Mechanisms through which high glucose concentration raises [Ca2+]i in renal proximal tubular cells

Hyperglycemia Induces Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Destruction Through the Activation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II

Hyperglycemia induces osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption through complicated, undefined mechanisms. Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) promotes osteoclastogenesis, and could be activated by hyperglycemia. Here, we investigated whether CaMKII is involved in hyperglycemia-induced osteoclastogenesis and subsequent bone resorption. Osteoclast formation, bone resorption, CaMKII expression and phosphorylation were measured under high glucose in vitro and in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia rats with or without CaMKII inhibitor KN93. The results showed that 25 mmol/L high glucose in vitro promoted cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase expression (p < 0.05) and osteoclast formation (p < 0.01) associated with enhancing β isoform expression (p < 0.05) and CaMKII phosphorylation (p < 0.001). Hyperglycemia promoted the formation of osteoclasts and resorption of trabecular and alveolar bone, and inhibited sizes of femur and mandible associated with enhanced CaMKII phosphorylation (p < 0.001) in rats. All these changes could be alleviated by KN93. These findings imply that CaMKII participates not only in hyperglycemia-induced osteoclastogenesis and subsequent bone resorption, but also in the hyperglycemia-induced developmental inhibition of bone.

Calcium mediates high glucose-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expression in cultured rat retinal Müller cells through CaMKII-CREB pathway

AIM

To investigate the effects of high glucose (HG) medium on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured rat retinal Müller cells and to determine the signaling pathways mediating the effects.

METHODS

Primary cultures of retinal Müller cells were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats, and incubated in a medium containg HG (30 mmol/L) in the presence of the membrane-permeable Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM (10 μmol/L) or the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 (10 μmol/L). The levels of CaMKII, p-CaMKII, CREB, p-CREB, HIF-1α, and VEGF proteins were measured with Western blotting, while HIF-1á and VEGF mRNA levels were determined using real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The stimulation of retinal Müller cell with HG for 24 h remarkably increased the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. These responses were significantly inhibited in the presence of BAPTA-AM or KN93. Both BAPTA-AM and KN93 also significantly inhibited HG-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and CREB in the cultured retinal Müller cells. Transfection of the cultured retinal Müller cells with antisense CREB oligonucleotide (300 nmol/L) was similarly effective in blocking the HG-induced increase of HIF-1α and VEGF.

CONCLUSION

HG-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expression in cultured rat retinal Müller cells depends on intracellular free Ca(2+) and activation of CaMKII-CREB pathway. The activation of CaMKII-CREB pathway by HG may be a possible mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Gliclazide Attenuates the Intracellular Ca2+Changes InducedIn Vitroby Ischemia in the Retinal Slices of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

PURPOSE

To investigate the dynamics of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during retinal ischemia in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and the effect of gliclazide, a sulfonylurea with a potent free-radical scavenging activity on ischemia-induced [Ca2+]i dynamics.

METHODS

Rats with STZ (65 mg/kg) induced diabetes were divided into three groups: the untreated diabetic group, the gliclazide-treated group, and the glibenclamide-treated group. An ischemic condition was imposed in vitro on the retinal slices by perfusion with an oxygen/glucose deprived solution. The [Ca2+]i was measured in individual layers of the rat retinal slices loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3.

RESULTS

As compared to that in the normal rat retina, both the amplitude and the kinetics of the [Ca2+]i increase were suppressed in the intermediate layers of the retinal slices from the diabetic rats under the ischemic condition. These changes were attenuated by the administration of gliclazide but not by that of glibenclamide.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia influences ischemia-induced [Ca2+]i dynamics predominantly in the intermediate layers of the retina, and gliclazide, as compared to glibenclamide without a free radical scavenging activity, potently attenuates the ischemia-induced changes in the calcium dynamics.

Hypoxia differently modulates gene expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in mouse kidney and HEK 293 cell line

Hypoxia is a state of insufficient oxygen supply of the tissue or cell. Kidney tissue is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation and easily develops renal ischemic injury. Calcium transporters very sensitively react to oxygen deficiency. We investigated whether hypoxia affects the gene expression of intracellular calcium transporters in the intact kidney, and we compared the response to that of HEK 293 cells. Our results showed that, while in mouse kidney tissue hypoxia elevates mRNA for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) type 1 (IP3R1) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) type 2 (RyR2), in culture of HEK 293 cells the gene expression of all IP3Rs decreased without affecting viability of the cells. RyR2 mRNA in HEK 293 cells was not significantly changed, but RyR1 gene expression was significantly increased by hypoxia. The different response of kidney tissue and HEK 293 cells to hypoxia could be due to unequal differentiation state of the cells in intact tissue and cultured embryonic cell line. The physiological relevance of this observation remains to be determined.

Chronic high glucose inhibits albumin reabsorption by lysosomal alkalinization in cultured porcine proximal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1)

Lysosomal acidification is a key step of albumin reabsorption in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). This study was performed to examine the influence of chronic high glucose on lysosomal acidification in cultured PTECs. Porcine PTECs (LLC-PK(1) cells) were cultured in 16.7 mM (300 mg/dl) glucose (HG) alone or with 0.5 mM phlorizin for 24 weeks and subsequently for 12 weeks in 5.5 mM (100 mg/dl) glucose (NG). Chronic HG inhibited the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-albumin (A) uptake progressively, while phlorizin reversed the inhibition. NG for 12 weeks after HG normalized the uptake. The time-dependent uptake of FITC-A was inhibited by HG and bafilomycin A(1) (BafA(1)) after 15 min and by 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and N-ethyl-N-isopropyl-amiloride (EIPA) after 3 min. Cellular ATP was depleted by HG and restored by NG. Lysosomal pH, assessed by an acidotropic fluorescent probe, was alkalinized (pH 4.5-7.8) with 5.5-27.8 mM glucose and normalized by subsequent NG. BafA(1) alkalinized lysosomes, and the concentration required to 50% change for the pH and 50% inhibition of FITC-A uptake was similar. EIPA inhibited FITC-A uptake, but did not influence lysosomal pH. DIDS inhibited FITC-A uptake, and unexpectedly lowered lysosomal pH. Real time PCR showed that HG reduced the mRNA level for vacuolar H(+)-ATPase, but did not alter those of chloride channel-5 and Na(+)-H(+)-exchanger-3. In conclusion, the chronic HG inhibits albumin reabsorption by lysosomal alkalinization in PTECs, probably due to ATP depletion and down-regulation of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase.

Signaling pathways involved with the stimulatory effect of angiotensin II on vacuolar H+-ATPase in proximal tubule cells

It has been documented that angiotensin II (ANG II) (10(-9) M) stimulates proton extrusion via H(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in proximal tubule cells. In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in the effects of ANG II on H(+)-ATPase activity and on the cytosolic free calcium concentration in immortalized rat proximal tubule cells, a permanent cell line derived from rat proximal tubules. The effects of ANG on pH(i) and [Ca(+2)](i) were assessed by the fluorescent probes, 2',7-bis (2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxy-methyl ester and fluo-4-acetoxy-methyl ester, in the absence of Na(+) to block the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. In the control situation, the pH recovery rate following intracellular acidification with NH(4)Cl was 0.073+/-0.011 pH units/min (n=12). This recovery was significantly increased with ANG II (10(-9 )M), to 0.12+/-0.015 pH units/min, n=10. This last effect was also followed by a significant increase of Ca(+2) (i), from 99.72+/-1.704 nM (n=21) to 401.23+/-33.91 nM (n=39). The stimulatory effect of ANG II was blocked in the presence of losartan, an angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist. H89 [protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor] plus ANG II had no effect on the pH recovery. Staurosporine [protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor] impaired the effect of ANG II. Phorbol myristate acetate (PKC activator) mimicked in part the stimulatory effect of ANG II, but reduced Ca(+2) (i). 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (intracellular calcium chelator) alone reduced the pH(i) recovery rate below control levels and impaired the effect of ANG II, in a way similar to that of trimethoxy benzoate (a blocker of Ca(+2) (i) mobilization). We conclude that ANG II regulates rat proximal tubule vacuolar H(+)-ATPase by a PKA-independent mechanism and that PKC and intracellular calcium play a critical role in this regulation.

New cardioprotective agent K201 is natriuretic and glomerular filtration rate enhancing

BACKGROUND

K201 (JTV519) is a newly developed 1,4-benzothiazepine drug with antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective properties. It functions via stabilization of the ryanodine receptor-calcium release channel in the heart (RyR2). This receptor has been identified in the kidney, and in vitro studies suggest a role in the control of renal hemodynamics. To date, the in vivo function of this receptor is undefined. We hypothesized that this new drug, which is being developed for the treatment of heart failure for its myocardial actions, also possesses renal hemodynamic enhancing and excretory properties. We also used immunohistochemistry to identify RyR2 in the normal canine kidney.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the renal actions of K201 during intrarenal infusion in normal anesthetized dogs. K201 was infused after baseline measurements at 2 doses (0.1 and 0.5 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). Immunohistochemistry was used to identify RyR2 presence in the kidney not exposed to K201. K201 was potently natriuretic and diuretic, with glomerular filtration rate- and renal blood flow-enhancing actions. The excretory responses to K201 administration were associated with decreases in distal tubular reabsorption of sodium despite a mild decrease in mean arterial pressure, which returned to baseline levels after K201 discontinuation. Immunohistochemistry of the normal canine kidney revealed the presence of RyR2 in the medullary collecting duct cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time that the newly developed cardioprotective drug K201 possesses natriuretic, diuretic, glomerular filtration rate-enhancing, and vasodilating properties that go beyond myocardial actions and may support its therapeutic role in treatment of heart failure.

High Glucose Up-Regulates ENaC and SGK1 Expression in HCD-Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with progressive renal damage, leading to impaired function and end-stage renal failure. Secondary hypertension stems from a deranged ability of cells within the kidney to resolve and appropriately regulate sodium resorption in response to hyperglycaemia. However, the mechanisms by which glucose alters sodium re-uptake have not been fully characterised.

METHODS

Here we present RT-PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry data confirming mRNA and protein expression of the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase (SGK1) and the alpha conducting subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in a model in vitro system of the human cortical collecting duct (HCD). We examined changes in expression of these elements in response to glucose challenge, designed to mimic hyperglycaemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Changes in Na+ concentration were assessed using single-cell microfluorimetry.

RESULTS

Incubation with glucose, the Ca2+-ionophore ionomycin and the cytokine TGF-beta1 were all found to evoke significant and time-dependent increases in both SGK1 and alphaENaC protein expression. These molecular changes were correlated to an increase in Na+-uptake at the single-cell level.

CONCLUSION

Together these data offer a potential explanation for glucose-evoked Na+-resorption and a potential contributory role of SGK1 and ENaCs in development of secondary hypertension, commonly linked to diabetic nephropathy.

High glucose reduces albumin uptake in cultured proximal tubular cells (LLC-PK1)

In this study, we clarify that high glucose inhibits albumin uptake in cultured LLC-PK1 cells. LLC-PK1 cells cultured for 6 days with 5.5-27.8 mM D-glucose were challenged by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated human albumin (HA). FITC-HA binding and uptake were inhibited by >5.5mM glucose (5.5 mM > (P < 0.01) 11.0 mM > (P < 0.05) 16.7 mM approximately= 27.8 mM). Analysis of FITC-HA binding and uptake at 5.5 and 16.7 mM D-glucose (high glucose, HG) showed decreased affinity (K(m) for binding: 35.5 mg/l versus 52.6 mg/l, K(m) for uptake; 41.3 mg/l versus 55.6 mg/l) and maximal velocity (B(max)--0.33 microg versus 0.27 microg/30 min/mg protein; U(max)--4.40 microg versus 3.48 microg/60 min/mg protein) at HG. A comparison of the time courses of FITC-HA binding and uptake at 5.5 mM glucose and at HG showed that HG suppressed them beyond 15 min (P < 0.005-0.001). Phlorizin (>0.25 mM) completely reversed the HG-induced inhibition of FITC-HA binding and uptake. High glucose decreased mRNA of GLUT-1 and SGLT-1, but did not influence that of SGLT-2. The simultaneous presence of Vitamin E (10(-6)M), Vitamin C (10(-6)M) and reduced glutathione (0.25 mM) reversed the suppressed FITC-HA binding and uptake by HG, while any one or two of these molecules, and various inhibitors of advanced glycation end products, failed to do so. In conclusion, a high glucose milieu causes inhibition of albumin binding and uptake in proximal tubular cells by increasing metabolic oxidative stress through excessive glucose flux via the sodium glucose transporter.

The amino-terminal domains of the ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) proteins bind advanced glycation end products, an interaction that may play a role in the development of diabetic complications

The presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formed because of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients has been strongly linked to the development of diabetic complications and disturbances in cellular function. In this report, we describe the isolation and identification of novel AGE-binding proteins from diabetic rat kidneys. The proteins were purified by cation exchange and AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) affinity chromatography. NH2-terminal and internal sequencing identified the proteins as the NH2-terminal domains of ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM proteins). Using BIAcore biosensor analysis, human N-ezrin-(1-324) bound to immobilized AGE-BSA with a KD of 5.3 +/- 2.1 x 10 -7 m, whereas full-length ezrin-(1-586) and C-ezrin-(323-586) did not bind. Other glycated proteins such as AGE-RNase, N in -carboxymethyllysine (CML)-BSA, and glycated human serum albumin isolated from hyperglycemic diabetic sera competed with the immobilized AGE-BSA for binding to N-ezrin, but non-glycated BSA and RNase did not. Thus N-ezrin binds to AGEs in a glycation- and concentration-dependent manner. Phosphorylated ezrin plays a crucial role in cell shape changes, cell attachment, and cell adhesion. The effect of AGE-BSA on ezrin function was studied in a tubulogenesis model in which LLC-PK1 cell tubule formation is dependent on phosphorylated ezrin. Addition of AGE-BSA completely inhibited the ability of the cells to produce tubules. Furthermore, in vitro tyrosine phosphorylation of N-ezrin and ezrin was also inhibited by AGE-BSA. These proteins represent a novel family of intracellular binding molecules for glycated proteins and provide a potential new target for therapeutic intervention in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications.

Transmural pressure control of prorenin processing and secretion in diabetic rat juxtaglomerular cells

In diabetic patients, the elevation of plasma prorenin levels or arterial pressure is correlated with the severity of diabetic nephropathy. This study was designed to assess the effects of transmural pressure on prorenin regulation in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells from diabetes rats. The JG cells, harvested from rats intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin 7 (early-diabetic) or 28 (late-diabetic) days previously, were exposed to atmospheric pressure (AP) and AP+40 mmHg for 12 h, and the renin secretion rate (RSR), prorenin secretion rate (PRSR), active renin content (ARC), prorenin content (PRC), and total renin content (TRC) were determined. Exposure of control JG cells to AP+40-mmHg significantly decreased RSR, PRSR, and ARC and significantly increased PRC without affecting TRC, suggesting the occurrence of pressure-mediated inhibition of prorenin processing and secretion. Exposure of early-diabetic and late-diabetic cells to AP+40-mmHg significantly decreased ARC and significantly increased PRC without affecting RSR, PRSR, or TRC. The changes in ARC and PRC were similar in the control and early-diabetic cells, but greater changes were observed in late-diabetic cells. However, when streptozotocin-treated rats were continuously treated with insulin (9 U/kg/day), the transmural pressure control of prorenin in JG cells was similar to that observed in the JG cells from control rats. In late-diabetic cells, treatment with a phospholipase C inhibitor did not alter the pressure control of ARC or PRC; however, treatment with a phospholipase D inhibitor did inhibit the changes in ARC and PRC with transmural pressure. Thus, pressure-mediated inhibition of prorenin secretion from JG cells has already been impaired in early diabetes. Pressure-induced inhibition of prorenin processing in JG cells via phospholipase D-dependent pathways is enhanced in late diabetes.

The role of polyol pathway in glucose-induced apoptosis of cultured retinal pericytes

The pathogenesis of pericyte loss, an initial deficit in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, remains unclear. Recent studies have suggested that polyol pathway hyperactivity and apoptosis may be involved in pericyte loss. The mechanisms of the glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal pericytes were investigated to evaluate the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Under the 20 mM glucose condition, intracellular calcium concentrations and caspase-3 activities were significantly increased, and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were significantly decreased compared with those under the 5.5 mM glucose condition. These abnormalities were all significantly prevented by an aldose reductase inhibitor, SNK-860. Glucose-induced apoptosis was partially but significantly prevented by SNK-860, an inhibitor of calcium-dependent cysteine protease, calpain, or GSH supplementation, and completely normalized by a caspase-3 inhibitor. These observations suggest that glucose-induced apoptosis in retinal pericytes, as one of the pathogenic factors of diabetic retinopathy, would be mediated through an aldose reductase-sensitive pathway including calcium-calpain cascade and increased oxidative stress, and that caspase-3 would be located furthest downstream of these apoptotic signals.

Improving Energy Metabolism in the Postischemic Heart-The Story of GIK

Heart muscle is a metabolic omnivore. The normal heart derives its energy for contraction from the oxidation of longchain fatty acids. The stressed heart switches to carbohydrate substrates for greater efficiency of energy production. Here we review the evidence for glucose-insulin-potassium as an effective strategy to treat postischemic contractile dysfunction of the heart. There is a strong rationale for both glucose and insulin to restore efficient energy transfer in the metabolically depleted postischemic heart. In spite ofits long history and abundant opportunities for translational research, the field is still in its infancy. Further progress is tied to two broad areas of research: randomized, multicenter clinical trialsand systematic studies addressing cellular signaling mechanisms, including nutrient sensing of myocardial gene expression.

Effect of hyperglycemia on the basal cytosolic free calcium level, calcium signal and tyrosine-phosphorylation in human T-cells

In this study, we investigated the effect of in vitro hyperglycemia on the function of human T-cells (Jurkat cells). Hyperglycemic conditions caused concentration-dependent elevation of basal cytosolic free calcium level and reduced calcium signal (activation capacity), either after ionomycin or monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody treatments. Similar changes were observed if cells were treated with the calcineurin inhibitor Cyclosporin-A. We found that tyrosine-phosphorylation after anti-CD3 treatment was also impaired. High glucose concentrations in the tissue culture medium are also associated with increased non-enzymatic glycation of T-cell proteins. We propose that the increased glycation of proteins involved in calcium transport and/or intracellular signal transduction in T-cells accounts for the abnormal calcium sequestration and calcium mediated signal transduction.

Identification of up-regulated Ras-like GTPase, Rap1b, by suppression subtractive hybridization

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy accounts for over 30% of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A number of defined mechanisms and molecules that are involved in its pathogenesis are known, while others remain to be identified.

METHODS

Suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to search for new genes that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy during embryonic development, the time when the kidney is most susceptible to various forms of stress. A diabetic state was induced in pregnant mice at day-13 of gestation by administration of streptozotocin. The kidneys of newborn mice with blood glucose level> 200 mg/dL were harvested, mRNA isolated and subjected to SSH-PCR. Several differentially expressed cDNA fragments with up-regulated expression were isolated. One of the cDNA fragments had homology with human Ras-like guanine 5'-triphosphate (GTPase), Rap1b gene. By utilizing the lambdaZAP II mouse cDNA library and SMART RACE amplification, a full-length Rap1b cDNA was isolated. A recombinant protein was generated in pET15b bacterial expression system. An anti-Rap1b antibody was raised in rabbits by immunizing them with the fusion protein, and its specificity was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Rap1b cDNA had an open reading frame of 552 bp with a predicted putative protein size of approximately 21 kD. In vitro translation verified the authentication of the Rap1b cDNA clone. Northern blot analyses revealed a single approximately 2.3 kb Rap1b mRNA transcript. Its expression was up-regulated in several tissues, including the kidney of newborn diabetic mice. The degree of up-regulation of Rap1b mRNA expression was proportional to the blood glucose levels. Western blot analyses confirmed the hyperglycemia-induced up-regulation of the Rap1b expression. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence studies revealed that Rap1b was expressed in the inner medullary collecting tubules. During hyperglycemia, its expression was accentuated and extended into the outer medullary and cortical collecting tubules. Similar up-regulation of Rap1b was observed when embryonic kidneys, harvested at day-13 of gestation, were exposed to high glucose ambience.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that Rap1b, a GTP-binding protein that plays a critical role in various signaling intracellular events, is another molecule that may be relevant to the pathobiology of diabetic nephropathy.

High glucose levels alter angiotensin II-induced Ca(2+) uptake via PKC and cAMP pathways in renal proximal tubular cells

Although a dysfunction of the calcium metabolism occurs in diabetes mellitus, alterations of Ca(2+) uptake induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) in renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs) grown in high-glucose medium are not fully elucidated. Thus, we examined whether high glucose concentrations can induce an alteration of the ANG II effect on the Ca(2+) uptake and its action mechanism in primary cultured renal PTCs. PTCs were exposed to different glucose concentrations (5-100 mM) and time intervals (0-48 h). There was a sustained increase of Ca(2+) uptake at glucose concentrations >15 mM. Thus, we selected 25 mM glucose and incubation for 48 h to maintain a hyperglycemic condition in vitro, unlike short-time regulatin. ANG II significantly inhibited the Ca(2+) uptake in a dose-dependent manner in a 5-mM glucose medium. In addition, downregulation of ANG II receptors appeared in a glucose dose dependent manner. However, PTCs treated with 25 mM glucose for 48 h, not 12 h, did not exhibit the inhibitory effect of ANG II (10(-7) M) on Ca(2+) uptake, although the inhibitory effect of ANG II on Ca(2+) uptake occurred in the presence of 25 mM mannitol or L-glucose. Staurosporine, bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase C, PKC, inhibitors), 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate pretreatment, SQ 22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor), and myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitor amide 14-22 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) blocked the 25-mM-glucose-induced alteration of ANG II effect on Ca(2+) uptake. These results suggest that both PKC and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathways are involved in the high-glucose-induced alteration of ANG II effect on Ca(2+) uptake. Indeed, 25 mM glucose increased PKC activity and cAMP contents. In conclusion, a high glucose concentration altered ANG II induced inhibition of Ca(2+) uptake via PKC and cAMP pathways in the PTCs.

High glucose stimulates Ca2+ uptake via cAMP and PLC/PKC pathways in primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells

Alteration of [Ca2+]i by hyperglycemia is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the effect of high glucose on Ca2+ regulation in proximal tubule cells is not known. Thus, we examined the mechanisms by which high glucose regulates Ca2+ uptake in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubule cells. Glucose increased the Ca2+ uptake in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A stimulatory effect of high glucose on Ca2+ uptake is predominantly observed using 25 mM glucose (high glucose) after 1 h, while 25 mM glucose did not affect cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release. However, 25 mM mannitol and L-glucose did not affect Ca2+ uptake as compared with controls. Nifedipine and methoxyverapamil (L-type Ca2+ channel blockers) blocked high-glucose-induced stimulation of Ca2+ uptake. High-glucose-induced stimulation of Ca2+ uptake was blocked by pertussis toxin, SQ-22536 (adenylate cyclase inhibitor), myristoylated amide 14-22 (protein kinase A inhibitor), neomycin and U-73122 (phospholipase C inhibitors), and staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase C inhibitors). In addition, KN-62 (a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor) and W-7 (a Ca2+/calmodulin antagonist) blocked high-glucose-induced stimulation of Ca2+ uptake. In conclusion, high glucose stimulates the Ca2+ uptake through L-type Ca2+ channels via G-protein-coupled adenylate cyclase/cAMP and phospholipase C/protein kinase C pathways.

Urea signaling to ERK phosphorylation in renal medullary cells requires extracellular calcium but not calcium entry

The renal cell line mIMCD3 exhibits markedly upregulated phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in response to urea treatment (200 mM for 5 min). Previous data have suggested the involvement of a classical protein kinase C (cPKC)-dependent pathway in downstream events related to urea signaling. We now show that urea-inducible ERK activation requires extracellular calcium; unexpectedly, it occurs independently of activation of cPKC isoforms. Pharmacological inhibitors of known intracellular calcium release pathways and extracellular calcium entry pathways fail to inhibit ERK activation by urea. Fura 2 ratiometry was used to assess the effect of urea treatment on intracellular calcium mobilization. In single-cell analyses using subconfluent monolayers and in population-wide analyses using both confluent monolayers and cells in suspension, urea failed to increase intracellular calcium concentration. Taken together, these data indicate that urea-inducible ERK activation requires calcium action but not calcium entry. Although direct evidence is lacking, one possible explanation could include involvement of a calcium-dependent extracellular moiety of a cell surface-associated protein.

Ryanodine receptor and capacitative Ca2+ entry in fresh preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

A multiplicity of hormonal, neural, and paracrine factors regulates preglomerular arterial tone by stimulating calcium entry or mobilization. We have previously provided evidence for capacitative (store-operated) Ca2+ entry in fresh renal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ryanodine-sensitive receptors (RyRs) have recently been identified in a variety of nonrenal vascular beds.

METHODS

We isolated fresh rat preglomerular VSMCs with a magnetized microsphere/sieving technique; cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured with fura-2 ratiometric fluorescence.

RESULTS

Ryanodine (3 micromol/L) increased [Ca2+]i from 79 to 138 nmol/L (P = 0.01). Nifedipine (Nif), given before or after ryanodine, was without effect. The addition of calcium (1 mmol/L) to VSMCs in calcium-free buffer did not alter resting [Ca2+]i. In Ca-free buffer containing Nif, [Ca2+]i rose from 61 to 88 nmol/L after the addition of the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid and to 159 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenched the Ca/fura signal, confirming divalent cation entry. In Ca-free buffer with Nif, [Ca2+]i increased from 80 to 94 nmol/L with the addition of ryanodine and further to 166 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenching was again shown. Thus, emptying of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with ryanodine stimulated capacitative Ca2+ entry.

CONCLUSION

Preglomerular VSMCs have functional RyR, and a capacitative (store-operated) entry mechanism is activated by the depletion of SR Ca2+ with ryanodine, as is the case with inhibitors of SR Ca2+-ATPase.

Estradiol-17beta-BSA stimulates Ca(2+) uptake through nongenomic pathways in primary rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells: involvement of cAMP and PKC

The effect of estradiol-17beta-BSA (E(2)-BSA) on Ca(2+) uptake and its related signal pathways were examined in the primary cultured rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells. E(2)-BSA (10(-9) M) significantly stimulated Ca(2+) uptake from 2 h by 13% and at 8 h by 35% as compared to control, respectively. This stimulatory effect of E(2)-BSA was not inhibited by tamoxifen (10(-8) M, an intracellular estrogen receptor antagonist), actinomycin D (10(-7) M, a transcription inhibitor), and cycloheximide (4 x 10(-5) M, a protein synthesis inhibitor). However, E(2)-BSA-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake was blocked by methoxyverapamil (10(-6) M, an L-type calcium channel blocker) and 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (10(-5) M, a Na(+)/H(+) antiporter blocker). These results suggest that E(2)-BSA stimulates Ca(2+) uptake through nongenomic pathways. Thus, we investigated which signal pathways were related to E(2)-BSA-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake. 8-Br-cAMP (10(-6) M) alone increased Ca(2+) uptake by 22% compared to control. When E(2)-BSA combined with 8-Br-cAMP, Ca(2+) uptake was not significantly stimulated compared to E(2)-BSA. SQ 22536 (10(-6) M, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor) and myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitor amide 14-22 (10(-6) M, a protein kinase A inhibitor) blocked E(2)-BSA-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake and E(2)-BSA also increased cAMP generation by 26% of that of control. In addition, TPA (0.02 ng/ml, an artificial PKC promoter) stimulated the Ca(2+) uptake by 14%, and the cotreatment of TPA and E(2)-BSA did not significantly stimulate Ca(2+) uptake compared to E(2)-BSA. E(2)-BSA-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake was blocked by U 73122 (10(-6) M, a phospholipase C inhibitor) or bisindolylmaleimide I (10(-6) M, a protein kinase C inhibitor). Indeed, E(2)-BSA stimulated PKC activity by 26%. In conclusion, E(2)-BSA (10(-9) M) stimulated Ca(2+) uptake by nongenomic action, which is mediated by cAMP and PKC pathways.