Renal hemodynamic and excretory responses to renin inhibition induced by A-64662.

Experiments were conducted in sodium-depleted anesthetized monkeys to determine the effects of the primate-selective renin inhibitor A-64662 on renal function. Five groups of monkeys were examined with each group receiving an i.v. infusion of vehicle or A-64662 at doses (bolus plus continuous infusion) of 0.1 + 0.01, 1.0 + 0.1, 10 + 1.0 or 100 micrograms/kg + 10 micrograms/kg/min (n = 6/dose). Plasma renin activity was inhibited (P less than .05) at all infusion doses ranging from 33 +/- 8% at the lowest dose to 95 +/- 3% at the highest dose. Inhibition of plasma renin activity was accompanied by renal vasodilation as renal blood flow (RBF) increased (P less than .05) in a dose-dependent manner beginning at the dose of 1.0 microgram/kg + 0.1 micrograms/kg/min. RBF increased 36 +/- 7% at the highest dose of A-64662 examined. Associated with the increments in RBF, renal vascular resistance progressively decreased (P less than .05) by 12 +/- 3, 31 +/- 3 and 40 +/- 6%, respectively, with increasing doses of A-64662. Glomerular filtration rate was unchanged at all doses of A-64662. As a result, a significant (P less than .05) fall in the filtration fraction was observed as the dose of A-64662 increased. Mean arterial pressure was unaffected by the two lowest doses of A-64662, but decreased (P less than 0.05) by 13 +/- 1 and 18 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively, at the two highest doses of A-64662 infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intraocular pressure lowering effects of the renin inhibitor ABBOTT-64662 diacetate in animals.

Corneal application of enalkiren (ABBOTT-64662), [N-(3-amino-3-methyl-1- oxobutyl)-4-methoxy-L-phenylalanyl]-N-[1S,2R,3S)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl+ ++)-2,3- dihydroxy-5-methylhexyl]-L-histidinamide], a renin inhibitor compound, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in unanesthetized rabbits and anesthetized monkeys. IOP was significantly decreased for at least 60 minutes after administration of a 0.3% solution of enalkiren in monkeys and for at least 90 minutes after the administration of 0.1% and 0.3% solutions in rabbits. Enalkiren did not affect systemic blood pressure or heart rate in anesthetized monkeys after topical application to the cornea. The IOP lowering activity of enalkiren suggests a potential functional role for the renin angiotensin system in the modulation of IOP.

Effects of chronic infusion of renin inhibitor A-64662 in sodium-depleted monkeys.

The potent and primate-selective renin inhibitor A-64662 (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 6) was administered intravenously for 7 days to sodium-depleted cynomolgus monkeys to investigate the chronic effects on arterial pressure, sodium excretion, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. A 0.1-mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by a continuous 0.01-mg/kg/min infusion of A-64662 lowered mean arterial pressure from 89 +/- 3 (average of 4 control days) to 75 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than 0.05) after 1 day of administration. This decrement was associated with marked inhibition of plasma renin activity (PRA) from 57.7 +/- 11.1 to 1.3 +/- 0.6 ng angiotensin I (Ang I)/ml/hr (p less than 0.05). Similar hypotensive levels (range 73 +/- 4 to 77 +/- 4 mm Hg) were observed on days 2-7 of A-64662 infusion and PRA remained suppressed, ranging from 0.6 +/- 0.4 to 1.9 +/- 1.0 ng Ang I/ml/hr. Plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) levels were reduced (p less than 0.05) from the control value of 66.7 +/- 20.2 to 12.4 +/- 3.3 and 26.4 +/- 6.5 pg/ml on the second and seventh days, respectively, of A-64662 infusion. In contrast, infusion of vehicle alone had no discernible effect on mean arterial pressure, PRA, or plasma Ang II concentrations. Plasma aldosterone decreased (p less than 0.05) from control on the second and third days of A-64662 infusion, although differences between the treatment groups were not detected throughout the study. Urinary sodium excretion remained at control levels throughout the infusion of A-64662. Cessation of A-64662 administration resulted in a recovery of mean arterial pressure to preinfusion levels within 1 day. This study indicates that continuous infusion of A-64662 results in a sustained hypotension in sodium-depleted monkeys. This effect appears to be related, at least partially, to inhibition of PRA and lower plasma Ang II levels.

Effects of the renin inhibitor A-64662 in monkeys and rats with varying baseline plasma renin activity.

The efficacy of the potent, primate selective renin inhibitor A-64662 was studied in monkeys and rats with varying baseline plasma renin activity (PRA) to elucidate the relationship between PRA and the hypotensive response induced by this compound. The effect of a single bolus of vehicle or A-64662 at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg i.v. was compared in 30 normal and 30 salt-depleted, anesthetized monkeys (n = 5/dose). Baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) was similar among all groups, but baseline PRA was elevated in salt-depleted monkeys. A-64662 induced a comparable dose-related fall in MAP, affecting the magnitude and duration of action, accompanied by inhibition of PRA, the duration of which was dose-related in both the normal and salt-depleted groups. However, the minimum effective doses required to reduce MAP by approximately 10% were 0.01 mg/kg for the salt-depleted monkeys and 0.1 mg/kg for the normal monkeys. In a second study, three consecutive boluses of vehicle or A-64662 at 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg were administered to anephric monkeys, human renin-infused anephric monkeys, and normal monkeys (n = 4/group). A dose of 0.1 mg/kg was ineffective, but the 1.0 mg/kg dose lowered MAP by 11 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE) in the anephric monkeys. The infusion of renin into anephric monkeys restored the efficacy of A-64662 at the 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg doses to responses comparable to those of the normal monkeys. A-64662 at 10.0 mg/kg caused a similar fall in MAP of 50 to 60% in anephric, renin-infused anephric, and normal monkeys in the absence of detectable PRA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of renal Na+-K+-ATPase in the rat: role of increased potassium transport.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the alterations in collecting tubule Na+-K+-ATPase activity produced by sustained increments in dietary potassium in the rat and to evaluate the role of aldosterone in their generation. In adrenal-intact animals, feeding a high-potassium diet (10-fold that of control) or administration of a high physiological dose of aldosterone (5 micrograms X 100 g-1 X day-1), which simulates the delivery rate of this hormone during potassium loading (both for 7 days), caused marked increments in Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT) but had no effect on the enzyme in the inner stripe of the medullary collecting tubule (MCT). A significant increase in enzyme activity was also observed after smaller dietary potassium increments (2.5 and 5 times the control) and after 4 (but not 2) days of dietary potassium load. In adrenalectomized rats provided with physiological replacement doses of corticosterone and aldosterone (0.8 micrograms X 100 g-1 X day-1), Na+-K+-ATPase activity in both CCT and MCT was similar to that of adrenal-intact controls but remained unchanged after 7 days on the potassium-enriched (10-fold) diet. In contrast, adrenalectomized animals receiving the high physiological dose of aldosterone displayed an increase in Na+-K+-ATPase activity of CCT comparable with that of adrenal-intact animals, whereas the enzyme activity in the MCT was unaffected. In conclusion, 1) following chronic potassium loading Na+-K+-ATPase activity increases significantly in the CCT with no change in its activity in the inner stripe of the MCT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation of renal sodium-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase by aldosterone. Effect of high physiologic levels on enzyme activity in isolated rat and rabbit tubules.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nephron site, time course, and mechanism of mineralocorticoid action on renal tubular Na-K-ATPase in rats and rabbits, without dietary manipulation and by using the natural mineralocorticoid aldosterone. Sustained, high physiologic levels of circulating aldosterone mimicking those produced endogenously during potassium loading or sodium deprivation were provided by constant delivery of the hormone in doses of 5 or 50 micrograms/100 g body wt per 24 h, respectively, from osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously. In adrenal-intact rats receiving the 5-microgram dose, aldosterone levels were similar to those seen in animals fed a high K diet and produced a time-dependent increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in the cortical-collecting tubule (CCT) to a level 103% higher than in controls after 7 d (2,007 +/- 178 vs. 989 +/- 72 pmol/mm per h, P less than 0.001); the enzyme activity in the proximal convoluted tubule, medullary thick ascending limb, and the inner stripe of the medullary-collecting tubule did not change significantly. The increment in CCT Na-K-ATPase was larger (142%) in animals receiving for the same period of time the 50-micrograms dose, which produced circulating aldosterone levels similar to those of sodium-deprived rats. A significant stimulation of Na-K-ATPase activity was seen in the CCT of adrenalectomized rats after 24 h of treatment with either dose of the hormone, and at 12 h only in animals receiving the 50 micrograms/100 g per 24 h regimen. To determine whether the enhanced Na-K-ATPase activity produced by aldosterone is due to synthesis of new enzyme units or to alteration in its kinetics, we examined the ouabain-binding capacity and the affinity for Na and K of the enzyme from CCT of rabbits treated with 5 micrograms/100 g body wt per 24 h aldosterone for 3 d. These experiments revealed a parallel increment on Na-K-ATPase activity and specific [3H]ouabain binding in aldosterone-treated rabbits, while the affinity of the enzyme for either sodium or potassium was unaltered. The results of this study indicate that high physiologic levels of aldosterone simulating those measured during K loading or Na deprivation lead to a segment-specific increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCT. This effect was time-and dose-dependent and was due to an increase in the number of active enzyme units. The segmental specificity and time course of the increase in enzyme activity suggest that modulation of Na-K-ATPase by aldosterone plays a role in the chronic adaptation of the CCT to altered availability of sodium and potassium, and therefore in the homeostasis of these cations by the kidney.

Relationship between adrenal steroids and renal Na-K-ATPase. Effect of short-term hormone administration on the rat cortical collecting tubule.

Mineralo- and glucocorticoids stimulate renal Na-K-ATPase activity if given over a few days, but their immediate effect on the enzyme (i.e. within the time period required to alter electrolyte transport) remains controversial. We evaluated the short-term (3 h) in vivo effect of physiologic and pharmacologic doses of the natural glucocorticoid (corticosterone) and mineralocorticoid (aldosterone), and of a semisynthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) on Na-K-ATPase activity in cortical collecting tubules microdissected from adrenalectomized rats. This nephron segment was chosen because it is a major target site for both classes of corticoids. Neither corticosterone (0.006, 0.6, and 5 mg/100 g body wt, IM), nor dexamethasone (5 mg/100 g body wt, IM) or aldosterone (10 micrograms and 50 micrograms, IV) altered significantly Na-K-ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule of these animals 3 h after administration. These results confirm our previous observations in the mouse, and suggest that the enhancing effect of corticosteroids on the renal enzyme seen after longer intervals represents a secondary phenomenon, possibly related to augmentation of the sodium load presented to the pump.

Regulation of renal Na-K-ATPase in the rat. Role of the natural mineralo- and glucocorticoid hormones.

Both mineralo- and glucocorticoids stimulate renal Na-K-ATPase, but their relative role in the regulation of the enzyme remains controversial. In this study we measured Na-K-ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT) of adrenalectomized rats replaced with either the native mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) or glucocorticoid (corticosterone) in doses calculated to yield previously determined physiologic concentrations of these hormones (5 ng X dl-1 and 5 micrograms X dl-1, respectively). This was achieved by continuous delivery of aldosterone (1 microgram X 100 g-1 X d-1) from an osmotic minipump or of corticosterone (2 pellets of 20 mg each), implanted subcutaneously either at adrenalectomy or 7 d later, when Na-K-ATPase activity reached its nadir. Adrenalectomized rats not receiving hormone replacement and adrenal-intact animals served as controls. The CCT was chosen because it contains the highest concentration of binding sites for both hormones. Na-K-ATPase activity declined 52% in the CCT of untreated adrenalectomized rats after 7 d, and remained unchanged thereafter. Physiologic replacement doses of aldosterone prevented this decline and restored the activity of the enzyme after it had been allowed to decrease maximally following adrenal ablation, whereas similar replacement of corticosterone was without effect. These observations suggest that under physiologic conditions Na-K-ATPase in the CCT, a probable target nephron segment of both hormones, is under mineralocorticoid rather than glucocorticoid control.

Corticosterone binding sites along the rat nephron.

Glucocorticoids influence numerous kidney functions but the precise location of glucocorticoid receptors in the nephron is not known. To identify the renal binding sites of corticosterone, the natural glucocorticoid in the rat, we measured the binding of [3H]corticosterone to discrete nephron segments microdissected from adrenalectomized rats. Highest specific binding capacity at 25 degrees C (expressed as fmol X cm-1 +/- SE) was found in the cortical collecting tubule (9.69 +/- 0.77) followed in decreasing order by the distal convoluted tubule (2.70 +/- 0.49), medullary collecting tubule (2.58 +/- 0.64), proximal convoluted tubule (1.09 +/- 0.10), and pars recta (0.57 +/- 0.08). Binding was lowest in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, with comparable values in the medullary (0.27 +/- 0.05) and cortical (0.26 +/- 0.05) portions of this segment. The apparent maximal binding capacity of the cortical collecting tubule for corticosterone exceeded by nearly two orders of magnitude that of aldosterone previously measured by us in this structure, which is in agreement with the observations of other investigators in kidney cytosol. Specific binding of corticosterone can be demonstrated along the entire rat nephron, but binding sites are concentrated in the cortical collecting tubule. This segment appears to be the main target site for corticosterone as it is for aldosterone.