therapy, evaluated by inhibition of tumor growth, was superior to other treatments, as follows: concomitant i.v. administrations of DDP and STS; i.v. DDP, with or without AT-II. The improvement in anti-tumor effect of this combination therapy is explained by the delayed neutralization of active DDP by STS at the tumor site and the selective enhancement of DDP delivery to the tumor tissue, as produced by AT-II. Thus, systemic chemotherapy using high-dose DDP induced no obvious nephrotoxicity and improved the anti-cancer effect in the case of concomitant administration of DDP plus AT-II and the time-delayed injection of STS.

Cyclosporin reduces renal blood flow through vasoconstriction of arcuate arteries in the hydronephrotic rat model

Besides its beneficial effects in organ transplantation cyclosporin (CyA) exhibits nephrotoxic (and other) side effects. CyA nephrotoxicity is associated with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Two mechanisms of action have emerged. First, tubular destruction with secondary reduction in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate; second, decrease in renal blood flow with secondary interstitial fibrosis. We studied the effect of an acute infusion of CyA in the hydronephrotic rat kidney model, which lacks tubular structures completely. Hence, only the direct vascular effects of CyA were determined. Five groups (G) of rats were studied by television microscopy. G I (n = 7) received CyA (30 mg/kg, i.v.) dissolved in cremophore/plasma; G II (n = 5), time control 1, received cremophore/plasma instead of CyA; G III (n = 8), received CyA 30 mg/kg followed by 20 mg/kg CyA i.v. dissolved in an ethanol/tween solution; G IV (n = 3), time control 2 received ethanol/tween alone in the experimental period; in G V, CyA was applied locally onto the surface of the kidney with concentrations increasing from 10(-7) to 10(-5) M. CyA caused profound reduction in the diameter of arcuate arteries in groups I and III, in contrast to the time control groups II and IV. The vasoconstriction could be partially reversed by the calcium-channel blocker nitrendipine, and completely reversed with acetyl-choline. Glomerular blood flow decreased due to CyA and could not be completely normalized by either drug. Increasing the dosage from 30 to 50 mg/kg was not associated with further reduction in blood flow. Local application of CyA (G V) did not demonstrate vasoconstriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of bumetanide on tubuloglomerular feedback in Necturus maculosus

A non-invasive technique was developed to measure single-nephron glomerular blood flow (SNGBF) in Necturus maculosus. Erythrocytes labelled with rhodamine, a fluorescent dye, were injected systemically and the frequency at which labelled cells entered an arteriole was measured. Frequency was converted to flow by measuring the concentration of labelled erythrocytes in whole blood. Dependence of SNGBF on flow rate in early distal tubules was used to assess tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). SNGBF decreased with increasing flow in the early distal tubule in a pattern typical of TGF; SNGBF decreased 25% at the highest flow rates. SNGBF increased when bumetanide was added to the perfusate, but the TGF response to flow rate persisted. IC50 (concentration that produces half-maximal inhibition) was 2.4 x 10(-10), 9.8 x 10(-10) and 1.2 x 10(-9) M bumetanide at distal perfusion rates of 5, 10 and 20 nl min-1 respectively. These results are consistent with modulation of SNGBF according to the rate of luminal entry of NaCl into early distal tubule cells. This transport rate depends on the luminal concentration of NaCl, which is tubular flow rate-dependent; NaCl and bumetanide compete.

The medullary microcirculation

Like other regional circulations, the medullary circulation supplies oxygen and other primary substrates to the medulla and removes carbon dioxide and other waste metabolites. It also acts as a countercurrent exchanger and simultaneously removes water reabsorbed from the renal tubule to preserve mass balance. Our present understanding of how the medulla serves both these functions at the same time is illustrated in Figure 3. Blood leaves the efferent arteriole with an elevated plasma protein concentration as a consequence of glomerular filtration, and flows down descending vasa recta within a vascular bundle. The increased interstitial osmotic-concentration coupled with a finite capillary reflection coefficient for small solutes causes additional water to be extracted so that at the termination of descending vasa recta, the plasma protein concentration exceeds that in the systemic circulation by approximately twofold. Solute, urea more than sodium chloride, also enters descending vasa recta. As blood flows through the interconnecting capillary plexus and up ascending vasa recta, transcapillary oncotic and osmotic pressure differences combine to cause capillary uptake of fluid. There is also simultaneous loss of urea such that the medullary trapping of urea is very effective. Countercurrent exchange of sodium chloride, however, appears to be less efficient and as a consequence, not only water but sodium chloride is removed from the medulla. Antidiuretic hormone reduces medullary blood flow, both directly by its vasoconstrictor (V1-receptor mediated) effect and indirectly by its antidiuretic (V2-receptor mediated) effects. Prostaglandins are able to enhance medullary blood flow by counteracting vasoconstrictive influences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Loss of glomerular responses to vasoconstrictor agents in rabbits recovering from ARF

Glomerular responses to angiotensin II (AII), arginine vasopressin (AVP), and norepinephrine (NE) were estimated in rabbits recovering from uranium-mediated nephropathy or ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) to examine roles of intraglomerular events in resistance to ARF. Uranyl acetate (UA, 0.8 mg/kg) produced ARF in some animals but did not in others. Rabbits recovering from UA-induced ARF were highly resistant to a rechallenge with a larger dose of the agent (2 mg/kg). Their glomeruli did not respond to AII, AVP and NE in vitro. In animals having not experienced ARF following the initial insult, however, resistance to the rechallenge was lower than in animals recovering from ARF, and the glomerular response to contractile stimuli was well sustained. A two hour clamping of the renal artery induced ARF in uninephrectomized rabbits. These animals were not resistant to an additional ischemia in the recovery phase, despite inhibited glomerular contractile responses to AII. These data indicate a nonspecific inhibition of glomerular responses to contractile stimuli in the recovery phase of ARF. It is unlikely, however, that resistance to ARF can be attributed to the loss of the glomerular contractile response.