Ultrastructural analysis and cytochemical localization of atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated guanylate cyclase in internal gills of Bufo bufo tadpoles.

In this study on the internal gills of the larvae of Bufo bufo we examined the ultrastructural features and, using cytochemical methods, showed the localization of guanylate cyclase in the presence of atrial natriuretic peptide. The gill apparatus consists of a series of arches each with a dorsal part or gill rakers with filtering and glandular functions. In the epithelium, cells were found that contain granular secretions similar to those atrial natriuretic factor-immunoreactive granules of larval Bufo arenarum gill rakers. The ventral portion of the gill arches is made up of gill tufts with a respiratory function. The cytochemical localization of the guanylate cyclase in the presence of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide demonstrates that the internal gills of the larvae are an important target organ for the peptide and therefore, it is proposed that, at this level, the atrial natriuretic peptide carries out an important osmoregulatory role.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system in the lung of Rana esculenta

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-system was examined in Rana esculenta lung with cytochemical and immunocytochemical methods. The results showed a cellular type that synthesizes the hormone and the presence of receptors in various components of the lung. The lung, therefore, produces ANP and at the same time is a target organ for the hormone. ANP may play an important physiological role in pulmonary function and in protecting against pulmonary edema.     

In vitro enhancement of natural cytotoxicity by atrial natriuretic peptide fragment 4-28.

The presence of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binding sites in the thymic cortex, medulla, and splenic white pulp suggests that this peptide may have immunoregulatory activity. We examined the effect of ANP on human natural killer (NK) cell activity. ANP significantly augmented NK cell cytotoxicity after twenty-four hours of incubation but had no effect on NK activity after short-term incubations of one hour. In addition, atrial natriuretic peptide did not effect the expression of natural killer or T cell surface markers. This study demonstrates that atrial natriuretic fragment 4-28 enhances natural killer cell activity.     

Mutagenicity of Isothiocyanates,Isocyanates and Thioureas on Salmonella typhimurium

During the screening program for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptor ligands of microbial origin, we isolated a novel nonpeptide ANP antagonist, HS-142-1, from a culture broth of Aureo-basidium pullulans var. melanigenum. Structural analysis showed that HS-142-1 was composed of 20–30 kinds of β-1,6-glucan esterified by caproyl groups; each component had an almost equal potency. HS-142-1 inhibited [¹²⁵I]-rANP binding to its receptor in rabbit kidney cortex membranes with an IC₅₀ of 0.3μg/ml and antagonized ANP-induced cGMP production by bovine lung membranes in a dose-dependent fashion. The discovery of this nonpeptide ANP antagonist, HS-142-1, will provide a useful tool to study the physiological significance of natriuretic peptide system.     

Apparent B-type natriuretic peptide selectivity in the kidney due to differential processing

Two natriuretic peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), are found principally in the heart. In preliminary experiments with mouse kidney cells or slices, we found mouse BNP1-45 much more potent than ANP1-28 in causing elevations of cGMP (>50-fold). The guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor has been suggested to represent the primary means by which both peptides signal. In cultured cells overexpressing GC-A, BNP and ANP were almost equivalent in potency, suggesting that a receptor unique for BNP exists in the kidney. However, in mice lacking the GC-A gene, neither BNP nor ANP significantly elevated cGMP in kidney slices. Phosphoramidon, a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, shifted the apparent potency of ANP to values equivalent to that of BNP, suggesting these kidney cell/slices rapidly degrade ANP but not BNP. Mass spectroscopic analysis confirmed that ANP is rapidly cleaved at the first cysteine of the disulfide ring, whereas BNP is particularly stable to such cleavage. Other tissues (heart, aorta) failed to significantly degrade ANP or BNP, and therefore the kidney-specific degradation of ANP provides a mechanism for preferential regulation of kidney function by BNP independent of peripheral ANP concentration.     

Different responses of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion and its receptor density to salt intake in rats

This study investigated whether high-salt intake influences atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system, atrial content, and release rate of ANP as well as receptor density in the kidney were measured in salt intake rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either 0.9% or 2% salt in their drinking water for 10 days. The stretch-induced ANP secretion from isolated perfused non-beating left atria was accentuated, and the production of cGMP by ANP in renal cortical tissue membranes were pronounced in rats exposed to 0.9% salt for 10 days but not in rats exposed to 2% salt. The levels of ANP receptor density and expression in renal cortex were decreased in 2% salt intake rats but not in 0.9% salt intake rats. No significant differences in atrial and plasma concentrations of ANP and water balance were observed in both salt intakes. Therefore, these results suggest that atrial ANP secretion and its binding sites in the kidney may respond differently to ingested salt concentrations in rats.     

Immunohistochemical localization of atrial natriuretic peptide in the developing and adult mammalian kidney

The discovery, within the last decade, of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a family of peptides with natriuretic/diuretic and vasorelaxant properties, has prompted much research into the mechanisms and sites of action of ANP within the kidney. In the present study, ANP was localized in the kidneys of several mammalian species by immunohistochemical techniques 1) to identify possible sites of synthesis; 2) to compare the localization of ANP to known physiological effects; 3) to determine species differences, if any, in ANP localization; and 4) to study the development of ANP immunoreactivity in the fetal and neonatal rat kidney. Using an antibody against rat ANP, IV, ANP was localized exclusively on the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) brush border and within intercalated cells of the outer medullary and cortical collecting tubules and ducts of adult mouse, rat, pig, monkey, and human kidneys. The development of ANP immunoreactivity paralleled the differentiation and maturation of collecting duct epithelium in rat fetal kidney. Atrial natriuretic peptide found within intercalated cells of the cortical and outer medullary collecting ducts may be the result of endogenous synthesis and, following secretion, may be available to receptors in the inner medullary collecting ducts.     

心钠素前体分子内调控对心肌Na^＋—K^＋—ATP酶的作用

目的：研究利钾尿肽及心钠素前体分子内调控作用对心肌Ｎａ＋Ｋ＋ＡＴＰ酶的作用。方法：将大鼠心肌匀浆后,分别加入利钾尿肽、心钠素以及利钾尿肽＋心钠素,用比色法测定Ｎａ＋Ｋ＋ＡＴＰ酶活性。将大鼠心脏悬挂于Ｌａｎｇｅｎｄｏｒｆ灌流装置,分别以利钾尿肽、心钠素、利钾尿肽＋心钠素为灌流液,灌注心脏,用四道生理仪观测左心室内压、左心室收缩最大速率,左心室舒张最大速率,心率及冠脉流量。结果：心钠素虽然对Ｎａ＋Ｋ＋ＡＴＰ酶有抑制作用（抑制率２６．２％）,但是,与对照无显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）。利钾尿肽显著抑制酶的活性（抑制率４６．５％,Ｐ＜０．０１）这种抑制作用可被心钠素抵消（抑制率１７．６％,Ｐ＞０．０５）。利钾尿肽可以增加左心室收缩和舒张最大速率以及左室内压,而这种强心作用可因心钠素的加入而消失或减弱。结论：利钾尿肽可以抑制心肌Ｎａ＋Ｋ＋ＡＴＰ酶的活性,产生强心作用,心钠素可以抵消以上作用。     

A potential role for the endothelin ET A receptor in salt-sensitive hypertension of the proANP gene-disrupted mouse

We have previously shown that the partial disruption of the gene for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) results in a salt-sensitive phenotype. The present study examined the possibility that alterations in either the ANP natriuretic pathway or endothelin (ET) system in the kidney of the salt-challenged ANP +/− mouse was responsible for its salt-sensitive phenotype. Plasma ANP levels and renal cGMP activity were increased in response to a salt load in both ANP +/+ and +/− mice. However, the mRNA expression of proANP was found to be increased only in the ANP +/− kidney along with its guanylyl cyclase-linked receptor, NPRA; the upregulation of NPRA mRNA was limited to the renal medulla. This suggests that the renal ANP pathway remains capable of responding to a salt load in the ANP +/− animal, but may be compensating for other dysfunctional pathways. We also report a significant increase in renal ET-1 mRNA and ET_A receptor protein expression in medulla and cortex of the salt-treated, ANP +/− mouse, but not its wild-type counterpart. In fact, ET_A expression decreased in the renal cortex of the ANP +/+ salt-treated animal. The ET_B receptor expression was not affected by diet in either genotype. We hypothesize that the salt-sensitive hypertension in the ANP +/− mouse is exacerbated, and possibly driven by the vasoconstrictive effects resulting from an upregulated ET-1/ET_A pathway.     

环境毒素对未成熟肾脏的影响

肾脏是人体主要的排泄器官,它的发育经过原肾、中肾、后肾3个阶段。外界环境中的化学物质、生物及物理因素的毒性作用可损害未成熟肾脏的发育,并严重影响胚胎和儿童的正常发育和身体健康。本文就影响肾脏血流动力学的药物、有机阴离子和有机阳离子、真菌毒素、环境污染物等具体毒素对未成熟肾脏的影响及其临床表现的研究进展作一综述。     

Fine structural and immunohistochemical localization of cardiac hormones (ANP) in the right atrium and hypothalamus of the white rat

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by atrial myoendocrine cells. It has diuretic, natriuretic and vasorelaxant effects. ANP has been characterized by non-morphological methods in a number of extra-atrial tissues, particularly the hypothalamus, but little is known of the immunohistochemistry of hypothalamic ANP cells in comparison to atrial ones. Although the presence of ANP-producing cells has previously been confirmed in the right atrium of the rat and other vertebrate species, to our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the presence of these cells in the hypothalamus using a purely morphological method such as electron microscopy. The fine structural and immunohistochemical characteristics of right atrial and hypothalamic ANP positive cells were investigated using immunogold labeling with goat anti-alpha-human ANP (1-28) as primary antibody. Atrial ANP cells were characterized by the presence of membrane-bound electrondense spherical or oval granules with a diameter of about 250 nm. The opaque content of the granules is separated from the limiting membrane by a thin electron translucent band about 20 nm wide. Electron dense crystalloid inclusions were evident within the granule matrix of some atrial ANP granules. Hypothalamic ANP granules were membrane-bound larger in diameter (320 nm), and less electron dense, and lacked crystalloid inclusions. Statistical analyses revealed a significant larger diameter and a significant smaller number of hypothalamic ANP granules compared to atrial ones. The significantly greater number of atrial ANP positive granules suggests a greater volume capacity for the atrial ANP positive granules as compared to the hypothalamic ones. This may indicate that ANP is secreted primarily from the right atrium and to a lesser extent from the hypothalamus; and that both atrial and hypothalamic ANP are closely related in chemical nature and immunohistochemical characteristics. This supports the suggestion that ANP may play the dual role of peripheral hormone and a neurotransmitter or neuromediator.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide detected by immunocytochemistry in peripheral organs of Tupaia belangeri

Summary ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), a peptide found in granules of mammalian atrial cardiac myocytes, has been shown to be active in regulation of blood pressure and body water homeostasis. The existence of ANP in atrium, pituitary, adrenal gland, and kidney of the rat had been immunocytochemically demonstrated with an antibody against rat ANP (102–126). We used the same antibody in immunocytochemical studies for the detection of ANP in peripheral organs of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri). The antibody stained granules in myocytes of cardiac atria which indicated that it reacted with tree shrew ANP. In contrast to the rat, no immunoreactive cells were found in pituitaries and adrenal glands. However, in the kidneys distal tubules in outer medulla and cortex were labeled Ascending limbs of distal tubules were intensely stained when either the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) or the indirect immunofluorescence method were used. Collecting ducts and convoluted distal tubules in the outer cortex showed a granular type of staining when the immunofluorescence method was used. These data indicate that ANP is present in epithelial cells of distal tubules and collecting ducts, where it may be involved in the regulation of renal salt excretion.     

Natriuretic peptides inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity in dispersed eel gill cells

The effect of natriuretic peptides on forskolin-evoked adenylyl cyclase activity was investigated in dispersed gill cells from the Australian short-finned eel (Anguilla australis). Molecular cloning techniques were employed to identify the putative G-protein-activating motif within the intracellular domain of the eel natriuretic peptide C receptor. Eel ANP, eel CNP and the NPR-C-specific C-ANF inhibited the forskolin-stimulated production of cyclic AMP. This effect was abolished by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin. Eel VNP was without effect on adenylyl cyclase activity. PCR and molecular cloning indicated that the intracellular domain of A. australis NPR-C has the same amino acid sequence as Anguilla japonica. Alignment of these sequences with Rattus norvegicus NPR-C indicated conservation of the putative G-protein-activating motif BB...BBXXB (B=basic, X=nonbasic residues). These data suggest that branchially-expressed NPR-C may play a physiological role additional to that of ligand clearance.Abbreviations ANP atrial natriuretic peptide - CNP C-type natriuretic peptide - cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate - cGMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate - eANP-NH₂ amidated form of eel ANP - GC guanylyl cyclase - G_i inhibitory G-protein - IBMX isobutylmethylxanthine - NP natriuretic peptide - NPR natriuretic peptide receptor - PCR polymerase chain reaction - PTX pertussis toxin - VNP ventricular natriuretic peptideCommunicated by I.D. Hume     

Rosiglitazone treatment restores renal responsiveness to atrial natriuretic peptide in rats with congestive heart failure

The thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma agonists has restricted clinical use for diabetes mellitus due to fluid retention and potential cardiovascular risks. These side effects are attributed in part to direct salt‐retaining effect of TZDs at the renal collecting duct. A recent study from our group revealed that prolonged rosiglitazone (RGZ) treatment caused no Na+/H₂O retention or up‐regulation of Na⁺ transport‐linked channels/transporters in experimental congestive heart failure (CHF) induced by surgical aorto‐caval fistula (ACF). The present study examines the effects of RGZ on renal and cardiac responses to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), Acetylcholine (Ach) and S‐Nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP‐NO donor). Furthermore, we assessed the impact of RGZ on gene expression related to the ANP signalling pathway in animals with ACF. Rats subjected to ACF (or sham) were treated with either RGZ (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Cardiac chambers pressures and volumes were assessed invasively via Miller catheter. Kidney excretory and renal hemodynamic in response to ANP, Ach and SNAP were examined. Renal clearance along with cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), gene expression of renal CHF‐related genes and ANP signalling in the kidney were determined. RGZ‐treated CHF rats exhibited significant improvement in the natriuretic responses to ANP infusion. This ‘sensitization’ to ANP was not associated with increases in neither urinary cGMP nor in vitro cGMP production. However, RGZ caused down‐regulation of several genes in the renal cortex (Ace, Nos3 and Npr1) and up‐regulation of ACE2, Agtrla, Mme and Cftr along down‐regulation of Avpr2, Npr1,2, Nos3 and Pde3 in the medulla. In conclusion, CHF+RGZ rats exhibited significant enhancement in the natriuretic responses to ANP infusion, which are known to be blunted in CHF. This ‘sensitization’ to ANP is independent of cGMP signalling, yet may involve post‐cGMP signalling target genes such as ACE2, CFTR and V2 receptor. The possibility that TZD treatment in uncomplicated CHF may be less detrimental than thought before deserves additional investigations.     

C-type natriuretic peptide inhibits ANP secretion and atrial dynamics in perfused atria: NPR-B-cGMP signaling

The purpose of the present experiments was to define the role of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the regulation of atrial secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and atrial stroke volume. Experiments were performed in perfused beating and nonbeating quiescent atria, single atrial myocytes, and atrial membranes. CNP suppressed in a dose-related fashion the increase in atrial stroke volume and ANP secretion induced by atrial pacing. CNP caused a right shift in the positive relationships between changes in the secretion of ANP and atrial stroke volume or translocation of the extracellular fluid (ECF), which indicates the suppression of atrial myocytic release of ANP into the paracellular space. The effects of CNP on the secretion and contraction were mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcGMP). CNP increased cGMP production in the perfused atria, and the effects of CNP on the secretion of ANP and atrial dynamics were accentuated by pretreatment with an inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase, zaprinast. An inhibitor of the biological natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR), HS-142-1, attenuated the effects of CNP. The suppression of ANP secretion by CNP and 8-BrcGMP was abolished by a depletion of extracellular Ca(2+) in nonbeating atria. Natriuretic peptides increased cGMP production in atrial membranes with a rank order of potency of CNP > BNP > ANP, and the effect was inhibited by HS-142-1. CNP and 8-BrcGMP increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration transients in single atrial myocytes, and mRNAs for CNP and NPR-B were expressed in the rabbit atrium. From these results we conclude that atrial ANP release and stroke volume are controlled by CNP via NPR-B-cGMP mediated signaling, which may in turn act via regulation of intracellular Ca(2+).     

Lack of response of (Ca2+ + Mg2+) ATPase to atrial natriuretic peptide in basolateral membranes from kidney cortex of chronic diabetic rats

Incubation of basolateral membranes obtained from control rat kidney cortex in the presence of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased (Ca2+ + Mg2+) ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Such response was absent in membranes obtained from animals made diabetic by streptozotocin injection (65 mg/kg, iv). The differential responses in the ATPase activity were not due to changes in the affinity for Ca2+ and insulin treatment in the diabetic animals completely reversed the situation. Our data suggest that ANP may mediate its cellular effects in part by changes in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis in kidney cortex and the lack of response of (Ca2+ + Mg2+) ATPase to ANP in chronic diabetes may contribute to the development of intracellular Ca2+ overload and nephropathy.     

Renal actions of atrial natriuretic peptide on the postischemic kidney

The objective of this study was to evaluate the renal actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the unilateral postischemic kidney of anesthetized dogs with a severe reduction in glomerular filtration rate. The dose of atrial natriuretic peptide (50 ng.kg-1.min-1) we gave did not alter the mean systemic arterial pressure, renal blood flow, and glomerular filtration rate in the normal kidney, as determined in foregoing studies. ANP was infused into the intrarenal artery continuously for 60 min after the release from 45 min of complete renal artery occlusion. In the vehicle-infused group, the glomerular filtration rate fell dramatically (6% of control), the renal blood flow decreased (60% of control), and the mean systemic arterial pressure tended to increase (136% of control). The urine flow rate and urinary excretion of sodium decreased significantly (25 and 25%, respectively) at 30 min after reflow in the postischemic period. Continuous renal artery infusion of ANP resulted in a marked increase in urine flow rate (246% of control) and the urinary excretion of sodium (286% of control). The administration of ANP led to an improvement in renal blood flow (99% of control) and glomerular filtration rate (40% of control), and attenuated the rise in mean systemic arterial pressure (109% of control), compared with findings in the vehicle-infused group. Plasma renin activity and prostaglandin E2 concentration in the renal venous blood were elevated after the release from complete renal artery occlusion in both groups. These results indicate that the vascular effects of ANP on the postischemic kidney were enhanced and that the peptide maintained the natriuretic effect.     

Human natriuretic peptide receptor-A guanylyl cyclase is self-associated prior to hormone binding.

The human natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) guanylyl cyclase is specifically activated to synthesize cGMP by binding of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to the receptor's extracellular domain. In this report, NPR-A monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were used to assess the aggregation status of wild-type NPR-A and a truncation mutant lacking most of the NPR-A cytoplasmic domain. On intact human embryonic kidney 293 cells, in the absence of ANP, recombinant human NPR-A is self-aggregated through disulfide bonds in an M(r) > 500,000, possibly tetrameric, complex. Under nonreducing conditions, truncated NPR-A was a monomer, indicating that the cytoplasmic domain is necessary for NPR-A self-association. In the presence of the homobifunctional cross-linker dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate), or disuccimidyl suberate, truncated NPR-A could be cross-linked as a dimer and trimer only in the presence of ANP. Wild-type NPR-A was cross-linked with disuccinimidyl suberate to an M(r) > 500,000 species in the absence of ANP, and with ANP, a smaller, M(r) approximately 400,000 receptor trimer cross-linking product was observed, together with the larger, possibly tetrameric complex. When whole cell stimulation of cGMP production by ANP was tested on the low level of endogenous 293 cell NPR-A, maximal stimulation was observed regardless of truncated NPR-A overexpression. The absence of a dominant negative effect by the truncated NPR-A, together with the cross-linking data, demonstrates that preassociated NPR-A is the functionally relevant form of this receptor.