Role of glutathione depletion and reactive oxygen species generation in apoptotic signaling in a human B lymphoma cell line.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the sequence of biochemical signaling events that occur after modulation of the cellular redox state in the B cell lymphoma line, PW, with emphasis on the role of mitochondrial signaling. L-Buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), which inhibits gamma glutamyl cysteine synthetase (gammaGCS), was used to modulate the cellular redox status. The sequence and role of mitochondrial events and downstream apoptotic signals and mediators was studied. After BSO treatment, there was an early decline in cellular glutathione (GSH), followed by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which induced a variety of apoptotic signals (detectable at different time points) in the absence of any external apoptotic stimuli. The sequence of biochemical events accompanying apoptosis included a 95% decrease in total GSH and a partial (25%) preservation of mitochondrial GSH, without a significant increase in ROS production at 24h. Early activation and nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor kappa B subunit Rel A was observed at approximately 3h after BSO treatment. Cytochrome c release into the cytosol was also seen after 24h of BSO treatment. p53 protein expression was unchanged after redox modulation for up to 72 h, and p21waf1 independent loss of cellular proliferation was observed. Surprisingly, a truncated form of p53 was expressed in a time-dependent manner, beginning at 24h after BSO incubation. Irreversible commitment to apoptosis occurred between 48 and 72 h after BSO treatment when mitochondrial GSH was depleted, and there was an increase in ROS production. Procaspase 3 protein levels showed a time-dependent reduction following incubation with BSO, notably after 48 h, that corresponded with increasing ROS levels. At 96 h, caspase 3 cleavage products were detectable. The pan-caspase inhibitor zVADfmk, partially blocked the induction of apoptosis at 48 h, and was ineffective after 72 h. PW cells could be rescued from apoptosis by removing them from BSO after up to 48, but not 72 h incubation with BSO. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) remained intact in most of the cells during the 72 h observation period, indicating that DeltaPsi(m) dissipation is not an early signal for the induction of redox dependent apoptosis in PW cells. These data suggest that a decrease in GSH alone can act as a potent early activator of apoptotic signaling. Increased ROS production following mitochondrial GSH depletion, represents a crucial event, which irreversibly commits PW cells to apoptosis.

Secretion of prostaglandin E2 by rabbit proximal tubules.

This study was designed to evaluate prostaglandin secretion from bath to urine in isolated perfused rabbit proximal tubules. Active prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion occurred along the entire length of the proximal tubule, but the rate of net secretion was highest in the S2 segment of the proximal straight tubule. Sixteen percent of the PGE2 secreted in the proximal straight tubule was metabolized to other products. The PGE2 cell-to-bath ratio averaged 40 and the tubule fluid-to-bath ratio averaged 3.4. These findings suggest active transport of PGE2 across the peritubular membrane and passive movement across the luminal membrane. Indomethacin, probenecid, para-aminohippurate, and ouabain partially inhibited PGE2 cell accumulation and net secretion. PGE2 entered the urine of the perfused descending limb of Henle (DLH), but at a rate two orders of magnitude below that observed in the S2 segment of the proximal tubule. No evidence of active PGE2 secretion was observed in the DLH. These results suggest that PGE2 is secreted into the urine at substantial rates by the organic anion transport system of renal proximal tubules.

Isolated microperfused tubule model to evaluate contrast media transport in normal and occluded renal tubule segments.

We evaluated tubular handling of urographic contrast media in normal and obstructed states by the use of a model which allowed direct evaluation of transcellular flux. Segments of rabbit renal tubule were harvested by microdissection. Individual tubular segments were cannulated by micropipette while immersed in a serum bath. Radioactive iodine-labeled sodium iothalamate was added to the perfusate of normal and distally obstructed nephron segments. Any iothalamate that moved through the tubule wall was recovered in the bath. The tubular epithelium was counted to determine epithelial concentration of iothalamate. A small efflux of contrast medium occurred which was unaffected by acute obstruction and increased pressure. Proximal straight tubules were more permeable to sodium iothalamate than cortical collecting tubules.

PAH transport and fluid absorption by isolated perfused frog proximal renal tubules.

Para-aminohippurate (PAH) transport and fluid absorption were studied in isolated perfused frog (Rana catesbeiana) proximal renal tubules. With 2 X 10(-5) M PAH in the bath, tubule fluid-to-bath (TF/B) concentration ratios averaged 3.0 and net secretion averaged 746 X 10(-15) mol min(-1) mm(-1) in the proximal tubule. Net PAH secretion did not vary with perfusion rate. During PAH secretion, cell water PAH concentration exceeded that in the tubular fluid or bath, suggesting active transport into cells and subsequent diffusion into lumen. In accordance with this concept, luminal membrane permeability (3.8 X 10(-5) cm s(-1) calculated from perfusion studies was about 6 times greater than peritubular membrane permeability (0.66 X 10(-5) cm s(-1)) determined from studies of PAH efflux from tubules with oil-filled lumens. Net transepithelial PAH transport saturated at bath concentration of about 6 X 10(-5) M. Addition of 20 mM urea to PAH bath concentration of 2 X 10(-5) M reduced net PAH secretion by 32%. Fluid absorption in proximal tubules averaged 0.34 nl min(-1) mm(-1). Ouabain (10(-4), 10(-5), or 10(-6) M) added to bath blocked fluid absorption. Fluid absorption was partially restored following removal of ouabain.