Na,K-ATPase in isolated nephron segments in rats with experimental heart failure

Sodium-pump gene-expression, protein abundance and enzyme activity in isolated nephron segments of the aging rat kidney

Aging is associated with alteration in renal tubular functions, including sodium handling and concentrating ability. Na-K-ATPase plays a key role in driving tubular transport, and we hypothesized that decreased concentrating ability of the aging kidney is due in part to downregulation of Na-K-ATPase. In this study, we evaluated Na and K balance, aldosterone levels, and Na-K-ATPase gene expression, protein abundance, and activity in aging rat kidney. Na-K-ATPase activity (assayed microfluorometrically), mRNA (RT-PCR), and protein abundance (immunoblotting) were quantitated in the following isolated nephron segments: PCT, PST, MTAL, DCT, and CCD from 2, 8, 15, and 24 month-old-rats. In the course of aging, creatinine clearance decreased from 0.48 ± 0.02 mL/min/100 g BW to 0.28 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001) and aldosterone decreased from 23.6 ± 0.8 ng/dL to 13.2 ± 0.6 (P < 0.001). Serum Na⁺ and K⁺ increased by 4.0% and 22.5%, respectively. Na-K-ATPase activity, mRNA, and protein abundance of the α₁ subunit displayed similar trends in all assayed segments; increasing in PCT and PST; decreasing in MTAL and DCT; increasing in CCD: in PCT they increased by 40%, 75%, and 250%, respectively; while in PST they increased by 80%, 50%, and 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). In MTAL they declined by 36%, 24%, and 34%, respectively, and in DCT by 38%, 59%, and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001). They were higher in CCD by 110%, 115%, and 246%, respectively (P < 0.001). Rats maintained Na/K balance; however with a steady state elevated serum K⁺. These results reveal quantitative changes in axial distribution of Na-K-ATPase at the level of gene expression, protein abundance, and activity in the nephrons of aging animals and may explain, in part, the pathophysiology of the senescent kidney.

Regulation of renal proximal tubule Na-K-ATPase by prostaglandins

Prostaglandins (PGs) play a number of roles in the kidney, including regulation of salt and water reabsorption. In this report, evidence was obtained for stimulatory effects of PGs on Na-K-ATPase in primary cultures of rabbit renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. The results of our real-time PCR studies indicate that in primary RPTs the effects of PGE(2), the major renal PG, are mediated by four classes of PGE (EP) receptors. The role of these EP receptors in the regulation of Na-K-ATPase was examined at the transcriptional level. Na-K-ATPase consists of a catalytic α-subunit encoded by the ATP1A1 gene, as well as a β-subunit encoded by the ATP1B1 gene. Transient transfection studies conducted with pHβ1-1141 Luc, a human ATP1B1 promoter/luciferase construct, indicate that both PGE(1) and PGE(2) are stimulatory. The evidence for the involvement of both the cAMP and Ca(2+) signaling pathways includes the inhibitory effects of the myristolylated PKA inhibitor PKI, the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536, and the PKC inhibitors Gö 6976 and Ro-32-0432 on the PGE(1) stimulation. Other effectors that similarly act through cAMP and PKC were also stimulatory to transcription, including norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition to its effects on transcription, a chronic incubation with PGE(1) was observed to result in an increase in Na-K-ATPase mRNA levels as well as an increase in Na-K-ATPase activity. An acute stimulatory effect of PGE(1) on Na-K-ATPase was observed and was associated with an increase in the level of Na-K-ATPase in the basolateral membrane.

Canine idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Part II: pathophysiology and therapy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is characterized by ventricular and atrial enlargement, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, with congestive heart failure (CHF) often developing at some stage. With greater understanding of the impact of neuroendocrine stimulation in heart disease, the understanding of the pathophysiology for CHF has changed considerably. It is no longer considered only to be a simple haemodynamic consequence of pump dysfunction, but is now characterized as a complex clinical syndrome with release of many neurohormones, which are believed to have impact on the progression of disease. This change in our understanding of the pathophysiology of CHF has important therapeutic implications. There are strong indications, although not yet proven, that drugs designed to influence the neuroendocrine activity, such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-receptors antagonists, are efficacious as adjunct therapy of heart failure attributable to DCM in dogs. The benefits of drugs designed to influence the myocardial contractile state (positive inotropes) have not been fully evaluated. However, evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that new types of positive inotropes may be beneficial in dogs with DCM. This review focuses on the neuroendocrine aspects of DCM and their possible therapeutic implications and the place for long-term inotropic support in dogs with DCM.