Effects of long-term inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase on blood pressure and renin release.

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS) in macula densa cells may be involved in the control of renin release. 7-Nitro indazole (7-NI) inhibits nNOS, and we investigated the effect of short- (4 days) and long-term (4 weeks) 7-NI treatment on blood pressure (BP), plasma renin concentration (PRC) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in rats on different salt diets. Rats were divided into three groups and given low-salt (LS), normal (C) and high-salt (HS) diets. Each diet group was subdivided into two groups treated either with 7-NI or vehicle. Long-term 7-NI-treated rats (LS and C) showed increased BP compared with controls (LS: 149 +/- 4 vs. 133 +/- 3; C: 146 +/- 4 vs. 127 +/- 4 mmHg). Blood pressure in HS rats did not differ from that in controls. Plasma renin concentration was stimulated in LS-rats (251 +/- 64 mGU mL(-1)) compared with C and HS rats (42 +/- 8 and 39 +/- 5 mGU mL(-1), respectively) but was not significantly affected by chronic 7-NI treatment (350 +/- 103, 49 +/- 10 and 50 +/- 15 mGU mL(-1) in LS, C and HS, respectively). In rats treated with 7-NI for 4 days, no effect on BP was seen, but PRC was increased in 7-NI treated LS rats compared with vehicle treated LS rats (107 +/- 15 vs. 56 +/- 1 mGU mL(-1)). Stimulation of PRC in LS rats was further enhanced by 7-NI after 4 days of treatment, but not affected in rats treated for 4 weeks. This suggests that inhibition of nNOS stimulates renin release but that this stimulatory effect in the long run might be depressed by the increase in blood pressure.

Measurement of nitric oxide formation.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a simple gaseous monoxide that is involved in a variety of biological mechanisms in the mammalian body (1). NO is produced by a group of enzymes, nitric oxide synthases. One of the more important functions of NO is to regulate the tone of blood vessels (2). As one of the most potent vasodilators known, NO modulates the vasoconstrictive action of humoral factors, including angiotensin II (Ang II). Therefore, a well-controlled balance between Ang II and NO is required for normal hemodynamic function in all blood vessels (3-6).

Increased tubuloglomerular feedback reactivity is associated with increased NO production in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat.

The characteristics of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism were examined in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. This model is known to induce damage in the distal tubular system and thus Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) secretion. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: (A) diabetic rats with blood glucose levels (BG)<19 mmol/l, (B) with BG>/=19 mmol/l, and (C) control rats. After 50 days, the diabetic rats had higher arterial blood pressure and increased TGF reactivity (delta P(SF)) than control rats. The proximal tubular free-flow pressure (P(T)) and stop-flow pressure (P(SF)) were reduced, while the glomerular filtration was normal. This indicates that the diabetic animals of this study were severely vasoconstricted. Inhibition of renal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) resulted in a greater increase of TGF reactivity in diabetic rats than in control rats. Diabetic rats also showed increased excretion rates of albumin and THP. The excretion rate of THP was associated with P(SF) (r=-0.88, p<0.01). In conclusion, diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased blood pressure and an increased TGF reactivity, which indicates that the diabetic rats were vasoconstricted. NOS inhibition increased the reactivity of TGF to greater extent in diabetic animals than in controls, indicating that the renal vasoconstriction was compensated for by an increased NO production.

Impaired effect by NO synthase inhibition on tubuloglomerular feedback in rats after chronic renal denervation.

Acute unilateral renal denervation (aDNX) is associated with reduced tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) sensitivity. Six days after denervation (cDNX) TGF sensitivity is somewhat restored, but TGF reactivity increased. This study aimed to investigate if the increased TGF reactivity that was seen in cDNX kidneys was owing to reduced production of nitric oxide (NO). TGF characteristics were determined with micropuncture experiments in anaesthetized rats, using the stop-flow pressure (PSF) technique. Maximal drop in PSF (DeltaPSF) was used as an index of TGF reactivity and the loop of Henle perfusion rate that elicited half-maximal DeltaPSF, the turning point (TP) was used as a measure of TGF sensitivity. In cDNX kidneys, TP was higher than in control rats (25.4 +/- 1.5 nL min-1 vs. 19.1 +/- 1.1 nL min-1), but clearly lower than in aDNX rats (37. 3 +/- 3.1 nL min-1). TGF was more reactive in cDNX rats (DeltaPSF=14. 7 +/- 1.1 mmHg) than in aDNX (7.9 +/- 1.1 mmHg) and control rats (9. 6 +/- 0.9 mmHg). Intratubular inhibition of NO synthase N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) in sham-DNX animals, decreased TP to 13.9 +/- 2.2 nL min-1 and DeltaPSF was increased with 92%. In cDNX kidneys TP was not significantly reduced by L-NA, and TGF reactivity was only moderately increased by 31%. Intratubular infusion of L-arginine (L-Arg) reduced DeltaPSF from 10.2 +/- 0.7 to 6.5 +/- 0.6 mmHg in sham-DNX kidneys, but TP was unaffected. In cDNX kidneys, there was no effect on either DeltaPSF or TP by the addition of L-Arg. However, when NO was delivered via sodium nitroprusside in the tubular perfusate, a clear reduction of DeltaPSF was seen in both sham-DNX and cDNX kidneys (from 9.9 +/- 0.5 to 4.4 +/- 1.0 and from14.9 +/- 1.3 to 8.1 +/- 1.5 mmHg, respectively). This indicates that cDNX is a state of low renal NO production and that this low level of NO resets TGF to a higher sensitivity and more pronounced reactivity.

Advanced glycosylation end-products and NO-dependent vasodilation in renal afferent arterioles from diabetic rats.

Systemic pressor responses to acetylcholine (ACh) are reduced in DM, an effect thought to be related to quenching of nitric oxide (NO) by advanced glycosylation end-products (AGE). We studied the effects of AGE in juxtamedullary (JM) afferent arterioles (AA) from rats with 40-50 days diabetes mellitus (DM) induced via streptozotocin. JM AA were perfused in vitro with solutions containing fresh RBCs suspended in either 6% bovine albumin or 6% AGE-albumin in euglycaemic Krebs-Ringer. Autoregulatory responses were evident in the DM vessels: AA constricted 31 +/- 2% (n=9) when perfusion pressure (PP) was raised from 60 to 140 mmHg. ACh (10 microM) caused a 43 +/- 15% dilation and Ca2+-channel blockade elicited a 95 +/- 14% dilation at 100 mmHg PP, indicating substantial basal vascular tone in DM AA. L-NAME (0.1 mM) constricted DM AA by 21 +/- 2% (n=9) at 100 mmHg PP, indicating significant basal NO production in DM vessels. Segments of renal resistance arteries from DM rats perfused in vitro responded to muscarinic stimulation and elevated glucose levels with significant increments in NO production, as measured with an NO-sensitive electrode. This observation shows that the renal endothelial NO system is intact in DM. While AGE in the perfusate dilated control AA, they had no effect on DM AA at all PP levels, although they blunted ACh-induced dilation. Hence, although AGE do appear to have vasoactive properties in the absence of hyperglycaemia, the results of this study are inconsistent with substantial NO quenching by AGE.

Renal NO production and the development of hypertension.

The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) has the very important functions of detecting the fluid flow rate to the distal tubule and thus controlling the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism [TGF]) and renin release from the afferent arteriole. In studies of the TGF it has been evident that the sensitivity of this mechanism can be reset. Volume expansion will reset it to a low sensitivity leading to a high GFR and urine excretion rate, while dehydration will sensitize the TGF mechanism, giving rise to a low GFR and low urine excretion rate. Furthermore, we have found that in animals that spontaneously develop hypertension there is initially a sensitization of the TGF, leading to a reduced GFR and urine excretion rate, with fluid volume retention in the body and a consequent rise in blood pressure. When the pressure is raised, the TGF characteristics are normalized. In the macula densa (MD) cells in the JGA, there is a large production of NO from neuronal NOS. This production continuously reduces TGF sensitivity and is apparently impaired in animals that spontaneously develop hypertension. When we added an nNOS inhibitor to the drinking water for several weeks while measuring blood pressure, we found an increase in blood pressure after 3-4 weeks of treatment. This effect was abolished by a high salt diet. From these investigations, it also appeared as if nNOS-derived NO inhibited renin release. Experiments have also indicated that NO may resensitize inhibited G-protein coupled purinergic receptors.

Carbon monoxide induces vasodilation and nitric oxide release but suppresses endothelial NOS.

The vascular effects of carbon monoxide (CO) resemble those of nitric oxide (NO), but it is unknown whether the two messengers converge or exhibit reciprocal feedback regulation. These questions were examined in microdissected perfused renal resistance arteries (RRA) studied using NO-sensitive microelectrodes. Perfusion of RRA with buffers containing increasing concentrations of CO resulted in a biphasic release of NO. The NO response peaked at 100 nM CO and then declined to virtually zero at 10 microM. When a series of 50-s pulses of 100 nM CO were applied repeatedly (150-s interval), the amplitude of consecutive NO responses was diminished. NO release from RRA showed dependence on L-arginine but not D-arginine, and the responses to CO were inhibited by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthases (NOS). CO (100 nM) also suppressed NO release induced by 100 microM carbachol, a potent agonist for endothelial NOS (eNOS). RRA from rats in which endogenous CO production from inducible HO was elevated (cobalt chloride 12 h prior to study) also showed suppressed responses to carbachol. Furthermore, responses consistent with these findings were obtained in juxtamedullary afferent arterioles perfused in vitro, where the vasodilatory response to CO was biphasic and the response to acetylcholine was blunted. Collectively, these data suggest that the CO-induced NO release could be attributed to either stimulation of eNOS or to NO displacement from a cellular storage pool. To address this, direct in vitro measurements with an NO-selective electrode of NO production by recombinant eNOS revealed that CO dose-dependently inhibits NO synthesis. Together, the above data demonstrate that, whereas high levels of CO inhibit NOS activity and NO generation, lower concentrations of CO induce release of NO from a large intracellular pool and, therefore, may mimic the vascular effects of NO.

AT1 receptor inhibition blunts angiotensin II-stimulated nitric oxide release in renal arteries.

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to modulate the vascular effects of angiotensin II (AngII) in the kidney. To investigate the effect of AngII on NO release, a new technique was used that employs an NO-sensitive microelectrode to measure NO release from the vascular endothelium of perfused renal resistance arteries (tertiary branches of the renal artery or primary arcuate arteries) in vitro. The vessels were microdissected from isolated perfused rat kidneys, cannulated, and perfused at constant flow and pressure with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution. The electrode was placed inside the glass collection cannula to measure vessel effluent NO concentration. Addition of AngII to the perfusate stimulated NO release in a dose-dependent manner; 0.1, 10, and 1000 nM AngII increased NO oxidation current by 85+/-18 pA (n=11), 148+/-22 pA (n=11), and 193+/-29 pA (n=11), respectively. These currents correspond to changes in effluent NO concentration of 3.4+/-0.5, 6.1+/-1.1, and 8.2+/-1.3 nM, respectively. The presence of 0.1 mM N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in the perfusate significantly reduced the response to 10 nM AngII by 90.5+/-3.4% (n=5). Neither losartan (1 microM) nor candesartan (1 nM) significantly affected basal NO production, but both of these AT1-receptor blockers markedly blunted NO release in response to AngII (10 nM): 77+/-6% inhibition with losartan (n=8) and 63+/-9% with candesartan (n=8). These results demonstrate that AngII stimulates N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-inhibitable NO release in isolated renal resistance arteries. Because the response was significantly blunted by AT1 receptor blockade, the findings suggest that endothelium-dependent modulation of AngII-induced vasoconstriction in renal resistance arteries is mediated, at least in part, by AT1 receptor-dependent NO release.

Renal nerve stimulation restores tubuloglomerular feedback after acute renal denervation.

Renal nerves play an important role in the setting of the sensitivity of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism. We recently reported a time-dependent resetting of TGF to a lower sensitivity 3-4 h after acute unilateral renal denervation (aDNX). This effect persisted after 1 week, but was then less pronounced. To determine whether normal TGF sensitivity could be restored in aDNX kidneys by low-frequency renal nerve stimulation (RNS), the following experiments were performed. Rats with aDNX were prepared for micropuncture. In one experimental group proximal tubular free flow (Pt) and stop flow pressures (Psf) were measured during RNS at frequencies of 2, 4 and 6 Hz. In another series of experiments the TGF sensitivity was evaluated from the Psf responses at different loop perfusion rates after 20 min of RNS at a frequency of 2 Hz. The maximal drop in Psf (delta Psf) and the tubular flow rate at which half the maximal response in delta Psf was observed (turning point, TP), were recorded. At RNS frequencies of 2, 4 and 6 Hz, Pt decreased from the control level of 14.1 +/- 0.8-13.1 +/- 1.0, 12.4 +/- 1.1 and 11.2 +/- 0.8 mmHg (decrease 21%, P < 0.05), respectively, while at zero perfusion and during RNS at 2 and 4 Hz Psf decreased from 42.5 +/- 1.6 to 38.2 +/- 1.4 and 32.8 +/- 4.3 mmHg (decrease 23%, P < 0.05), respectively. The TGF characteristics were found to be reset from the normal sensitivity with TP of 19.0 +/- 1.1 nL min-1 and delta Psf of 8.7 +/- 0.9 mmHg to TP of 28.3 +/- 2.4 nL min-1 (increase 49%, P < 0.05) and delta Psf of 5.8 +/- 1.2 mmHg (decrease 33%) after aDNX. After 20 min of RNS at 2 Hz TP was normalized and delta Psf was 33% higher. Thus the present findings indicate that the resetting of the TGF sensitivity that occurred 2-3 h after aDNX could be partially restored by 20 min of RNS at a frequency of 2 Hz. These results imply that renal nerves have an important impact on the setting of the sensitivity of the TGF mechanism.

Hypertension and impaired renal angiotensin II response in rats after chronic neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition.

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by the macula densa cells is important for the control of tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). Reduced production of NO by these cells activates TGF and could result in hypertension, although the TGF activity is then normalized in the hypertensive state. The normalization of TGF in this form of hypertension might be explained by an impaired ability of angiotensin II to constrict renal vessels or by up-regulation of some other vasodilator not affected by NO synthase inhibitors.

Nitric oxide and renal blood pressure regulation.

In the mammalian body the kidney might be the most important organ for long-term blood pressure regulation. Nitric oxide seems to play a particular role in the control of renal haemodynamics, and changes in renal nitric oxide synthesis should therefore be of great importance for the renal control of blood pressure.

Angiotensin-II stimulates nitric oxide release in isolated perfused renal resistance arteries.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a modulator of the vascular effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the kidney. We used a NO-sensitive microelectrode to study the effect of ANG II on NO release, and to determine the effect of selective inhibition of the ANG II subtype I receptor (AT1) with losartan (LOS) and candesartan (CAN). NO release from isolated and perfused renal resistance arteries was measured with a porphyrin-electroplated, carbon fiber. The vessels were microdissected from isolated perfused rat kidneys and perfused at constant flow and pressure in vitro. The NO-electrode was placed inside the glass collection cannula to measure vessel effluent NO concentration. ANG II stimulated NO release in a dose-dependent fashion: 0.1 nM, 10 nM and 1000 nM ANG II increased NO-oxidation current by 85+/-18 pA (n = 11), 148+/-22 pA (n = 11), and 193+/-29 pA (n = 11), respectively. These currents correspond to changes in effluent NO concentration of 3.4+/-0.5 nM, 6.1+/-1.1 nM, and 8.2+/-1.3 nM, respectively. Neither LOS (1 muM) nor CAN (1 nM) significantly affected basal NO production, but both AT1-receptor blockers markedly blunted NO release in response to ANG II (10 nM): 77+/-6% inhibition with LOS (n = 8) and 63+/-9% with CAN (n = 8). These results are the first to demonstrate that ANG II stimulates NO release in isolated renal resistance arteries, and that ANG II-induced NO release is blunted by simultaneous AT1-receptor blockade. Our findings suggest that endothelium-dependent modulation of ANG II-induced vasoconstriction in renal resistance arteries is mediated, at least in part, by AT1-receptor-dependent NO release.

Production and physiological actions of anandamide in the vasculature of the rat kidney.

The endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist anandamide is present in central and peripheral tissues. As the kidney contains both the amidase that degrades anandamide and transcripts for anandamide receptors, we characterized the molecular components of the anandamide signaling system and the vascular effects of exogenous anandamide in the kidney. We show that anandamide is present in kidney homogenates, cultured renal endothelial cells (EC), and mesangial cells; these cells also contain anandamide amidase. Reverse-transcriptase PCR shows that EC contain transcripts for cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, while mesangial cells have mRNA for both CB1 and CB2 receptors. EC exhibit specific, high-affinity binding of anandamide (Kd = 27.4 nM). Anandamide (1 microM) vasodilates juxtamedullary afferent arterioles perfused in vitro; the vasodilation can be blocked by nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition with L-NAME (0.1 mM) or CB1 receptor antagonism with SR 141716A (1 microM), but not by indomethacin (10 microM). Anandamide (10 nM) stimulates CB1-receptor-mediated NO release from perfused renal arterial segments; a similar effect was seen in EC. Finally, anandamide (1 microM) produces a NO-mediated inhibition of KCl-stimulated [3H]norepinephrine release from sympathetic nerves on isolated renal arterial segments. Hence, an anandamide signaling system is present in the kidney, where it exerts significant vasorelaxant and neuromodulatory effects.

Increased blood pressure in rats after long-term inhibition of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase.

In the kidney, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) of the neuronal isoform (nNOS) is predominantly located in the macula densa cells. Unspecific chronic NOS inhibition in rats leads to elevated blood pressure (P(A)), associated with increased renal vascular resistance. This study was designed to examine the effect of chronic selective inhibition of nNOS with 7-nitro indazole (7-NI) on P(A), GFR, and the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system. P(A) was repeatedly measured by a noninvasive tail-cuff technique for 4 wk in rats treated orally with 7-NI, and in control rats. After treatment, the animals were anesthetized and renal excretion rates, GFR, and TGF activity were determined. After 1 wk of 7-NI treatment P(A) was increased from 129+/-4 to 143 2 mmHg. GFR (1.85+/-0.1 vs. 1.97+/-0.2 ml/min in controls) was unchanged, but micropuncture studies revealed a more sensitive TGF than in controls. After 4 wk of 7-NI treatment P(A) was 152+/-4 mmHg, but no change in GFR (1.90+/-0.5 ml/min) or TGF sensitivity was detected. Acute administration of 7-NI to nontreated rats did not affect P(A), but decreased GFR (1.49+/-0.1 ml/min) and increased TGF sensitivity. In conclusion, chronic nNOS inhibition leads to increased P(A). Our results suggest that the elevated P(A) could be caused by an initially increased TGF sensitivity, leading to decreased GFR and an increased body fluid volume.

Impaired effect of nitric oxide synthesis inhibition on tubuloglomerular feedback in hypertensive rats.

Experiments were conducted to compare the effects of intratubular inhibition [N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA)] of nitric oxide (NO) on the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism between anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and between the Milan hypertensive (MHS) and the Milan normotensive (MNS) strains of rats. Changes in proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (Psf) in response to various loop of Henle perfusion rates and measurements of early proximal flow rate (EPFR) were used to characterize TGF. Maximal drop in Psf (delta Psf) were used to indicate TGF reactivity and the flow rate eliciting half-maximal delta Psf (turning point; TP) to indicate TGF sensitivity. Under control conditions, TGF sensitivity was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY, but, after L-NNA infusion, TP was decreased in WKY and not in SHR. L-NNA infusion increased delta Psf by 95% in WKY but to a lesser extent (by 26%) in SHR. In the same way, L-NNA decreased TP in MNS but not in MHS. The increase in delta Psf was 99% in MNS but only 32% in MHS. The EPFR reduction after TGF activation was significantly increased in WKY and MNS but relatively unchanged in SHR and MHS. The results show that the effect of intratubular NO synthase inhibition on TGF is impaired in both strains of hypertensive rats.

Macula densa derived nitric oxide in regulation of glomerular capillary pressure.

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS). At least three different isoforms of NOS have been identified in the kidney. This study examines the effects of selective inhibition of the inducible isoform (iNOS) and the neuronal isoform (bNOS) on the glomerular capillary pressure (PGC), through studies of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism in anaesthetized rats. The proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (PSF) was measured to estimate changes in PGC obtained after activation of the TGF system by varying the loop of Henle perfusion rate with artificial ultrafiltrate including vehicle, NOS inhibition or L-arginine. Infusion of nonspecific NOS inhibition (N omega-Nitro-L-arginine) increased maximal TGF responses (delta PSF) by 84% and L-arginine decreased delta PSF by 37%. Aminoguanidine, a selective iNOS-inhibitor, failed to increase delta PSF, whereas the nonspecific NOS inhibitor methylguanidine increased delta PSF by 64%. 7-Nitro indazole (7-NI), a selective bNOS inhibitor, increased delta PSF by 57% when infused intratubularly, and intraperitoneal administration of 7-NI increased delta PSF by 78%, without any change in blood pressure. Since bNOS is exclusively located in the macula densa (MD) cells, these results confirm and strengthen the obligatory role of MD-produced NO in regulation of TGF and PGC, which has been suggested earlier. iNOS, widely expressed in the kidney, does not seem to play any important role in regulation of PGC.

Effects of acute and chronic unilateral renal denervation on the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism.

We recently observed a time-dependent resetting of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) sensitivity to a subnormal level after acute unilateral renal denervation (aDNX). The present investigation compares the effects of aDNX with those of chronic unilateral renal denervation (cDNX), i.e one week after aDNX. All experiments were performed in anaesthetized rats prepared for micropuncture. cDNX led to increases in urine, sodium and potassium excretion in denervated kidneys, while contralateral kidneys showed reduced excretion of these parameters. GFR was increased in denervated kidneys, but unchanged on the contralateral side. TGF activity was determined by measuring the maximal stop-flow pressure response (delta Psf) and the tubular flow rate at which 50% of the maximal response occurred (turning point; TP). cDNX decreased TGF sensitivity, as indicated by an increased TP from 19.1 nL/min in sham-DNX to 26.1 nL/min. Concomitantly, TP in contralateral kidneys was significantly decreased to 15.9 nL/min, aDNX led to a greater sensitivity reduction: TP increased from 19.8 to 34.0 nL/min and contralaterally TP decreased to 14.0 nL/min. delta Psf in cDNX increased by 63% compared to sham-DNX, while on the contralateral side this was unchanged. No difference in delta Psf was found between control, DNX and contralateral kidneys in the aDNX group. In summary, these experiments show that the previously reported decrease in TGF sensitivity in aDNX kidneys still persists after one week, although less pronounced. As a result of the decreased TGF sensitivity, GFR is kept on a high level in cDNX kidneys. Contralateral kidneys show reversed resetting.

A new method for exchange of perfusion fluid during in vivo micropuncture.

The first step in the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism is postulated to be the sensing of changes in tubular NaCl concentration by the macula densa (MD) cells. Despite this, few in vivo studies using different tubular NaCl concentrations administered to the MD site have been completed. Methodological problems associated with retrograde perfusion might possibly explain this. In the present study we present a modification of a method used in in vitro tubular perfusion experiments which makes it possible to determine the TGF response using retrograde perfusion with a single perfusion pipette. The system is based on the use of a fluid exchange pipette introduced through a chamber in the holder of the perfusion pipette all the way to the tip of this pipette. The perfusion flow was regulated by a pressure head, and by regulating the outflow from the chamber. The flow was determined for different tip diameters and for different perfusion pressures. Using a tip diameter of 4 microns, the flow through the tip was in the range 18-25 nL min-1 at a pressure of 60-70 mmHg. The fluid-exchange pipette was tested in vivo by measuring proximal tubular stop-flow pressure while perfusing the macula densa region with different NaCl concentration.

Acute renal denervation causes time-dependent resetting of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism.

Renal effects of acute renal denervation (DNX) were studied in anaesthetized rats. In a first series, whole kidney clearance measurements were made 120 and 240 min after unilateral DNX. At 240 min, urine production was 3.59 +/- 0.87 microL min-1 in control kidneys and 7.74 +/- 1.97 microL min-1 in denervated kidneys. The corresponding values for sodium excretion were 0.56 +/- 0.17 and 1.41 +/- 0.34 mumol min-1, potassium excretion 0.48 +/- 0.08 and 0.97 +/- 0.37 mumol min-1 and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 0.83 +/- 0.08 and 1.05 +/- 0.16 mL min-1, respectively. In a second series, tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) characteristics were determined with the stop-flow pressure (Psf) technique. With increasing time, the sensitivity of the TGF mechanism diminished in denervated rats, as indicated by an increased turning point (TP). TP was significantly increased 2 h after DNX from 19.1 +/- 1.13 in control to 25.9 +/- 1.10 nL min-1. TP was further increased 4 h after DNX to 37.3 +/- 3.12 nL min-1. However, the maximal TGF response to increased flow in the late proximal tubule was not altered. But, Psf was significantly higher in DNX rats than in the controls (47.4 +/- 1.01 vs. 43.0 +/- 1.53 mmHg) in spite of a lower blood pressure (107 +/- 2.9 vs. 119 +/- 2.2 mmHg). We conclude that intact renal nerves are essential for the setting of the TGF sensitivity and hence the regulation of GFR.

Inhibition of locally produced nitric oxide resets tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism.

This study was designed to compare the effects of systemic and intratubular infusions of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism in anesthetized rats. We recently showed that intravenous infusion of L-NNA led to increases in mean arterial blood pressure (Pa), proximal tubular stop-flow pressure (Psf), and enhanced TGF sensitivity and reactivity. To avoid major systemic effects, in this study TGF was studied after intratubular NO inhibition. Intratubular infusion of L-NNA (10(-3) M) yielded similar results as shown with intravenous infusion, without systemic effects. TGF sensitivity and reactivity were increased, indicated by decreased turning point (TP) from 19.8 +/- 1.0 to 15.2 +/- 0.7 nl/min and increased delta Psf from 10.0 +/- 0.8 to 23.9 +/- 1.9 mmHg (24.3 vs. 59.1%). L-NNA at a concentration of 10(-4) M showed significant changes in both TP (from 20.9 +/- 1.1 to 17.8 +/- 1.0 nl/min) and delta Psf (from 7.6 +/- 0.6 to 13.9 +/- 0.7 mmHg), whereas 10(-5) M only increased delta Psf (9.7 +/- 1.0 vs. 12.1 +/- 1.1 mmHg). However, at low tubular perfusion rates Psf was not influenced by L-NNA. The early proximal flow rate (EPFR) showed no change at low tubular perfusion rates with L-NNA. At maximal TGF activation (40 nl/min), delta EPFR was increased from 34% in control to 62%. Our results suggest that NO not only regulates glomerular capillary pressure but also decreases the sensitivity of the TGF mechanism.