Opposite regulation of renin gene expression by cyclic AMP and calcium in isolated mouse juxtaglomerular cells

Regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by cyclic nucleotides and phosphodiesterases

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is one of the key players in the regulation of blood volume and blood pressure. Dysfunction of this system is connected with cardiovascular and renal diseases. Regulation of RAAS is under the control of multiple intracellular mechanisms. Cyclic nucleotides and phosphodiesterases are the major regulators of this system since they control expression and activity of renin and aldosterone. In this review, we summarize known mechanisms by which cyclic nucleotides and phosphodiesterases regulate renin gene expression, secretion of renin granules from juxtaglomerular cells and aldosterone production from zona glomerulosa cells of adrenal gland. We also discuss several open questions which deserve future attention.

Vasopressin/V2 receptor stimulates renin synthesis in the collecting duct

Renin is synthesized in the principal cells of the collecting duct (CD), and its production is increased via cAMP in angiotensin (ANG) II-dependent hypertension, despite suppression of juxtaglomerular (JG) renin. Vasopressin, one of the effector hormones of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) via the type 2-receptor (V2R), activates the cAMP/PKA/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway and aquaporin-2 expression in principal cells of the CD. Accordingly, we hypothesized that activation of V2R increases renin synthesis via PKA/CREB, independently of ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptor activation in CD cells. Desmopressin (DDAVP; 10(-6) M), a selective V2R agonist, increased renin mRNA (∼3-fold), prorenin (∼1.5-fold), and renin (∼2-fold) in cell lysates and cell culture media in the M-1 CD cell line. Cotreatment with DDAVP+H89 (PKA inhibitor) or CREB short hairpin (sh) RNA prevented this response. H89 also blunted DDAVP-induced CREB phosphorylation and nuclear localization. In 48-h water-deprived (WD) mice, prorenin-renin protein levels were increased in the renal inner medulla (∼1.4- and 1.8-fold). In WD mice treated with an ACE inhibitor plus AT1 receptor blockade, renin mRNA and prorenin protein levels were still higher than controls, while renin protein content was not changed. In M-1 cells, ANG II or DDAVP increased prorenin-renin protein levels; however, there were no further increases by combined treatment. These results indicate that in the CD the activation of the V2R stimulates renin synthesis via the PKA/CREB pathway independently of RAS, suggesting a critical role for vasopressin in the regulation of renin in the CD.

PKC-α-dependent augmentation of cAMP and CREB phosphorylation mediates the angiotensin II stimulation of renin in the collecting duct

In contrast to the negative feedback of angiotensin II (ANG II) on juxtaglomerular renin, ANG II stimulates renin in the principal cells of the collecting duct (CD) in rats and mice via ANG II type 1 (AT1R) receptor, independently of blood pressure. In vitro data indicate that CD renin is augmented by AT1R activation through protein kinase C (PKC), but the exact mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesize that ANG II stimulates CD renin synthesis through AT1R via PKC and the subsequent activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. In M-1 cells, ANG II increased cAMP, renin mRNA (3.5-fold), prorenin, and renin proteins, as well as renin activity in culture media (2-fold). These effects were prevented by PKC inhibition with calphostin C, PKC-α dominant negative, and by PKA inhibition. Forskolin-induced increases in cAMP and renin expression were prevented by calphostin C. PKC inhibition and Ca2+ depletion impaired ANG II-mediated CREB phosphorylation and upregulation of renin. Adenylate cyclase 6 (AC) siRNA remarkably attenuated the ANG II-dependent upregulation of renin mRNA. Physiological activation of AC with vasopressin increased renin expression in M-1 cells. The results suggest that the ANG II-dependent upregulation of renin in the CD depends on PKC-α, which allows the augmentation of cAMP production and activation of PKA/CREB pathway via AC6. This study defines the intracellular signaling pathway involved in the ANG II-mediated stimulation of renin in the CD. This is a novel mechanism responsible for the regulation of local renin-angiotensin system in the distal nephron.

Renin and the IGFII/M6P receptor system in cardiac biology

Nonenzymatic cardiac activities of renin are well described during the last years and contribute either to cardiac-specific effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) or to the pharmacological effects of RAAS inhibition. The interaction of renin with insulin-like growth factor II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGFII/M6P) receptors participates in nonclassical renin effects and contributes to cardiac remodelling caused by RAAS activation. The current findings suggest an important role for renin IGFII/M6P receptor interaction in cardiac adaptation to stress and support the idea that excessive accumulation of renin during inhibition of RAAS directly contributes to blood pressure-independent effects of these pharmacological interventions. It becomes a challenge for future studies focussing on chronic hypertension or myocardial infarction to comprise regulatory adaptations of the kidney, the main source of plasma renin and prorenin, because they directly contribute to key steps in regulation of cardiac (mal)adaptation via IGFII/M6P receptors. This receptor system is part of peptide/receptor interactions that modifies and possibly limits adverse remodelling effects caused by angiotensin II. Evaluation of interactions of renin with other pro-hypertrophic agonists is required to decide whether this receptor may become a target of pharmacological intervention.

Regulation of mouse-renin gene by apurinic/apyrimidinic-endonuclease 1 (APE1/Ref-1) via recruitment of histone deacetylase 1 corepressor complex

OBJECTIVES

Apurinic/apyrimidinic-endonuclease 1 (APE1) heterozygous mice have chronically elevated blood pressure. Renin of the renin-angiotensin (ANG) system for blood pressure maintenance regulates production of ANG II, a vasoactive hormone. Renin expression and secretion from kidney juxtaglomerular cells are regulated by intracellular calcium. Our objective in this study is to investigate APE1's regulatory role in renin expression.

METHODS

Effect of APE1 on calcium-mediated modulation of renin expression was examined by real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western analysis and renin promoter-dependent luciferase activity in APE1-knockdown, APE1-overexpressing or control mouse kidney As4.1 cells. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were utilized to examine the association of APE1 with histone deacetylase (HDAC)1 corepressor complex and their recruitment to renin enhancer. Finally, kidney renin mRNA level and plasma-renin activity were measured in wild-type and APE1-heterozygous mice.

RESULTS

Here we show that APE1 is involved in calcium-mediated repression of renin gene. Our results further indicate that APE1 is a component of HDAC1 corepressor complex bound to renin-enhancer region. Increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration enhances the association of APE1 with HDAC1 corepressor complex and their recruitment to the enhancer region. Furthermore, APE1's N-terminal region is critical for formation and recruitment of the enhancer-bound corepressor complex. Increased renin expression in kidneys and higher plasma-renin activity in APE1 heterozygous mice further supports APE1's corepressor role in vivo.

CONCLUSION

This study uncovers APE1's function as a novel negative regulator of renin expression, and thereby in blood pressure maintenance.

Physiology of Kidney Renin

The protease renin is the key enzyme of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade, which is relevant under both physiological and pathophysiological settings. The kidney is the only organ capable of releasing enzymatically active renin. Although the characteristic juxtaglomerular position is the best known site of renin generation, renin-producing cells in the kidney can vary in number and localization. (Pro)renin gene transcription in these cells is controlled by a number of transcription factors, among which CREB is the best characterized. Pro-renin is stored in vesicles, activated to renin, and then released upon demand. The release of renin is under the control of the cAMP (stimulatory) and Ca2+(inhibitory) signaling pathways. Meanwhile, a great number of intrarenally generated or systemically acting factors have been identified that control the renin secretion directly at the level of renin-producing cells, by activating either of the signaling pathways mentioned above. The broad spectrum of biological actions of (pro)renin is mediated by receptors for (pro)renin, angiotensin II and angiotensin-( 1 – 7 ).

Identity of the renin cell is mediated by cAMP and chromatin remodeling: an in vitro model for studying cell recruitment and plasticity

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. A key step in the RAS cascade is the regulation of renin synthesis and release by the kidney. We and others have shown that a major mechanism to control renin availability is the regulation of the number of cells capable of making renin. The kidney possesses a pool of cells, mainly in its vasculature but also in the glomeruli, capable of switching from smooth muscle to endocrine renin-producing cells when homeostasis is threatened. The molecular mechanisms governing the ability of these cells to turn the renin phenotype on and off have been very difficult to study in vivo. We, therefore, developed an in vitro model in which cells of the renin lineage are labeled with cyan fluorescent protein and cells actively making renin mRNA are labeled with yellow fluorescent protein. The model allowed us to determine that it is possible to culture cells of the renin lineage for numerous passages and that the memory to express the renin gene is maintained in culture and can be reenacted by cAMP and chromatin remodeling (histone H4 acetylation) at the cAMP-responsive element in the renin gene.

Renin enhancer is critical for control of renin gene expression and cardiovascular function

The important cardiovascular regulator renin contains a strong in vitro enhancer 2.7 kb upstream of its gene. Here we tested the in vivo role of the mouse Ren-1c enhancer. In renin-expressing As4.1 cells stably transfected with Ren-1c promoter with or without enhancer, expression of linked beta-geo reporter, stable expression, and colony formation were dependent on the presence of the enhancer. We then generated mice carrying a targeted deletion of the enhancer (REKO mice) and found marked depletion of renin in renal juxtaglomerular and submandibular ductal cells, as well as hyperplasia of macula densa cells. Plasma creatinine was increased, but electrolytes were normal. Male REKO mice implanted with telemetry devices had 9 +/- 1 mm Hg lower mean arterial pressure (p < 0.001), which was partly normalized by a high NaCl diet. Locomotor activity was lower, and baroreflex sensitivity was normal. Markedly reduced mean arterial pressure variability in the midfrequency band indicated a contribution of reduced sympathetic vasomotor tone to the hypotension. In conclusion, the renin enhancer is critical for renin gene expression and physiological sequelae, including response to alteration in salt intake. The REKO mouse may be useful as a low renin expression model.

Permissive role of nitric oxide in macula densa control of renin secretion

Experiments were performed in neuronal (nNOS)- and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-deficient mice to study the role of nitric oxide (NO) in macula densa control of renin secretion in vivo and in the isolated, perfused mouse kidney. Acute and chronic administration of loop diuretics was used as a method to stimulate macula densa-mediated renin secretion. Increases in plasma renin concentration (PRC) in response to a 3-day infusion of bumetanide (50 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) or an acute injection of furosemide (50 mg/kg ip) were not markedly altered in nNOS-/- mice. Responses to furosemide were also maintained in eNOS-/- mice, but the administration of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) markedly attenuated the PRC response to furosemide in these mice. In the isolated kidney preparation, bumetanide caused similar relative increases in renin secretion in kidneys of wild-type, nNOS-/-, and eNOS-/- mice. Bumetanide only marginally increased renin secretion in L-NAME-treated kidneys, but the bumetanide effect was normalized by S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine. Basal PRC was significantly reduced in male nNOS-/- mice compared with nNOS+/+ (189 +/- 28 vs. 355 +/- 57 ng ANG I.ml(-1).h(-1); P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in PRC between eNOS+/+ and eNOS-/- mice. Basal renin secretion rates in perfused kidneys isolated from nNOS-/- or eNOS-/- mice were markedly reduced compared with wild-type controls. Our data suggest that NO generated by macula densa nNOS does not play a specific mediator role in macula densa-dependent renin secretion. However, NO independent of its exact source permits the macula densa pathway of renin secretion to function normally.

Phospholemman expression in extraglomerular mesangium and afferent arteriole of the juxtaglomerular apparatus

The molecular mechanisms with which the juxtaglomerular apparatus accomplishes its twin functions, acute regulation of glomerular blood flow and secretion of renin, are still not clearly understood. Least understood is the role of the extraglomerular mesangial (EM) cells, also known as lacis or Goormaghtigh cells, which lie sandwiched between the macula densa and the afferent and efferent arterioles. Here, we report that immunoreactivity for phospholemman (FXYD1), a single-span membrane protein homologous to the gamma (gamma) sub-unit of the Na,K-ATPase, is found in the kidney in EM cells with the Na,K-ATPase beta2-subunit and in cortical blood vessels and the afferent arteriole with Na,K-ATPase alpha2 and beta2. Phospholemman's distribution in EM cells is distinct from that of the Na,K-ATPase gamma-subunit, which is found on the basolateral surface of macula densa cells with Na,K-ATPase alpha1 and beta1. Phospholemman is a major kinase target, and its location in the juxtaglomerular apparatus suggests that it is involved in tubuloglomerular feedback.

Implication of Ref-1 in the repression of renin gene transcription by intracellular calcium

OBJECTIVE

The production of renin, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the renin-angiotensin system, is tightly regulated by intracellular second messengers. Among them, an increase of intracellular calcium represses renin gene expression. This inhibition of gene expression by intracellular calcium is exceptional, and the molecular mechanism supporting this phenomenon has not yet been identified. As the renin gene is negatively regulated by calcium in the same way as the parathormone (PTH) gene, we hypothesized that a similar molecular transcriptional mechanism could be involved.

RESULTS

Analysis of the human renin proximal promoter led to the identification of a negative calcium response element (nCaRE), which is identical to the region of the PTH promoter and is involved in its repression by calcium. Transfection experiments in renin-expressing chorio-decidual cells demonstrated the transcriptional functionality of the human renin promoter nCaRE. In addition, mutation of nCaRE suppressed the sensitivity of the renin promoter to the increase in intracellular calcium. Gel shift assays demonstrated that Redox factor 1, a multifunctional protein involved in the repair of damaged DNA and the redox activation of AP-1 transcriptional factors, binds specifically to nCaRE. Immunostaining showed that this factor is translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the repression of renin expression by intracellular calcium may be mediated by the calcium-induced translocation of Ref-1 to the nucleus, where it binds to the renin promoter nCaRE, to repress the transcription of the renin gene.

Effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I on renin gene expression in the renal cortical cells of ovine fetuses

Renin gene expression and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGFI) gene expression are both developmentally upregulated in the renal cortex of ovine fetuses and decline after birth. The infusion of IGFI into ovine fetuses in late gestation increases plasma renin activity and concentration. In order to determine whether there are direct effects of IGFI or insulin on renin gene expression in the kidneys of ovine fetuses, we treated the renal cortical cells of ovine fetuses with IGFI or insulin. The results showed that the responses of renal renin mRNA to IGFI or insulin treatment in vitro were dependent on the culture conditions. Renin mRNA levels were significantly elevated by IGFI or insulin if the cells were cultured in medium devoid of serum (starved) for 16-18 h before treatment. In contrast, no obvious changes in renal renin mRNA expression were observed in the cells cultured in the presence of serum (non starved) before treatment with IGFI or insulin. IGFI and insulin also significantly enhanced cAMP concentrations in the medium of the cells starved in vitro. The data suggest that IGFI and insulin can act directly on the renal cortical cells from ovine fetuses to stimulate renin mRNA expression. It is possible that IGFI and insulin stimulate renin mRNA expression by increasing cAMP concentration in the cells.

Renin expression in COX-2-knockout mice on normal or low-salt diets

Experiments were performed in mice to investigate whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in epithelial cells near the tubulovascular contact point (macula densa and TAL cells) may regulate renin gene expression in juxtaglomerular granular cells. Renin activity, afferent arteriolar granularity, and renin mRNA were determined in wild-type mice and in COX-2-knockout mice on control and low-NaCl diets. Renin activity in microdissected glomeruli assessed as angiotensin I formation in the presence of excess substrate and afferent arteriolar granularity determined by direct visualization and immunostaining were significantly reduced in COX-2 -/- compared with wild-type animals. Similarly, renal cortical mRNA levels were lower in COX-2 -/- than in wild-type mice. Maintaining mice on a low-salt diet for 14 days induced an increase in renin mRNA, afferent arteriolar granularity, and renin activity in wild-type mice. In contrast, renin mRNA and renin granularity did not significantly increase in low-salt-treated COX-2 -/- mice, whereas the increase in juxtaglomerular renin enzyme activity was markedly attenuated, but not fully blocked. In additional experiments we found that COX-2 mRNA was increased in angiotensin type 1A receptor-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. We conclude that COX-2 in the tubulovascular contact region is a critical determinant of renin synthesis in granular cells under resting conditions and that it participates in the stimulation of renin expression caused by a low-NaCl intake.

Calcium-dependent activation of phospholipase C by mechanical distension in renin-expressing As4.1 cells

One of the major physiological regulators for the production and release of renin from the kidney is blood pressure. The juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, located primarily at the afferent arterioles leading to the glomerulus, are thought to be the baroreceptor of the kidney and adjust their ability to secrete renin in an inverse relationship to changes in pressure (mechanical force). The characteristics of JG cells that allow them to sense and respond to changes in mechanical force at the cellular level are not clear. By use of a renin-expressing clonal cell line (As4.1) as a model for JG cells, it was the purpose of this paper to identify cellular pathways that are activated by mechanical distension. Fura 2-labeled As4.1 cells were mechanically probed to observe changes of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Mechanical distension of As4.1 cells resulted in an influx of Ca(2+) to the cytosol, mediated by stretch-activated ion channels and dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+). Furthermore, cyclic mechanical distension elevated total inositol phosphates (IP) in As4.1 cells. This response was also dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+), and the addition of U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) antagonist, significantly attenuated the increase of IP. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the calcium-dependent activation of PLC and the subsequent increase of IP and [Ca(2+)](i) to be a potentially important pathway for the modality of pressure sensing by renin-expressing cells in response to mechanical stimulation.

Novel expression and regulation of the renin-angiotensin system in metanephric organ culture

To evaluate the presence and regulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in metanephric organ culture, embryonic day 14 (E14) rat metanephroi were cultured for 6 days. mRNAs for renin and both ANG II receptors (AT(1) and AT(2)) are expressed at E14, and all three genes continue to be expressed in culture. Renin mRNA is localized to developing tubules and ureteral branches in the cultured explants. At E14, renin immunostaining is found in isolated cells scattered within the mesenchyme. As differentiation progresses, renin localizes to the ureteric epithelium, developing tubules and glomeruli. E14 metanephroi contain ANG II, and peptide production persists in culture. Renin activity is present at E14 (6.13 +/- 0.61 pg ANG I. kidney(-1). h(-1)) and in cultured explants (28.84 +/- 1. 13 pg ANG I. kidney(-1). h(-1)). Renin activity in explants is increased by ANG II treatment (70.1 +/- 6.36 vs. 40.97 +/- 1.94 pg ANG I. kidney(-1). h(-1) in control). This increase is prevented by AT(1) blockade, whereas AT(2) antagonism has no effect. These studies document an operational local RAS and a previously undescribed positive-feedback mechanism for renin generation in avascular, cultured developing metanephroi. This novel expression pattern and regulatory mechanism highlight the unique ability of developing renal cells to express an active RAS.

Developmental changes in renal renin mRNA half-life and responses to stimulation in fetal lambs

In the perinatal period there is increased renin gene expression in the kidney compared with other stages of development. This may be related to changes in responsiveness of the renin gene to stimulation and/or differences in renin mRNA stability as development progresses. To ascertain if either responsiveness or stability changes in fetal life, we studied renin mRNA levels in primary cultures of renal cortical cells obtained from fetal lamb kidneys at two stages (0.7 and 0.9) of gestation after stimulation with isoproterenol, forskolin, or isobutyl methylxanthine and after inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D. Forskolin and isobutyl methylxanthine rapidly increased renin mRNA by at least twofold in the cultured cells from fetuses of both ages, with the sensitivity to stimulation higher in the cells from the mature fetal kidneys. Isoproterenol was effective only in mature fetal cells. In addition, the decay of renin mRNA after cessation of transcription was slower in mature cells compared with immature cells, the half-life being 11.6 +/- 0.8 h in mature cells and 6.6 +/- 0.6 h in immature cells (P < 0.05). The data suggest that increases in both renin mRNA sensitivity to stimulation and in stability can contribute to the enhanced renin expression in the perinatal period.

Transmural pressure inhibits prorenin processing in juxtaglomerular cell

Pressure control of renin secretion involves a complex integration of shear stress, stretch, and transmural pressure (TP). This study was designed to delineate TP control of renin secretion with minimal influence of shear stress or stretch and to determine its mechanism. Rat juxtaglomerular (JG) cells were applied to a TP-loading apparatus for 12 h. In cells conditioned with atmospheric pressure or atmospheric pressure + 40 mmHg, renin secretion rate (RSR) averaged 29.6 +/- 3.7 and 14.5 +/- 3.3% (P < 0.05, n = 8 cultures), respectively, and active renin content (ARC) averaged 47.3 +/- 4.6 and 38.4 +/- 3.4 ng of ANG I. h(-1). million cells(-1) (P < 0.05, n = 10 cultures), respectively. Total renin content and renin mRNA levels were unaffected by TP. The TP-induced decrease in RSR was prevented by Ca(2+)-free medium and the Ca(2+) channel blocker verapamil and was attenuated by thapsigargin and caffeine, which deplete intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Thapsigargin and caffeine, but not Ca(2+)-free medium or verapamil, prevented TP-induced decreases in ARC. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin did not modulate TP-induced decreases in RSR or ARC. These findings suggest that TP not only stimulates Ca(2+) influx but also inhibits prorenin processing through an intracellular Ca(2+) store-dependent mechanism and thus inhibits active renin secretion by JG cells.

Role of nitric oxide in the control of renin secretion

Because of the significant constitutive expression of NO synthases in the juxtaglomerular apparatus, nitric oxide (NO) is considered as a likely modulator of renin secretion. In most instances, NO appears as a tonic enhancer of renin secretion, acting via inhibition of cAMP degradation through the action of cGMP. Depending on as yet unknown factors, the stimulatory effect of NO on renin secretion may also switch to an inhibitory one that is compatible with the inhibition of renin secretion by cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity. Whether NO plays a direct regulatory role or a more permissive role in the control of renin secretion remains to be answered.

Regulation of human renin gene promoter activity: a new negative regulatory region determines the responsiveness to TNF alpha

BACKGROUND

The renin-angiotensin system has been known to regulate blood pressure and body fluid homeostasis. Several lines of evidence have shown that renin gene expression and release are up-regulated by beta-adrenergic stimulation, sodium depletion, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, but down-regulated by cytokines. To further characterize the human renin gene (hREN) promoter structure, its regulation, and to identify an appropriate cell system for study, we examined five cell lines and investigated drug effects on the hREN promoter expression.

METHODS

Using the hREN-luciferase reporter gene constructs in the DNA transfection assays, approximately 5 kb of the hREN 5' flanking region was assessed for promoter activity in five different cell lines. Regulation of the hREN promoter activity was investigated using Y-1 adrenal cells that were transfected with the hREN-luciferase DNA and were treated with forskolin, calcium ionophore A23187, phorbol ester, angiotensin II (Ang II), or cytokines.

RESULTS

Transient transfection analysis showed that the 5 kb hREN 5' flanking DNA alone was able to confer significant promoter activity in Y-1 adrenal cells. In transfected Y-1 cells, luciferase reporter expression was induced by forskolin, suppressed by the calcium ionophore A23187, and phorbol ester in a dose-dependent manner, but was unaffected by angiotensin II (Ang II). However, when Y-1 reporter cells were transfected with human angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) cDNA, hREN promoter activity was dose-dependently down-regulated by Ang II, which was blockable by losartan, an AT1-selective antagonist. Further studies also showed that hREN promoter activity in Y-1 cells was selectively down-regulated by TNF alpha. Deletion of the hREN promoter sequences between position -3916 and -2822 not only enhanced hREN promoter activity by approximately tenfold, but also caused a failure of down-regulation by TNF alpha. In contrast, neither interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, nor IL-6 exerted any significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Together the results suggest that TNF alpha is a negative regulator of the hREN expression in the adrenal cells, and that the TNF alpha responsiveness may be controlled by elements located between the positions -3916 and -2822 of the hREN promoter. Moreover, the Y-1 cell line may provide a valuable model system for studying renin gene regulation.

Stimulation of renin secretion by nitric oxide is mediated by phosphodiesterase 3

This study aimed to characterize the cellular pathways along which nitric oxide (NO) stimulates renin secretion from the kidney. Using the isolated perfused rat kidney model we found that renin secretion stimulated 4- to 8-fold by low perfusion pressure (40 mmHg), by macula densa inhibition (100 micromol/liter of bumetanide), and by adenylate cyclase activation (3 nmol/liter of isoproterenol) was markedly attenuated by the NO synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-Name) (1 mM) and that the inhibition by L-Name was compensated by the NO-donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10 micromol/liter). Similarly, inhibition of cAMP degradation by blockade of phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE-1) (20 micromol/liter of 8-methoxymethyl-1-methyl-3-(2-methylpropyl)xanthine) or of PDE-4 (20 micromol/liter of rolipram) caused a 3- to 4-fold stimulation of renin secretion that was attenuated by L-Name and that was even overcompensated by sodium nitroprusside. Inhibition of PDE-3 by 20 micromol/liter of milrinone or by 200 nmol/liter of trequinsin caused a 5- to 6-fold stimulation of renin secretion that was slightly enhanced by NO synthase inhibition and moderately attenuated by NO donation. Because PDE-3 is a cGMP-inhibited cAMP-PDE the role of endogenous cGMP for the effects of NO was examined by the use of the specific guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1-H-(1,2,4)oxodiazolo(4,3a)quinoxalin-1-one (20 micromol). In the presence of 1H-[1,2,4]oxodiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one the effect of NO on renin secretion was abolished, whereas PDE-3 inhibitors exerted their normal effects. These findings suggest that PDE-3 plays a major role for the cAMP control of renin secretion. Our findings are compatible with the idea that the stimulatory effects of endogenous and exogenous NO on renin secretion are mediated by a cGMP-induced inhibition of cAMP degradation.

Juxtaglomerular cell complex in the regulation of renal salt excretion

Luminal NaCl concentration at the macula densa (MD) has the two established effects of regulating glomerular arteriolar resistance and renin secretion. Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), the inverse relationship between MD NaCl concentration and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), stabilizes distal salt delivery and thereby NaCl excretion in response to random perturbations unrelated to changes in body salt balance. Control of vasomotor tone by TGF is exerted primarily by NaCl transport-dependent changes in local adenosine concentrations. During long-lasting perturbations of MD NaCl concentration, control of renin secretion becomes the dominant function of the MD. The potentially maladaptive effect of TGF under chronic conditions is prevented by TGF adaptations, permitting adjustments in GFR to occur. TGF adaptation is mechanistically coupled to the end point targeted by chronic deviations in MD NaCl, the rate of local and systemic angiotensin II generation. MD control of renin secretion is the result of the coordinated action of local mediators that include nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) products. Thus vascular smooth muscle cell activation during high MD transport and granular cell activation during low MD transport is achieved by different extracellular mediators. The coordinated regulation of NOS I and COX-2 expression in MD cells and of renin expression in granular cells suggests that control of juxtaglomerular regulation of gene transcription or mRNA metabolism may be another consequence of a chronic alteration in MD NaCl concentration.

Differential effects of thyroid hormone on renin secretion, content, and mRNA in juxtaglomerular cells

The effects of thyroid hormone on renin secretion, renin content, and renin mRNA levels in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells harvested from rat kidneys were determined by radioimmunoassays and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Despite a lack of immediate effect, incubation with triiodothyronine dose dependently increased renin secretion during the first 6 h and elevated renin content and renin mRNA levels during the subsequent period. Simultaneous incubation with triiodothyronine and the calcium ionophore A-23187 abolished the increase in renin secretion and attenuated the increase in renin content but did not affect the increase in renin mRNA levels. During simultaneous incubation with triiodothyronine and the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536 or membrane-soluble guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), the increases in renin secretion, content, and mRNA were similar to those observed in the presence of triiodothyronine alone, except for a cGMP-induced attenuation of the increase in renin secretion. These findings suggest that thyroid hormone stimulates renin secretion by JG cells through the calcium-dependent mechanism, whereas the stimulation of renin gene expression by thyroid hormone does not involve intracellular calcium or cyclic nucleotides.

Calcium-dependent low renin syndrome in a diabetic patient with prostaglandin deficiency

Calcium and prostaglandin are supposed to play a critical role in the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Calcium has been described as an inhibitory second messenger for renin exocytosis whereas vasodilatory prostaglandins, such as PGE2, are known to stimulate the production of renin. These factors are probably interrelated since calcium also enhances urinary prostaglandin release. We report the case of a 52 year-old diabetic patient treated with insulin injections with intestinal malabsorption leading to chronic hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia in whom a low renin syndrome and low levels of urinary prostaglandins were observed. The correction of the hypocalcemia was able to improve plasma renin as well as urinary prostaglandin levels. This observation suggests a prominent role played by calcium on the in vivo regulation of renin and prostaglandin release. These results illustrate the closed loop between plasma calcium level, urinary prostaglandins production and renin release.

Beta-adrenergic stimulation of renin expression in vivo

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the effect of beta-adrenergic activation on renal production of renin in the intact organism.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Renal expression of renin [renin messenger RNA (mRNA)], plasma renin activity (PRA), inactive renin level, intrarenal renin distribution (immunohistochemistry), and the time course of activation of renin as well as hemodynamic parameters were determined during the subcutaneous infusion of isoproterenol (ISO) into rats. To examine whether beta-adrenergic activation of the renin system is modulated by the rate of salt intake rats were fed diets with normal, low and high salt contents.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure was not altered. PRA was elevated as much as fourfold after 40 h of ISO infusion. Although renal renin mRNA levels were elevated dose-dependently up to 4.2-fold, no significant recruitment of renin-containing cells could be detected. The time course of PRA revealed a marked transient rise of PRA during 6 h of ISO infusion with a subsequent decline. Inactive renin level was elevated during 3 to 18 h of ISO infusion. In contrast, renin mRNA level increased steadily with a lag phase of 3 h. Infusion of ISO increased PRA and renin mRNA level under a high-salt diet, but had no additional effect either on PRA or on renin mRNA level under low-salt diet.

CONCLUSION

Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors is a powerful stimulus of renin secretion and renin gene expression in juxtaglomerular cells in vivo, albeit the kinetics of upregulation of renin secretion and renin expression are markedly different. Therefore, the sympathetic tone might be a major factor determining the activity of the renin system in vivo. The ability of adrenergic agonists to stimulate the renin system appears to be modulated by the steady-state level of salt intake.

Membrane and secretory properties of renal juxtaglomerular granular cells

1. The control of renin secretion from renal juxtaglomerular granular cells on the cellular level is not yet completely understood. 2. There is evidence that calcium- and cyclic nucleotide-related pathways exert an opposite control of renin secretion. 3. There is accumulating evidence that the electrical properties of juxtaglomerular cells are important for the regulation of renin secretion.

Transactivation of the human renin promoter by the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway is mediated by both cAMP-responsive element binding protein-1 (CREB)-dependent and CREB-independent mechanisms in Calu-6 cells

We examined the DNA sequence and transcription factor requirements for cAMP-induced transactivation of the human renin promoter using Calu-6 cells that express human renin mRNA endogenously. A series of constructs containing 896 base pairs of human renin 5'-flanking DNA fused to the luciferase gene and containing either the native, a consensus, or a nonfunctional cAMP response element (CRE) were used to assess DNA sequence requirements mediating the cAMP response. Expression vectors encoding the CREB-1 transcription factor, a dominant negative mutant form of CREB-1, and the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) were used to assess transcription factor requirements mediating the cAMP response. Forskolin treatment alone only caused a 2-3-fold activation of the HREN promoter in Calu-6 cells, but nearly a 10-fold activation in JEG-3 cells, which do not express renin but are highly responsive to cAMP. Gel shift assays revealed the binding of five specific DNA-protein complexes consisting of the ATF-1 and CREB-1 transcription factors, one of which was an ATF-1.CREB-1 heterodimer suggesting the potential for regulation of CREB-1 activity by ATF-1. However, over-expression of CREB-1 did not significantly enhance forskolin-induced human renin transcriptional activity. Transfection of both Calu-6 and JEG-3 cells with a PKA expression vector resulted in a 10-fold induction of human renin transcriptional activity in constructs containing the native or consensus CRE and 5-fold activation in a construct containing a nonfunctional CRE. We confirmed that the PKA response has both a CREB-dependent and CREB-independent component by demonstrating that the PKA response was abolished by co-transfection of a dominant negative mutant form of CREB-1 into cells containing the native or consensus CRE construct but not in cells containing the nonfunctional CRE construct. We therefore conclude that the human renin promoter can be transcriptionally activated in a renin expressing cell line through the cAMP-PKA pathway and is mediated by both a CREB-dependent and CREB-independent mechanism.

Effect of amlodipine on renin secretion and renin gene expression in rats

1. This study was done to characterize the influence of calcium channel blockade on renin secretion and renin gene expression in normal rats and rats with renovascular hypertension. To this end we studied the effects of the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, amlodipine, on plasma renin activity and renal renin m-RNA levels in normal rats and rats with unilateral renal hypoperfusion induced by applying 0.2 mm left renal artery clips over four days. 2. In normotensive rats, amlodipine significantly decreased basal blood pressure by about 20 mmHg when applied in a concentration of 5, 15 and 45 mg kg-1. Plasma renin activity and also renin mRNA levels were not changed after application of 5 mg kg-1 of amlodipine. However, at a concentration of 15 or 45 mg kg-1, amlodipine, significantly increased not only plasma renin activity by about 250% and 300%, but also renin mRNA levels by about 100% and 500%. The action of amlodipine on all these parameters was maximal after 24 h. Treatment with amlodipine in a concentration of 15 mg kg-1 also increased renin immunoreactive areas in the kidney cortex by retrograde recruitment of renin expressing cells in the afferent arterioles. 3. In 2kidney-1 clip rats, systolic blood pressure rose continuously whilst plasma renin activity and renin m-RNA in the clipped kidney increased transiently and renin m-RNA in the contralateral kidney was constantly suppressed. Amlodipine at a concentration of 15 mg kg-1 markedly attenuated the increase of blood pressure in 2kidney-1 clip rats, produced an almost additive effect on plasma renin activity and showed a tendency to increase renin m-RNA levels in the clipped kidneys. Renin m-RNA levels in the contralateral kidney were also significantly suppressed in the animals receiving additional treatment with amlodipine. 4. These findings suggest that inhibition of calcium channels by amlodipine stimulates renin secretion and renin gene expression in vivo. These stimulatory effects are almost additive to the changes of renin secretion occurring after an unilateral fall of renal perfusion pressure.

Endothelins inhibit cyclic-AMP induced renin gene expression in cultured mouse juxtaglomerular cells

We have recently described that endothelins-1 to -3 equipotently inhibit cAMP stimulated renin secretion from cultured mouse juxtaglomerular cells by a process involving phospholipase C activation. This study examined the influence of endothelin-2 on renin gene expression in renal juxtaglomerular cells. To this end we semiquantitated renin mRNA levels by competitive RT-PCR in primary cultures of mouse renal juxtaglomerular cells after 20 hours of incubation. We found that endothelin-2 (0.1 to 100 nmol/liter) did not change basal renin gene expression. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (3 mumol/ liter) increased renin mRNA levels to 400% of the controls and this stimulation was dose-dependently attenuated by ET-2 to 250% of the control value. The effect of ET-2 was mimicked by the ETB-receptor agonist sarafotoxin S6c. The kinase inhibitor staurosporine (100 nmol/ liter) increased renin secretion and renin mRNA levels. Combination of staurosporine with forskolin produced the same effects on renin secretion and renin mRNA levels as did staurosporine alone. In the presence of both forskolin and staurosporine ET-2 had no significant effect on renin secretion and renin gene expression. The phorbol ester PMA (30 nmol/ liter), which was used to stimulate protein kinase C activity, attenuated cAMP stimulated renin secretion and renin mRNA levels. Lowering the extracellular concentration of calcium by the addition of 1 mmol/liter EGTA did not inhibit the effect of ET-2 on cAMP induced renin secretion and renin gene expression. These findings suggest that endothelins inhibit cAMP stimulated renin gene expression by an event that is mediated via ETB receptors. This inhibitory effect may in part involve protein kinase C activation.

Rat renin gene transcription is initiated at a single start site

The promoter region of the renin gene in man, mouse and rat contains several putative transcription start sites, which in mouse have been shown to be tissue specific and differently regulated. To investigate which of these start sites are used during stimulation of renin gene transcription by the major physiological control factors, we determined the transcription start sites of rat renin in the kidney and adrenal glands by RNase protection using a cRNA probe spanning 387 bases upstream and 121 bases downstream from the canonical transcription initiation site. To stimulate renin gene expression, we used renal artery stenosis, angiotensin II antagonists, furosemide and isoprenaline infusions and low sodium diet. Our results suggest that only one TATA box is functional in rat kidney and adrenal.