Dissociation of K channel density and ROMK mRNA in rat cortical collecting tubule during K adaptation

1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (3) ◽  
pp. F525-F531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Frindt ◽  
Hao Zhou ◽  
Henry Sackin ◽  
Lawrence G. Palmer

The density of conducting K channels in the apical membrane of the rat cortical collecting tubule (CCT) is increased by a high-K diet. To see whether this involved increased abundance of mRNA coding for K channel protein, we measured the relative amounts of mRNA for ROMK, the clone of the gene thought to encode the secretory K channel in the CCT. Tubules were isolated and fixed for in situ hybridization with a probe based on the ROMK sequence. Radiolabeled probe associated with the tubule was quantified using densitometric analysis of the autoradiographic images of the tubules. The densitometry signal was shown to be proportional to the amount of radioactive probe in the sample and to the time of exposure of the film. The technique was able to detect an approximately twofold increase in the abundance of mRNA coding for the water channel aquaporin 3 (AQP3), in response to a 30-h dehydration period. Tubules from rats fed a normal diet or a high-K (10% KCl) diet had equal amounts of ROMK mRNA. This suggests that an increase in the abundance of mRNA does not underlie the increase in channel density observed under these conditions.

1986 ◽  
Vol 251 (4) ◽  
pp. F725-F733 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hunter ◽  
A. G. Lopes ◽  
E. Boulpaep ◽  
G. Giebisch

The regulation of K+-channel activity from the apical membrane of the rabbit cortical collecting tubule was studied using the patch-clamp technique. Using inside-out patches, channel open probability was determined as a function of calcium and barium concentration and transmembrane potential. Channel open probability was increased by raising bath (cytoplasmic) calcium concentration, with an apparent Ka of 2.4 microM. Mean channel open time also increased during this maneuver. The channel was reversibly inhibited by barium, applied to the cytoplasmic face, with an apparent Ki of 12 microM. Depolarization of the transmembrane potential increased channel open probability. With 1 mM calcium in the bath solution, the open probability was one-half maximal at -55 mV. It is concluded that this channel is the probable route for transcellular K+ secretion by the cortical collecting tubule and that procedures likely to increase intracellular calcium and/or depolarize the apical membrane will cause an increased potassium secretion.


1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (5) ◽  
pp. F805-F812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence G. Palmer ◽  
Gustavo Frindt

Long-term adaptation to a high-K diet is known to increase the density of conducting secretory K (SK) channels in the luminal membrane of the rat cortical collecting tubule (CCT). To examine whether these channels are involved in the short-term, day-to-day regulation of K secretion, we examined the density of K channels in animals fed a high-K diet for 6 or 48 h. CCTs were isolated and split open to provide access to the luminal membrane. Cell-attached patches were formed on principal cells with 140 mM KCl in the patch-clamp pipette. SK channels were recognized from their characteristic single-channel conductance (40–50 pS) and gating patterns. Animals fed a control diet had SK channel densities of 0.40 channels/μm2. When the diet was changed for one containing 10% KCl for 6 h, the channel density increased to 1.51 channels/μm2. Maintaining the animals on a high-K diet for 48 h resulted in a further increase in SK channels to 2.29 channels/μm2. Animals fed a low-K diet for 5 days or longer had SK densities of 0.53 channels/μm2, not significantly different from control values. The presence of conducting Na channels in the luminal membrane will also affect K secretion by the CCT by altering the electrical driving force through the K channels. The density of Na channels, measured with LiCl in the pipette, was 0.08 for controls and 1.00 and 1.08 channels/μm2 after 6 h and 48 h on a high-K diet. Plasma aldosterone increased from 15 ± 4 ng/dl (controls ) to 36 ± 8 and 98 ± 23 ng/dl after 6 and 48 h of K loading, respectively. The increase in K channel density could not be reproduced by infusion of the animals with aldosterone. We conclude that regulation of the density of conducting Na and K channels may contribute to day-to-day variation in the rate of renal K secretion and to the short-term maintenance of K balance.


1994 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
L G Palmer ◽  
L Antonian ◽  
G Frindt

The patch-clamp technique was used to study the properties and the density of conducting K and Na channels in the apical membrane of rat cortical collecting tubule. The predominant K channel observed in cell-attached patches (SK channels) had an outward single-channel conductance (with LiCl in the pipette) of 10 pS. The inward conductance (with KCl in the pipette) was 42 pS. The channel had a high open probability that increased with depolarization. Kinetic analysis indicated the presence of a single open state and two closed states. Increasing K intake by maintaining animals on a high K diet for 12-16 d increased the number of SK channels per patch by threefold (0.7-2.0/patch) over control levels. In addition, conducting Na-selective channels, which were not observed in control animals, were seen at low density (0.5/patch). These channels had properties similar to those observed when the animals were on a low Na diet, except that the mean open probability (0.84) was higher. In other experiments, the whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to measure Na channel activity (as amiloride-sensitive current, INa) and Na pump activity (as ouabain-sensitive current, Ipump). In animals on a high K diet, INa was greater than in controls but much less than in rats on a low Na diet. Ipump was greater after K loading than in controls or Na-depleted animals. These K diet-dependent effects were not accompanied by a significant increase in plasma aldosterone concentrations. To further investigate the relationship between K channel activity and mineralocorticoids, rats were maintained on a low Na diet to increase endogenous aldosterone secretion. Under these conditions, no increase in SK channel density was observed, although there was a large increase in the number of Na channels (to 2.7/patch). Aldosterone was also administered exogenously through osmotic minipumps. As with the low Na diet, there was no change in the density of conducting SK channels, although Na channel activity was induced. These results suggest that SK channels, Na channels and Na/K pumps are regulated during changes in K intake by factors other than aldosterone.


1996 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
L G Palmer ◽  
G Frindt

The gating kinetics of apical membrane Na channels in the rat cortical collecting tubule were assessed in cell-attached and inside-out excised patches from split-open tubules using the patch-clamp technique. In patches containing a single channel the open probability (Po) was variable, ranging from 0.05 to 0.9. The average Po was 0.5. However, the individual values were not distributed normally, but were mainly < or = 0.25 or > or = 0.75. Mean open times and mean closed times were correlated directly and inversely, respectively, with Po. In patches where a sufficient number of events could be recorded, two time constants were required to describe the open-time and closed-time distributions. In most patches in which basal Po was < 0.3 the channels could be activated by hyperpolarization of the apical membrane. In five such patches containing a single channel hyperpolarization by 40 mV increased Po by 10-fold, from 0.055 +/- 0.023 to 0.58 +/- 0.07. This change reflected an increase in the mean open time of the channels from 52 +/- 17 to 494 +/- 175 ms and a decrease in the mean closed time from 1,940 +/- 350 to 336 +/- 100 ms. These responses, however, could not be described by a simple voltage dependence of the opening and closing rates. In many cases significant delays in both the activation by hyperpolarization and deactivation by depolarization were observed. These delays ranged from several seconds to several tens of seconds. Similar effects of voltage were seen in cell-attached and excised patches, arguing against a voltage-dependent chemical modification of the channel, such as a phosphorylation. Rather, the channels appeared to switch between gating modes. These switches could be spontaneous but were strongly influenced by changes in membrane voltage. Voltage dependence of channel gating was also observed under whole-cell clamp conditions. To see if mechanical perturbations could also influence channel kinetics or gating mode, negative pressures of 10-60 mm Hg were applied to the patch pipette. In most cases (15 out of 22), this maneuver had no significant effect on channel behavior. In 6 out of 22 patches, however, there was a rapid and reversible increase in Po when the pressure was applied. In one patch, there was a reversible decrease. While no consistent effects of pressure could be documented, membrane deformation could contribute to the variation in Po under some conditions.


1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (2) ◽  
pp. C226-C233 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Farman ◽  
M. E. Oblin ◽  
M. Lombes ◽  
F. Delahaye ◽  
H. M. Westphal ◽  
...  

The localization of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was determined in the rabbit kidney by immunohistochemistry with the use of a monoclonal, anti-GR antibody and a monoclonal, anti-idiotypic, anti-MR antibody. Immunostaining was performed on serial histological sections from normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. The specificity of immunostaining was assessed for MR by in situ competition studies with steroids and for GR by presaturation of the antibody with GR preparation. Immunostaining by both the anti-MR and the anti-GR antibodies was present in all parts of the distal nephron (beyond proximal tubule) and absent in the glomerulus and proximal tubule. The absence of staining by the anti-GR antibody in the proximal tubule suggests that the effects of glucocorticoids in this structure involve either a GR different from that of distal structures or a non-receptor mediated mechanism of action. MR immunostaining predominates in the distal and all along the collecting tubule in its cortical, medullary, and papillary portions. GR immunostaining was most abundant in the medullary ascending limb and distal tubule. Immunostaining by both antibodies was present in papillary interstitial cells and cells of the epithelium lining the papilla. Fifteen to twenty percent of the cells of the cortical collecting tubule, presumably intercalated cells, were devoid of MR and GR immunostaining. Immunostaining was present in both nuclear and cytoplasmic cell compartments. No clear difference was observed between normal and adrenalectomized rabbits. This study is the first report on renal immunolocalization of GR compared with MR. In addition, we show evidence for new targets for corticosteroid hormones such as papillary interstitial cells and papillary epithelium.


1986 ◽  
Vol 250 (1) ◽  
pp. F120-F126 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Stokes

The passive (lumen-to-bath) K+ permeation (KK) of rabbit cortical collecting tubules was measured before and after inhibition of Na+ transport. Inhibition of the Na-K pump with ouabain reduced KK. This result contrasts sharply with the previously described increase in KK observed following inhibition of Na+ transport with amiloride. These opposite changes in KK are owing to the fact that a substantial component of the lumen-to-bath K+ permeation involves a transcellular pathway. Amiloride, because it hyperpolarizes the apical membrane, increases KK; ouabain, because it depolarizes the cell, decreases KK. Previous results have also suggested that the cell K+ permeability is secondarily altered by these agents so that the changes in voltage and permeability are additive. These patterns of changes in KK were used to evaluate the mechanism of action of two agents that partially inhibit Na+ transport: vasopressin and prostaglandin (PG) E2. Their effect on KK was qualitatively similar to that of amiloride. In amiloride-treated tubules, neither vasopressin nor PGE2 altered KK. Neither did they alter the normal reduction in KK caused by pump inhibition. Thus they did not have any direct effect on K+ permeability. These results are consistent with the thesis that vasopressin and PGE2 inhibit Na+ absorption by reducing apical membrane permeability. The relation between the regulation of Na+ absorption and K+ permeation may have important implications for the regulation of K+ secretion by the cortical collecting tubule.


1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (3) ◽  
pp. C468-C474 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Farman ◽  
I. Corthesy-Theulaz ◽  
J. P. Bonvalet ◽  
B. C. Rossier

The expression of the three alpha-isoforms of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was examined in rat brain and rat kidney by Northern blot analysis. All three isoforms were detected in brain tissue while alpha 1-isoform was observed in whole kidney, suggesting that either this isoform was solely expressed in this organ or that alpha 2- and/or alpha 3-isoforms were not detected only because of their restricted distribution among a minority of specialized tubular cells. To distinguish between these two possibilities, in situ hybridization with rat alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-ATPase cRNA was performed on rat kidney sections. Results show that alpha 1-isoform expression largely predominates in the loop of Henle, distal tubule, and cortical collecting tubule. The labeling was drastically reduced by preincubation of sections with RNase. A sense cRNA probe, used as control, did not hybridize. With alpha 2- and alpha 3-probes, the labeling was low and uniformly distributed. In contrast, these two isoforms were clearly expressed in the brain, together with alpha 1. We conclude that only alpha 1-isoform of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is detectable along the rat nephron. Its expression predominates in the tubular segments known to have a high Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (4) ◽  
pp. F922-F932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadi Najjar ◽  
Hao Zhou ◽  
Tetsuji Morimoto ◽  
James B. Bruns ◽  
Hai-Sheng Li ◽  
...  

The cortical collecting duct (CCD) is a final site for regulation of K+ homeostasis. CCD K+ secretion is determined by the electrochemical gradient and apical permeability to K+. Conducting secretory K+ (SK/ROMK) and maxi-K channels are present in the apical membrane of the CCD, the former in principal cells and the latter in both principal and intercalated cells. Whereas SK channels mediate baseline K+ secretion, maxi-K channels appear to participate in flow-stimulated K+ secretion. Chronic dietary K+ loading enhances the CCD K+ secretory capacity due, in part, to an increase in SK channel density (Palmer et al., J Gen Physiol 104: 693–710, 1994). Long-term exposure of Ambystoma tigrinum to elevated K+ increases renal K+ excretion due to an increase in apical maxi-K channel density in their CDs (Stoner and Viggiano, J Membr Biol 162: 107–116, 1998). The purpose of the present study was to test whether K+ adaptation in the mammalian CCD is associated with upregulation of maxi-K channel expression. New Zealand White rabbits were fed a low (LK), control (CK), or high (HK) K+ diet for 10–14 days. Real-time PCR quantitation of message encoding maxi-K α- and β2–4-subunits in single CCDs from HK animals was greater than that detected in CK and LK animals ( P < 0.05); β1-subunit was not detected in any CCD sample but was present in whole kidney. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a predominantly intracellular distribution of α-subunits in LK kidneys. In contrast, robust apical labeling was detected primarily in α-intercalated cells in HK kidneys. In summary, K+ adaptation is associated with an increase in steady-state abundance of maxi-K channel subunit-specific mRNAs and immunodetectable apical α-subunit, the latter observation consistent with redistribution from an intracellular pool to the plasma membrane.


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