Tubuloglomerular Feedback Synchronization in Nephrovascular Networks

2021 ◽  
pp. ASN.2020040423
Author(s):  
Tayyaba Zehra ◽  
William A. Cupples ◽  
Branko Braam

To perform their functions, the kidneys maintain stable blood perfusion in the face of fluctuations in systemic BP. This is done through autoregulation of blood flow by the generic myogenic response and the kidney-specific tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism. The central theme of this paper is that, to achieve autoregulation, nephrons do not work as single units to manage their individual blood flows, but rather communicate electrically over long distances to other nephrons via the vascular tree. Accordingly, we define the nephrovascular unit (NVU) to be a structure consisting of the nephron, glomerulus, afferent arteriole, and efferent arteriole. We discuss features that require and enable distributed autoregulation mediated by TGF across the kidney. These features include the highly variable topology of the renal vasculature which creates variability in circulation and the potential for mismatch between tubular oxygen demand and delivery; the self-sustained oscillations in each NVU arising from the autoregulatory mechanisms; and the presence of extensive gap junctions formed by connexins and their properties that enable long-distance transmission of TGF signals. The existence of TGF synchronization across the renal microvascular network enables an understanding of how NVUs optimize oxygenation-perfusion matching while preventing transmission of high systemic pressure to the glomeruli, which could lead to progressive glomerular and vascular injury.

Hypertension ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Ge ◽  
Fan Fan ◽  
Sydney R Murphy ◽  
Jan Michael Williams ◽  
Ruisheng Liu ◽  
...  

Previous studies have indicated that a deficiency in the formation of 20-HETE in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of Henle in Dahl S rats increases sodium reabsorption and contributes to the development of hypertension. The present study examined whether the lack of 20-HETE production in the renal vasculature contributes to the progression of renal injury by altering the myogenic or tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) response of the afferent arteriole (Af-Art). The production of 20-HETE was significantly lower by 54% in renal microvessels isolated from the kidneys of Dahl S rats versus that seen than in SS.5BN consomic strain in which chromosome 5 from the Brown Norway (BN) rat containing the CYP4A genes responsible for the formation of 20-HETE was transferred into the Dahl S genetic background. The luminal diameter of the Af-Art decreased by 14.7± 1.5% (from 20.5 ± 0.7 to 17.5 ± 0.8 μm, n=6) in SS.5BN rats whereas the diameter of the Af-Art remained unaltered in Dahl S rats (from 20.1 ± 0.6 to 21.7 ± 0.6 μm, n=7) when the perfusion pressure was increased from 60 mmHg to 120 mmHg. In other experiments, adenosine (1 μM) reduced the diameter of the Af-Art in the SS.5BN rats by 15±0.7% (from 20.1 ±0.4 to 17.1 ± 0.9 μm, n=3) whereas the Af-Art of Dahl S rats was unaltered. However, administration of a 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor, HET0016 (1 μM, n=6), or a selective 20-HETE antagonist, 6, 15-20-HEDE (10 μM, n=6) completely blocked the myogenic and adenosine responses in the Af-Art of SS.5BN rats but it had no effect in Dahl S rats. Administration of a 20-HETE agonist, 5, 14-20-HEDE (1 μM) restored the myogenic response (from 20.7 ± 0.7 to 17.6 ± 0.6 μm, n=7) and vasoconstrictor response to adenosine in the Af-Art of Dahl S rats. These studies confirm the key role of 20-HETE in modulating the responsiveness of the Af-Art and indicate that a deficiency in the formation of 20-HETE in renal microvessels contributes to the marked susceptibility of Dahl S rats to develop hypertension induced renal injury.


2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattias Carlström ◽  
Christopher S. Wilcox ◽  
William J. Arendshorst

Intrarenal autoregulatory mechanisms maintain renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) independent of renal perfusion pressure (RPP) over a defined range (80–180 mmHg). Such autoregulation is mediated largely by the myogenic and the macula densa-tubuloglomerular feedback (MD-TGF) responses that regulate preglomerular vasomotor tone primarily of the afferent arteriole. Differences in response times allow separation of these mechanisms in the time and frequency domains. Mechanotransduction initiating the myogenic response requires a sensing mechanism activated by stretch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and coupled to intracellular signaling pathways eliciting plasma membrane depolarization and a rise in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Proposed mechanosensors include epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), integrins, and/or transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Increased [Ca2+]ioccurs predominantly by Ca2+influx through L-type voltage-operated Ca2+channels (VOCC). Increased [Ca2+]iactivates inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to mobilize Ca2+from sarcoplasmic reticular stores. Myogenic vasoconstriction is sustained by increased Ca2+sensitivity, mediated by protein kinase C and Rho/Rho-kinase that favors a positive balance between myosin light-chain kinase and phosphatase. Increased RPP activates MD-TGF by transducing a signal of epithelial MD salt reabsorption to adjust afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction. A combination of vascular and tubular mechanisms, novel to the kidney, provides for high autoregulatory efficiency that maintains RBF and GFR, stabilizes sodium excretion, and buffers transmission of RPP to sensitive glomerular capillaries, thereby protecting against hypertensive barotrauma. A unique aspect of the myogenic response in the renal vasculature is modulation of its strength and speed by the MD-TGF and by a connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CT-GF) mechanism. Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide are modulators of myogenic and MD-TGF mechanisms. Attenuated renal autoregulation contributes to renal damage in many, but not all, models of renal, diabetic, and hypertensive diseases. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding underlying mechanisms enabling renal autoregulation in health and disease and methods used for its study.


1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (6) ◽  
pp. F1047-F1054
Author(s):  
T. Takabatake ◽  
H. Hara ◽  
Y. Ishida ◽  
H. Ohta ◽  
K. Kobayashi

The renal effects of a prostaglandin synthesis agonist, 1-iodo-3-aminomethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol (ONO-3122), were investigated in anesthetized rats. ONO-3122 (0.3 mg/kg + 0.3 mg.kg-1.h-1 iv) doubled the urinary excretion of the main metabolites of prostaglandin F, and induced transient increases in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with a marked, stable natriuresis. Indomethacin suppressed the natriuresis. When the diuretic fluid losses were replaced, micropuncture showed an unaltered reabsorption of sodium in the proximal tubule but reductions in the loop of Henle (86 +/- 1 vs. 76 +/- 1%) and in the more distal segments (98 +/- 1 vs. 83 +/- 3%) with comparable reductions in water reabsorption. Potassium secretion was seen in the distal and collecting tubules. Without fluid replacement, sodium reabsorption was reduced in the loop and more distal nephron but increased in the proximal tubule. Differences between proximal and distal nephron GFR were unaffected by systemic ONO-3122. Loop perfusion with ONO-3122 did not change tubuloglomerular feedback responses, which were, however, completely suppressed by furosemide. It is concluded that ONO-3122 stimulates renal prostaglandin biosynthesis, transiently dilates renal vasculature, and induces natriuresis mainly by suppressing sodium and water reabsorption in the loop of Henle and the more distal nephron. Luminal ONO-3122 does not affect the tubuloglomerular feedback.


2010 ◽  
Vol 298 (5) ◽  
pp. R1143-R1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Hanner ◽  
Charlotte Mehlin Sorensen ◽  
Niels-Henrik Holstein-Rathlou ◽  
János Peti-Peterdi

Connexins (Cxs) are widely-expressed proteins that form gap junctions in most organs, including the kidney. In the renal vasculature, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45 are expressed, with predominant expression of Cx40 in the endothelial cells and Cx45 in the vascular smooth muscle cells. In the tubules, there is morphological evidence for the presence of gap junction plaques only in the proximal tubules. In the distal nephron, Cx30, Cx30.3, and Cx37 are expressed, but it is not known whether they form gap junctions connecting neighboring cells or whether they primarily act as hemichannels. As in other systems, the major function of Cxs in the kidney appears to be intercellular communication, although they may also form hemichannels that allow cellular secretion of large signaling molecules. Renal Cxs facilitate vascular conduction, juxtaglomerular apparatus calcium signaling, and tubular purinergic signaling. Accordingly, current evidence points to roles for these Cxs in several important regulatory mechanisms in the kidney, including the renin angiotensin system, tubuloglomerular feedback, and salt and water reabsorption. At the systemic level, renal Cxs may help regulate blood pressure and may be involved in hypertension and diabetes.


2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (4) ◽  
pp. F758-F764 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wronski ◽  
E. Seeliger ◽  
P. B. Persson ◽  
C. Forner ◽  
C. Fichtner ◽  
...  

Response of renal vasculature to changes in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) involves mechanisms with different frequency characteristics. Autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF) is mediated by the rapid myogenic response, by the slower tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism, and, possibly, by an even slower third mechanism. To evaluate the individual contribution of these mechanisms to RBF autoregulation, we analyzed the response of RBF to a step increase in RPP. In anesthetized rats, the suprarenal aorta was occluded for 30 s, and then the occlusion was released to induce a step increase in RPP. Three dampened oscillations were observed; their oscillation periods ranged from 9.5 to 13 s, from 34.2 to 38.6 s, and from 100.5 to 132.2 s, respectively. The two faster oscillations correspond with previously reported data on the myogenic mechanism and the TGF. In accordance, after furosemide, the amplitude of the intermediate oscillation was significantly reduced. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester significantly increased the amplitude of the 10-s oscillation. It is concluded that the parameters of the dampened oscillations induced by the step increase in RPP reflect properties of autoregulatory mechanisms. The oscillation period characterizes the individual mechanism, the dampening is a measure for the stability of the regulation, and the square of the amplitudes characterizes the power of the respective mechanism. In addition to the myogenic response and the TGF, a third rather slow mechanism of RBF autoregulation exists.


2012 ◽  
Vol 367 (1596) ◽  
pp. 1719-1732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Klaassen ◽  
Bethany J. Hoye ◽  
Bart A. Nolet ◽  
William A. Buttemer

Long-distance migratory birds are often considered extreme athletes, possessing a range of traits that approach the physiological limits of vertebrate design. In addition, their movements must be carefully timed to ensure that they obtain resources of sufficient quantity and quality to satisfy their high-energy needs. Migratory birds may therefore be particularly vulnerable to global change processes that are projected to alter the quality and quantity of resource availability. Because long-distance flight requires high and sustained aerobic capacity, even minor decreases in vitality can have large negative consequences for migrants. In the light of this, we assess how current global change processes may affect the ability of birds to meet the physiological demands of migration, and suggest areas where avian physiologists may help to identify potential hazards. Predicting the consequences of global change scenarios on migrant species requires (i) reconciliation of empirical and theoretical studies of avian flight physiology; (ii) an understanding of the effects of food quality, toxicants and disease on migrant performance; and (iii) mechanistic models that integrate abiotic and biotic factors to predict migratory behaviour. Critically, a multi-dimensional concept of vitality would greatly facilitate evaluation of the impact of various global change processes on the population dynamics of migratory birds.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2253-2262
Author(s):  
BERT FLEMMING ◽  
NICOLE ARENZ ◽  
ERDMANN SEELIGER ◽  
THOMAS WRONSKI ◽  
KATHARINA STEER ◽  
...  

Abstract. Response of renal vasculature to changes in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) involves mechanisms with different frequency characteristics. Autoregulation of renal blood flow is mediated by a rapid myogenic response and a slower tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism. In 25 male conscious rats, ramp-shaped changes in RPP were induced to quantify dynamic properties of autoregulation. Decremental RPP ramps immediately followed by incremental ramps were made for four different rates of change, ranging from 0.118 to 1.056 mmHg/s. Renal blood flow and cortical and medullary fluxes were assessed, and the corresponding relative conductance values were calculated continuously. During RPP decrements, conductance increased. With increasing rate of change of RPP decrements, maximum conductance increased from 10% to 80%, as compared with control. This response, which indicates the magnitude of autoregulation, was more pronounced in cortical versus medullary vasculature. Pressure at maximum conductance decreased with increasing rate of change of RPP decrements from 88 to 72 mmHg. During RPP increments, dependence of maximum conductance changes on the rate of change was enhanced (-20 to 110% of control). Thus, a hysteresis-like asymmetry between RPP decrements and increments, a resetting of autoregulation, was observed, which in direction and magnitude depended on the rate of change and duration of RPP changes. In conclusion, renal vascular responses to changes in RPP are highly dependent on the dynamics of the error signal. Furthermore, the method presented allows differentiated stimulation of various static and dynamic components of pressure-flow relationship and, thus, a direct assessment of the magnitudes and operating pressure range of active mechanisms of pressure-flow relationships.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunanya Masodsai ◽  
Sasipa Buranapuntulug ◽  
Parunchaya Jamkrajang ◽  
Pei-Ni Chen ◽  
Rungchai Chaunchaiyakul

Abstract BackgroundPregnant supports have been designed to prevent structural deviations but may impair blood circulation of the lower limbs, in particular during the last trimester. In this study, we evaluate the effect of different pregnant supports on hemodynamics responses during postural changes and daily physical activities.MethodsTwelve last-trimester healthy pregnant women participated in this study. With randomized supports of casual wear (CW), pelvic band (PB), and pregnant pants (PP), subjects performed postural changes (standing and side lying using sitting as control), daily physical activities (climbing up and down stairs, lifting, sit-to-stand, and 10 min walking), and routine pregnant exercises. Hemodynamic responses including heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, local blood flow, and perfusion around the ankle were measured at the end of the 1st and 3rd minute after wearing pregnant supports.ResultsStanding position in CW group showed hemodynamic compensations via increasing diastolic blood pressure (DBP, 1st minute) and heart rate (HR, 3rd minute), whereas there were no significant changes in the PB and PP groups. Side lying position lowered cardiac responses in all groups, with higher blood perfusion in CW and PB, but not in PP. Cardiac variables, blood flows, and perfusions showed no significant difference among pregnant supports during daily physical activities, and routine pregnant exercises. The satisfaction evaluation on daily activities and routine exercises showed no difference among pregnant supports but the preferential pregnant support is PB.ConclusionIt can be concluded that PB offers similar hemodynamic adjustments during postural changes as casual wear. PB support is recommended for pregnant women for daily physical activities, as well as routine exercises. Trial registration: The trial is retrospectively registered in http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th (01/02/2021) with trial no: TCTR20210201003.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge I. Fonseca-Correa ◽  
Ricardo Correa-Rotter

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), or gliflozins, are a group of antidiabetic drugs that have shown improvement in renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with kidney disease, with and without diabetes. In this review, we will describe the different proposed mechanisms of action of SGLT2i. Gliflozins inhibit renal glucose reabsorption by blocking the SGLT2 cotransporters in the proximal tubules and causing glucosuria. This reduces glycemia and lowers HbA1c by ~1.0%. The accompanying sodium excretion reverts the tubuloglomerular feedback and reduces intraglomerular pressure, which is central to the nephroprotective effects of SGLT2i. The caloric loss reduces weight, increases insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and likely reduces lipotoxicity. Metabolism shifts toward gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis, thought to be protective for the heart and kidneys. Additionally, there is evidence of a reduction in tubular cell glucotoxicity through reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. SGLT2i likely reduce kidney hypoxia by reducing tubular energy and oxygen demand. SGLT2i improve blood pressure through a negative sodium and water balance and possibly by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system. These changes contribute to the improvement of cardiovascular function and are thought to be central in the cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2i. Gliflozins also reduce hepcidin levels, improving erythropoiesis and anemia. Finally, other possible mechanisms include a reduction in inflammatory markers, fibrosis, podocyte injury, and other related mechanisms. SGLT2i have shown significant and highly consistent benefits in renal and cardiovascular protection. The complexity and interconnectedness of the primary and secondary mechanisms of action make them a most interesting and exciting pharmacologic group.


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