Consequences of renal mass reduction on amino acid and biogenic amine levels in nephrectomized mice

Summary. Amino acid and biogenic amine changes were investigated in nephrectomized mice ten days postsurgery. Uremic mice exhibited changes in amino acid concentrations in plasma, urine and brain. Particularly plasma methionine, citrulline and arginine levels were significantly enhanced in nephrectomized mice compared to controls whereas serine was decreased. Urinary excretion of methionine, citrulline and alanine was higher in nephrectomized mice compared to controls whereas many amino acids were increased in brain of nephrectomized mice. Brain and urinary amino acid changes were more pronounced in the 75% than in the 50% nephrectomized mice. Brain norepinephrine and dopamine and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were significantly increased whereas serotonin was decreased comparing the 75% nephrectomized mice to the sham-operated mice. This study demonstrates that at very early stages of renal insufficiency, specific amino acid and biogenic amine changes occur in plasma, urine and brain. These alterations might depend qualitatively and quantitatively on the degree of functional renal mass reduction. Received April 5, 1999     

Effect of a high protein diet on glucose tolerance in the rat model

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high protein diet on glucose tolerance. Nine Sprague Dawley rats received a high protein (HP) diet (65% protein, 35% fat) and eight rats consumed a standard chow (SC) diet over eight weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed at the end of the third and the seventh week. The diet did not effect glucose tolerance in the first (SC=10357+/-294 mg/dl/120 min; HP=9846+/-300 mg/dl/120 min) or the second OGTT (SC=10134+/-395 mg/dl/120 min; HP=10721+/-438 mg/dl/120 min) as reflected by the area under the glucose concentration curve. Similarly, the area under the insulin concentration curve was not effected by the high protein diet during the first (SC=49.21+/-8.46 ng/ml/120 min; HP=41.75+/-10.54 ng/ml/120 min) or the second OGTT (SC=96.63+/-13.68 ng/ml/120 min; HP=92.77+/-17.44 ng/ml/120 min). The high protein diet group experienced a delayed glucose response for the first (SC=30 min at 112+/-7 mg/dl; HP=60 min at 101+/-5 mg/dl) and second OGTT (SC=15 min at 117+/-5 mg/dl; HP=60 min at 95+/-7 mg/dl). Body mass increased to the same extent in each diet group from the initial to final weighing (SC=159+/-2 g to 254+/-7 g; HP=157+/-2 g to 242+/-7 g). Despite a delay in peak glucose response, these findings suggest that glucose tolerance and body mass were neither adversely nor positively affected by a high protein diet.     

益生菌对高脂饮食诱导的大鼠胰岛素抵抗的影响

目的 观察益生菌对高脂饲料喂养的SD大鼠胰岛素抵抗的影响.方法 30只雄性健康SD大鼠正常喂养1周后,随机分为正常对照组、高脂模型组、益生菌干预组[即在高脂饲料喂养的基础上给予培菲康210 mg/(只·d)灌胃].14周末,处死所有大鼠,测量大鼠体重,检测血清及肝匀浆液中脂质和葡萄糖的变化,评价胰岛素抵抗程度,并检测血浆内毒素水平.结果 (1)与对照组比较,模型组大鼠肝指数明显升高(P＜0.05);益生菌治疗后肝指数无明显降低(P＞0.05).(2)与对照组比较,模型组存在脂质代谢紊乱(P＜0.05),益生菌治疗后脂代谢紊乱明显改善(P＜0.05).(3)与对照组比较,模型组胰岛素抵抗指数明显升高(P＜0.05),胰岛素敏感指数明显降低(P＜0.05),存在胰岛素抵抗,益生菌治疗后胰岛素抵抗改善(P＜0.05).(4)与对照组比较,模型组血浆内毒素水平明显升高(P＜0.05),存在内毒素血症,益生菌治疗后内毒素血症减轻(P＜0.05).结论 益生菌可减轻内毒素血症,改善高脂饮食诱导的胰岛素抵抗.     

Growth and body composition changes in mice selected for high post-weaning weight gain on two levels of feeding

Summary Two lines of mice were selected for high post-weaning weight gain (3 to 6 weeks) adjusted for 3 week weight. One line (F) was grown on freely available food and the other (S) on a feeding scale set at the same level for all mice. Food intake of the S line averaged 80% of the F line. The realised heritabilities after 6 generations of selection were 0.38±0.06 and 0.33±0.07 for the F and S lines, respectively. In generation 7, mice from the F and S lines and from an unselected control line (C) were compared on both free and set levels of feeding from 3 weeks to 9 weeks of age. Measurements taken were growth rate, appetite, food conversion efficiency (weight gain/food intake) and body composition (fat, protein, ash, water). The F and S lines grew more rapidly and efficiently than the C line on both levels of feeding, each line performing best on the level of feeding on which it was selected. The average genetic correlation between growth rates of the same line on the two feeding levels was 0.54±0.10. The F line grew 19% faster and was 9% more efficient than the S line on free feeding but the S line grew 15% faster and was 15% more efficient than the F line on set feeding. Relative to the C line, food intake per day on free feeding was 4% higher in the F line and 6% lower in the S line. There was no difference between the lines in food intake/g body weight. The rate of deposition of all body components increased in both selection lines. In the F, S and C lines respectively, efficiencies of gains in body components (10²x gain/food) were 1.79, 1.31 and 1.06 for fat, 1.53, 1.63 and 1.22 for protein and 5.88, 6.45 and 4.98 for protein + water. Apparently energy lost as heat was reduced in both the F and S lines. The partitioning of energy retained was altered in favour of more fat in the F line and more protein in the S line.     

The low nanomolar levels of N<Superscript>G</Superscript>-monomethylarginine in serum and urine of patients with chronic renal insufficiency are not significantly different from control levels

Summary.  There are no reliable mean values of N^G-monomethylarginine (NMMA) in blood and urine of patients with renal insufficiency available in the literature. Therefore we investigate whether the NMMA levels are changed in blood and urinary excretion of nondialysed and dialysed patients with chronic renal insufficiency to evaluate whether NMMA may reach sufficiently increased concentrations in blood of the patients to exert toxic biological activity. In nondialysed as well as in dialysed patients we find no significant difference in serum concentration of NMMA between patients and controls. In nondialysed patients (all with a residual creatinine clearance lower than 15 ml/min), we find 94.5 ± 26.1 nM (mean ± SD) versus 94.6 ± 19.5 nM in controls. Similar levels are found in serum of haemodialysed patients (each with serum creatinine levels >700 μM): 83.0 ± 20.2 nM. The urinary excretion of NMMA in nondialysed patients is also not significantly different from the excretion of controls: 123 ± 110 in patients versus 157 ± 117 nmol/24 hrs in controls. Furthermore, the clearance of NMMA is much lower compared to the clearance of the dimethylarginine derivatives. Based on the literature, the low nanomolar levels of NMMA found in blood of patients with renal insufficiency do not support the statement that NMMA proper may act as a uremic toxin. Received April 3, 2002 Accepted October 7, 2002 Published online January 20, 2003 Acknowledgements We thank the University of Antwerp, FWO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) (G.0027.97 and G.0394.00), the Born-Bunge Foundation, the OCMW Medical Research Foundation and Neurosearch Antwerp for the financial support. Authors' address: Bart Marescau, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behaviour, UIA T504, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium, Fax: 00 32 3 8202618; E-mail: bartold.marescau@ua.ac.be     

Plasma free amino acid profiles and nutrition proteins in chronic renal failure; effect of dialysis treatment

Summary A well preserved nutritional status is beneficial in chronically uremic patients for slowing the pace of deterioration of renal function, and delaying the need for dialysis therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional profile of 10 patients in a steady state of advanced CRF, and of 15 patients with terminal renal failure immediately prior to their first hemodialysis session (J0), and 7, 14, 45, 60, days post start of dialysis. Patients were 18 to 65 years old with total plasma proteins 60g/1. Plasma concentrations of amino acids, nutrition proteins, apolipoproteins A1, and B were evaluated. Non inflammatory reaction was evaluated by determination of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and C reactive protein. The data (mean ± 1 SD) were compared with mean values of 15 healthy individuals.     

Plasma lactate, GH and GH-binding protein levels in exercise following BCAA supplementation in athletes

Summary. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) stimulate protein synthesis, and growth hormone (GH) is a mediator in this process. A pre-exercise BCAA ingestion increases muscle BCAA uptake and use. Therefore after one month of chronic BCAA treatment (0.2 g kg⁻¹ of body weight), the effects of a pre-exercise oral supplementation of BCAA (9.64 g) on the plasma lactate (La) were examined in triathletes, before and after 60 min of physical exercise (75% of VO₂max). The plasma levels of GH (pGH) and of growth hormone binding protein (pGHBP) were also studied. The end-exercise La of each athlete was higher than basal. Furthermore, after the chronic BCAA treatment, these end-exercise levels were lower than before this treatment (8.6 ± 0.8 mmol L⁻¹ after vs 12.8 ± 1.0 mmol L⁻¹ before treatment; p < 0.05 [mean ± std. err.]). The end-exercise pGH of each athlete was higher than basal (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after the chronic treatment, this end-exercise pGH was higher (but not significantly, p = 0.08) than before this treatment (12.2 ± 2.0 ng mL⁻¹ before vs 33.8 ± 13.6 ng mL⁻¹ after treatment). The end-exercise pGHBP was higher than basal (p < 0.05); and after the BCAA chronic treatment, this end-exercise pGHBP was 738 ± 85 pmol L⁻¹ before vs 1691 ± 555 pmol L⁻¹ after. pGH/pGHBP ratio was unchanged in each athlete and between the groups, but a tendency to increase was observed at end-exercise. The lower La at the end of an intense muscular exercise may reflect an improvement of BCAA use, due to the BCAA chronic treatment. The chronic BCAA effects on pGH and pGHBP might suggest an improvement of muscle activity through protein synthesis. Received January 5, 1999 / Accepted June 17, 1999     

The effect of taurine administration on vitamin C levels of several tissues in mice

Summary. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulphonic acid), a sulphur-containing beta amino acid, is the most prevalent free intracellular amino acid in many human and animal tissues. Vitamin C metabolism is also fluenced by sulphur-containing amino acids. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of taurine administration on the vitamin C levels of plasma and several tissues (brain, liver, kidneys) in mice with incisional skin wounds. Animals were divided into two as control and taurine groups. Taurine was freshly dissolved in sterile saline and administered daily (60µl, ip) for five days in the taurine group. At the end of the fifth day, the animals were killed by decapitation. The brain, liver and kidneys were immediately removed. Vitamin C levels were measured in plasma and several tissues. The administration of taurine had no effect on the plasma vitamin C levels (P>0.05) but significantly increased in liver and kidneys (P<0.001). In conclusion, taurine may affect the vitamin C metabolism in tissues by different mechanisms.     

The effect of high-fat feeding on intramuscular lipid and lipid peroxidation levels in UCP3-ablated mice

Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) has been suggested to protect against lipid-induced oxidative damage. Therefore, we studied intramuscular lipid peroxide levels and high-fat diet induced alterations in muscle lipid metabolism of UCP3-ablated mice. UCP3-/- mice showed approximately 3-fold higher levels of intramuscular lipid peroxides upon standard chow feeding, compared to wild-type littermates. Remarkably, this difference was no longer apparent on the high-fat diet. However, upon high-fat feeding, intramuscular triacylglycerol levels were approximately 50% lower in UCP3-/- mice, in comparison to UCP3+/+ animals. Succinate dehydrogenase activity, and total protein content of the muscle fatty acid transporter FAT/CD36 were however similar between UCP3-/- and UCP3+/+ mice.     

高脂食物对动脉硬化合并类风湿关节炎小鼠肠道菌群的影响

目的 分析高脂食物对动脉硬化合并类风湿关节炎小鼠肠道微生物的影响,了解动脉硬化合并类风湿关节炎小鼠肠道微生物的变化。方法 8周龄ApoE-/-小鼠饲喂高脂食物和普通食物至17周龄来诱发动脉硬化症状,再通过给17周龄ApoE-/-小鼠腹腔注射抗6-磷酸葡萄糖异构酶（glucose-6-phosphate isomerase,GPI）抗体呈阳性的K/BxN血清,从而诱导其产生类风湿关节炎症状。通过Illumina HiSeq平台对各组小鼠粪便进行16S rDNA V4区测序,分析动脉硬化合并类风湿关节炎小鼠肠道微生物的变化。结果 ApoE-/-小鼠饲喂高脂食物后,其血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）浓度和血清总胆固醇（TC）浓度均显著升高,主动脉内膜斑块面积比喂普通食物的ApoE-/-小鼠显著增加,表明ApoE-/-小鼠饲喂高脂食物后引起更显著的动脉硬化症状。再通过腹腔注射抗GPI抗体呈阳性的K/BxN血清,各组ApoE-/-小鼠均出现关节肿胀,饲喂高脂食物的ApoE-/-小鼠其踝关节宽度和临床评分（clinical score）低于饲喂普通食物组小鼠。OTU数、Shannon指数和Simpson指数显示高脂食物和K/BxN血清处理组ApoE-/-小鼠肠道菌群多样性降低,Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes值升高,t-test分析显示在属水平上,Prevotellaceae_UCG-001显著降低,Ruminiclostridium_6显著升高。t-test分析和Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes比值显示ApoE-/-小鼠肠道菌群结构紊乱。结论 高脂食物使ApoE-/-小鼠的肠道菌群组成和结构发生改变,导致ApoE-/-小鼠的动脉硬化症状加重,类风湿关节炎症状减轻。提示肠道微生物组成和结构的改变,可能与动脉硬化合并类风湿关节炎发病机制相关。     

Effect of Cheonggukjang supplementation upon hepatic acyl-CoA synthase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, acyl-CoA oxidase and uncoupling protein 2 mRNA levels in C57BL/6J mice fed with high fat diet

This study investigated the effect of Cheonggukjang on mRNA levels of hepatic acyl-CoA synthase (ACS), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I), acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and on serum lipid profiles in C57BL/6J mice. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups; normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HD) and high fat diet with 40% Cheonggukjang (HDC). Energy intake was significantly higher in the HDC group than in the ND and HD groups. The HDC group normalized in weight gain, epididymal and back fat (g/100 g) accumulation which are increased by high fat diet. Serum concentrations of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the HDC were significantly lower than those in the HD group. These results were confirmed by hepatic mRNA expression of enzymes and protein (ACS, CPT-1, ACO, UCP2) which is related with lipid metabolism by RT-PCR. Hepatic CPT-I, ACO and UCP2 mRNA expression was increased by Cheonggukjang supplementation. We demonstrated that Cheonggukjang supplement leads to increased mRNA expressions of enzymes and protein involved in fatty acid oxidation in liver, reduced accumulation of body fat and improvement of serum lipids in high fat diet fed mice.     

田蓟苷对高脂饮食小鼠血脂代谢的改善作用及肠道菌群的影响

目的初步探讨田蓟苷改善高脂饮食小鼠血脂代谢的作用机制。方法将60只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组、高脂饮食组及田蓟苷低、中、高剂量给药组(50、100、200 mg/kg)和阿托伐他汀给药组(10 mg/kg),每组10只,连续给药12周后,检测各组小鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL C)水平。采用Western Blot法检测各组小鼠肝脏组织中SREBP 2和LDLR蛋白表达。通过16S rDNA基因实时荧光定量PCR法检测各组小鼠肠道菌群变化。结果与对照组相比,高脂饮食组小鼠血清TC、TG、HDL C和LDL C水平明显升高(t=-3.966,P=0.001;t=-3.438,P=0.003;t=3.811,P=0.001;t=-6.591,P<0.001),肝脏中SREBP 2和LDLR蛋白表达明显下调(t=7.198,P<0.001;t=8.892,P<0.001)。与高脂饮食组相比,田蓟苷高剂量给药组和阿托伐他汀给药组小鼠血清TC、LDL C水平明显降低(TC:t=2.483,P=0.023;t=3.300,P=0.004。LDL C:t=2.535,P=0.021;t=3.836,P=0.001),肝组织中的SREBP 2和LDLR蛋白水平明显上调(SREBP 2:t=-2.188,P=0.042;t=-3.317,P=0.007。LDLR:t=-2.649,P=0.016;t=-2.249,P=0.037)。与对照组相比,高脂饮食组小鼠肠道中厚壁菌门水平明显升高(t=-2.287,P=0.047),而拟杆菌门、双歧杆菌属、乳杆菌属、嗜黏蛋白阿克曼菌和普拉梭菌水平明显降低(t=3.127,P=0.006;t=2.737,P=0.014;t=3.542,P=0.002;t=3.491,P=0.003;t=2.780,P=0.012)。与高脂饮食组相比,田蓟苷高剂量给药组小鼠肠道中拟杆菌门、乳杆菌属和嗜黏蛋白阿克曼菌水平明显升高(t=-2.613,P=0.020;t=-2.558,P=0.024;t=-2.109,P=0.049)。结论田蓟苷改善高脂饮食诱导的血脂代谢紊乱可能与肝脏中SREBP 2和LDLR蛋白表达及肠道菌群结构变化有关,但其机制仍需进一步研究。     

Up-regulation of ADRP in fatty liver in human and liver steatosis in mice fed with high fat diet

The present study was performed to examine a role of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) in the process of liver steatosis. Immunohistochemical findings indicated that ADRP expression is increased in the hepatocytes in patients with fatty liver when compared with normal liver. ADRP expression is localized in the surface of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes. Increased expression of ADRP mRNA and protein was similarly observed in fatty liver in ob/ob mice and the liver steatosis induced by high fat diet in mice. The up-regulation of ADRP mRNA and protein in the liver by high fat diet was identified in the surface of lipid droplets in a time-dependent manner. Recent studies demonstrated that up-regulation of PPARgamma in the hepatocytes is deeply involved in liver steatosis. To clarify whether ADRP expression is increased by PPARgamma activation in hepatocytes, we examined the effect of a PPARgamma ligand, troglitazone, on ADRP mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. ADRP mRNA expression was increased by troglitazone in dose- and time-dependent manners. All these results suggest that ADRP is up-regulated in liver steatosis in human and mice, and that high fat diet increases expression of ADRP through PPARgamma activation, followed by induction of liver steatosis.     

裂殖壶藻藻油DHA对高脂饮食诱导肥胖小鼠的影响

【目的】肥胖症是一种慢性代谢类疾病,具有较高的发病率和高危后果。研究表明,n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids,n-3 PUFAs),特别是二十二碳六烯酸(Docosahexaenoic acid,DHA)对与肥胖症相关疾病有较好的防治效果,对体内脂质代谢有重要的调节作用。探讨裂殖壶藻(Schizochytrium sp.)藻油DHA对高脂饮食诱导肥胖小鼠体重、脂肪组织重量、血脂、肝和脂肪组织病理形态和脂质代谢相关基因表达的影响。【方法】通过高脂饮食建立小鼠肥胖模型,以体重增幅15%为标准分出肥胖小鼠。试验共分五组:(1)低脂对照组;(2)高脂模型组;(3)高脂+低剂量藻油组(50 mg DHA/kg);(4)高脂+中剂量藻油组(100 mg DHA/kg);(5)高脂+高剂量藻油组(200 mg DHA/kg)。其中,藻油处理组灌服相应剂量藻油,低脂对照组和高脂模型组灌胃同等体积玉米油。处理9周后,腹腔麻醉,摘眼球取血并分离血清,测血清中甘油三酯、胆固醇和高密度脂蛋白含量;之后处死小鼠,分离附睾、肾周和肠系膜脂肪组织及肝脏,称湿重;附睾脂肪和肝组织切片进行HE染色,观察病理变化情况;利用RT-PCR检测附睾脂肪组织中激素敏感脂酶(Hormone sensitive lipase,HSL)基因的m RNA表达情况。【结果】藻油处理组小鼠体重没有显著下降,但是腹部脂肪重量显著降低、脂肪细胞体积明显小于高脂模型组;同时血清中甘油三酯、胆固醇含量显著降低,肝组织异位脂肪堆积明显减少;脂肪组织中HSL基因的表达水平显著提高。【结论】裂殖壶藻藻油DHA处理能显著降低高脂饮食导致的小鼠腹部脂肪积累并改善血脂,可能有利于肥胖症的防治。     

The effect of nitrogen source on levels of amino acids in peas

Summary When nitrogen fixation in peas was partially replaced by nitrate assimilation as the source of nitrogen, an increase was found in the amount of soluble nitrogen that could be extracted from the fruits of the plants, and within this soluble fraction, increases were found in the levels of some of the acidic amino acids. Levels of protein amino acids in the peas were generally unaffected by the type of nitrogen source except for the level of aspartic acid which was about 20 per cent lower in peas supplied with nitrate. No differences were found in the proportions of the essential amino acids.     

The effect of cytochalasin D on protein synthesis in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Defolliculated fully grown oocytes of Xenopus laevis were treated with cytochalasin D (10 micrograms/ml) and their protein synthesis was studied by labelling with S-35 methionine. This treatment brought about an alteration in pigment pattern as well as a reduction in amino acid uptake by the oocytes. However, the radioactive amino acid taken by cytochalasin-treated oocytes was incorporated into protein in the same proportion as in untreated oocytes. These results suggested that subcortical pigment distribution and amino acid uptake in fully grown oocytes were microfilament-dependent processes, whereas protein synthesis in the oocyte was not.     

The effect of taurine on cholesterol degradation in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet

The hypocholesterolemic effect of taurine was examined in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: control group (HC), 1% taurine-supplemented group (HCT+), and taurine-deficient group (HCT-) produced by supplying 0.5% guanidinoethyl sulfonate (GES) solution ad libitum instead of water. After they were fed with the respective diet or drinking water for 4 weeks, the liver taurine level was reduced 80% in the HCT- group compared with that in the HC group, although there was no difference in the serum taurine amount between the two groups. The formation ratio of cholesterol gallstones increased from 71% to 100% by taurine deficiency, and decreased to 0% by taurine supplementation. Compared with the HC group, serum and liver cholesterol significantly decreased, and the excretion of fecal bile acid notably rose in the HCT+ group but tended to lower in the HCT- group. There were no differences in LDL receptor protein level among the three groups. In the subsequent experiment, triglycerides (TG) secretion rate was determined and found to be significantly suppressed by taurine supplementation. In conclusion, it is suggested that taurine does not up-regulate LDL receptor protein level, and the decrease in cholesterol in the circulation is mainly due to its suppressive effect on TG secretion from the liver.     

Variation in compound eye structure: effects of diet and family

Studies of compound eyes have revealed that variation in eye structure can substantially affect visual performance. Here, we investigate the degree to which a stressful rearing environment, which decreases body size, affects the eye phenotype. Full siblings of the Orange Sulphur butterfly, Colias eurytheme, were collected from known parents and split within families among two diet treatments that varied in quality. In both sexes, individuals reared on the high-quality diet had larger eye height and anterior facet diameter, and therefore, by inference, superior vision. However, relative to their reduced body size, individuals reared on low-quality diet had proportionally larger eyes and facets than individuals reared on high-quality diet. We interpret this finding as evidence that butterflies encountering nutritional stress increased proportional investment in eye development to reduce loss of visual performance. We also found significant broad-sense genetic variation underlying eye structure in both males and females, and report novel heritability estimates for eye height and facet diameter. Surprisingly, there was greater genetic variation in eye height among males than among females, despite apparently stronger directional selection on male vision. We discuss the implications of these data for our understanding of eye development and evolution.     

The taurine transporter gene and its role in renal development

Summary. This paper examines a unique hypothesis regarding an important role for taurine in renal development. Taurine-deficient neonatal kittens show renal developmental abnormalities, one of several lines of support for this speculation. Adaptive regulation of the taurine transporter gene is critical in mammalian species because maintenance of adequate tissue levels of taurine is essential to the normal development of the retina and the central nervous system. Observations of the remarkable phenotypic similarity that exists between children with deletion of bands p25-pter of chromosome 3 and taurine-deficient kits led us to hypothesize that deletion of the renal taurine transporter gene (TauT) might contribute to some features of the 3p-syndrome. Further, the renal taurine transporter gene is down-regulated by the tumor suppressor gene p53, and up-regulated by the Wilms tumor (WT-1) and early growth response-1 (EGR-1) genes. It has been demonstrated using WT-1 gene knockout mice that WT-1 is critical for normal renal development. In contrast, transgenic mice overexpressing the p53 gene have renal development defects, including hypoplasia similar to that observed in the taurine-deficient kitten. This paper reviews evidence that altered expression of the renal taurine transporter may result in reduced intracellular taurine content, which in turn may lead to abnormal cell volume regulation, cell death and, ultimately, defective renal development. Received January 25, 2000/Accepted January 31, 2000