Immunocytochemical localization of a renal glycoprotein (gp CD I) synthesized by cultured collecting duct cells

Summary A sulfated, proline-rich glycoprotein (gp_CDI, apparent molecular weight 200,000 in column chromatography and 150,000 in SDS-PAGE) was isolated from cultured renal collecting duct epithelium by centrifugation, Triton X100 extraction and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. A DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography fraction with the enriched gp_CDI was used for immunization of guinea pigs. The antiserum was prepared for antigen localization by indirect immunofluorescence in collecting duct cell cultures and in tissue sections of neonatal and adult rabbit kidneys. In the cultured collecting duct epithelium, antibody staining of the epithelium and structures of the extracellular matrix was age dependent. Cultures of dedifferentiated collecting duct monolayers revealed positive reaction in the cytoplasm. In neonatal and adult rabbit kidneys, the antibody was localized in the entire collecting duct system but not in the collecting duct ampullae of the newborn kidney. Staining of the cytoplasm was found only in medullary collecting ducts of the neonatal kidney; other portions revealed staining mostly at the basal circumference of the tubule and at the luminal cell borders. Apart from collecting ducts, no other tubular segments were reactive. The cortical and the medullary interstitium contained fluorescent fibres which were concentrated around vascular structures. A possible relation between gp_CDI and collagenous compounds is discussed. Bowman's capsule reacted positively, whereas staining of the mesangial matrix was weak. The localization of the antigen, as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence, suggests that gp_CDI occurs both in intracellular and extracellular (interstitial) location. Two main points are emphasized: Firstly, gp_CDI is considered an important constituent in different stages of collecting duct development, and secondly, the staining pattern of the antibody varies with the different portions of both young and adult kidney collecting ducts; this staining heterogeneity may correspond with the known regional differences of collecting duct functions.     

The expression of specific proteins in cultured renal collecting duct cells

It is still uncertain whether cell cultures attain the functional maturity of corresponding in vivo cells. The degree of differentiation of cultured collecting-duct (CD) epithelium cells was therefore examined using immunohistochemical procedures. Three monoclonal antibodies (mabs CD1, CD2, and CD3) were raised against proteins (PCD) isolated from the renal papilla. At Western-blot analysis, each of these antibodies reacted with a specific protein that was distinguishable according to its molecular weight [PCD1, 190 kilodaltons (kDa); PCD2, 210 kDa; PCD3, 50 kDa]. Using immunofluorescence, these proteins were found to be localized exclusively in the renal CD system. Other renal structures, such as the proximal or distal tubular portions, the glomeruli and the interstitial network, were not reactive. The mabs, CD2 and CD3, labeled both the cortical and medullary CD in a uniform way, whereas mab CD1 produced heterogeneous immunolabeling along the length of the cortical, medullary, and papillary CD. As revealed by immunohistochemistry, the mabs revealed differences with respect to the expression of the specific renal proteins in cultured CD cells. In polar-differentiated epithelium cultured for 5 days on a specific renal support, mab CD1 was unreactive, whereas mabs CD2 and CD3 were positive. This demonstrated the biochemical immaturity of this cultured epithelium with respect to CD1 reactivity. In morphologically dedifferentiated CD monolayer cells grown on the bottom of a culture dish, only a weak reaction for mab CD3 was observed. The loss of epithelial polarization in CD monolayer cells obviously coincides with the absence of the renal proteins PCD1 and PCD2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The expression of specific proteins in cultured renal collecting duct cells

Summary It is still uncertain whether cell cultures attain the functional maturity of corresponding in vivo cells. The degree of differentiation of cultured collecting-duct (CD) epithelium cells was therefore examined using immunohistochemical procedures. Three monoclonal antibodies (mabs CD 1, CD 2, and CD 3) were raised against proteins (P_CD) isolated from the renal papilla. At Western-blot analysis, each of these antibodies reacted with a specific protein that was distinguishable according to its molecular weight [P_CD1, 190 kilodaltons (kDa); P_CD2, 210 kDa; P_CD3, 50 kDa]. Using immunofluorescence, these proteins were found to be localized exclusively in the renal CD system. Other renal structures, such as the proximal or distal tubular portions, the glomeruli and the interstitial network, were not reactive. The mabs, CD 2 and CD 3, labeled both the cortical and medullary CD in a uniform way, whereas mab CD 1 produced heterogeneous immunolabeling along the length of the cortical, medullary, and papillary CD. As revealed by immunohistochemistry, the mabs revealed differences with respect to the expression of the specific renal proteins in cultured CD cells. In polar-differentiated epithelium cultured for 5 days on a specific renal support, mab CD 1 was unreactive, whereas mabs CD 2 and CD 3 were positive. This demonstrated the biochemical immaturity of this cultured epithelium with respect to CD 1 reactivity. In morphologically dedifferentiated CD monolayer cells grown on the bottom of a culture dish, only a weak reaction for mab CD 3 was observed. The loss of epithelial polarization in CD monolayer cells obviously coincides with the absence of the renal proteins P_CD1 and P_CD2. Thus, our mabs proved to be valuable tools for the investigation of the differentiation and dedifferentiation of renal CD cells in culture.Dedicated to Professor Dr. T.H. Schiebler on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Action of aldosterone on citrate synthase in cultured renal collecting duct cells

Cultured renal collecting duct cells from neonatal rabbit kidney were used to examine the influence of aldosterone on enzymatic activity of citrate synthase during increase in Na+ transport. Control epithelia showed citrate synthase activity of 71 +/- 3 mU/mg protein (n = 28), while after aldosterone treatment citrate synthase activity was significantly increased to 79 +/- 6 mU/mg at 1 h (n = 5), to 88 +/- 6 mU/mg at 2 h (n = 6) and to 93 +/- 8 mU/mg protein at 3 h (n = 5). Citrate synthase activity subsequently decreased to basal values. Spironolactone fully blocked the aldosterone-induced increase in citrate synthase activity. The time course of enzyme stimulation after aldosterone administration indicates that the hormone activates citrate synthase during the physiological early response phase.     

Effects of glycoprotein and basement membrane synthesis inhibitors on the growth of cultured renal collecting duct epithelium

The biochemical and morphological extent of glycoprotein synthesis inhibition of cellular and extracellular proteins was studied on cultured renal collecting duct (CD) epithelium. We found that tunicamycin (4 micrograms/ml) inhibits the glycosylation of a 150,000 d glycoprotein (gpCDI). A 85,000 d glycoprotein (gpCDII) was not affected. The inhibition by tunicamycin demonstrates that gpCDI has characteristics of a N-glycan, whereas gpCDII seems to be an O-glycan. 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine (4 X 10(-5) M) which was used as glutamine analogue, did not show a comparable inhibitory effect as seen with tunicamycin. The lack of effect of norleucine demonstrates that glutamine is not the locus of glycosylation in both proteins. However, because of the tunicamycin inhibition it points to asparagine as the site of glycosylation in the gpCDI. Long term cultures of the tissue up to 15 days in the presence of tunicamycin and norleucine and of substances usually used as basement membrane inhibitors, such as hydroxy-D-proline (1 mM), L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (1 mM) and o- and p-nitrophenyl-xylopyranoside 1 mM), revealed that it is possible to eliminate completely the fibroblasts beneath the cultured epithelium and within the degenerating corematerial. Experiments with hydroxy-D-proline showed the most striking effect. Experiments with L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid and nitrophenyl-xylopyranoside resulted in the elimination of fibroblasts and dedifferentiation of the collecting duct epithelium.     

Effects of glycoprotein and basement membrane synthesis inhibitors on the growth of cultured renal collecting duct epithelium

Summary The biochemical and morphological extent of glycoprotein synthesis inhibition of cellular and extracellular proteins was studied on cultured renal collecting duct (CD) epithelium. We found that tunicamycin (4 g/ml) inhibits the glycosylation of a 150,000 d glycoprotein (gp_CDI). A 85,000 d glycoprotein (gp_CDII) was not affected. The inhibition by tunicamycin demonstrates that gp_CDI has characteristics of a N-glycan, whereas gp_CDII seems to be an O-glycan. 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine (4×10^–5M) which was used as glutamine analogue, did not show a comparable inhibitory effect as seen with tunicamycin. The lack of effect of norleucine demonstrates that glutamine is not the locus of glycosylation in both proteins. However, because of the tunicamycin inhibition it points to asparagine as the site of glycosylation in the gp_CDI. Long term cultures of the tissue up to 15 days in the presence of tunicamycin and norleucine and of substances usually used as basement membrane inhibitors, such as hydroxy-d-proline (1 mM), l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (1 mM) and o- and p-nitrophenyl-xylopyranoside (1 mM), revealed that it is possible to eliminate completely the fibroblasts beneath the cultured epithelium and within the degenerating corematerial. Experiments with hydroxy-d-proline showed the most striking effect. Experiments with l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid and nitrophenyl-xylopyranoside resulted in the elimination of fibroblasts and dedifferentiation of the collecting duct epithelium.     

Action of aldosterone on cultured renal collecting duct cells during the latent period.

The effects of aldosterone on protein synthesis in the latent period were investigated on cultured renal collecting duct cells from neonatal rabbit kidneys. Tissue was incubated with radioactively labelled uridine and amino acids and then precipitated with trichloroacetic acid in order to determine the intracellular precursor pool and identify new synthesis of RNA and protein. During the latent period, aldosterone increased the intracellular radioactive uridine pool and total radioactive RNA content already 20 and 60 min after its application; conversely 40 min after aldosterone introduction, no stimulation was found. Further experiments revealed that the intracellular radioactive amino acid pool was generally increased by aldosterone after 20, 40 and 60 min, while a distinct increased radioactive protein content was found to be induced by aldosterone only after 40 min. This indicates that aldosterone increases the uptake of RNA and protein precursors and the new synthesis of RNA and proteins. These events seem to to be regulated not continuously but intermittently. The induced proteins possibly take part in the mediation of the early hormone response. Experiments with the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone, provide evidence for the specificity of the described hormone effects. The results after application of the Na+ channel blocker, amiloride, and the Na+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, G-strophanthin, indicate that the aldosterone effects are controlled by Na+ channels and Na+ pumps and therefore by the intracellular Na+ content. The inhibitory effect of cycloheximide on the aldosterone-induced protein synthesis indicates the role of these proteins on the hormone-stimulated Na+ transport.     

Dual influence of aldosterone on AQP2 expression in cultured renal collecting duct principal cells

In the renal collecting duct (CD) the major physiological role of aldosterone is to promote Na+ reabsorption. In addition, aldosterone may also influence CD water permeability elicited by vasopressin (AVP). We have previously shown that endogenous expression of the aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel in immortalized mouse cortical CD principal cells (mpkCCDC14) grown on filters is dramatically increased by administration of physiological concentrations of AVP. In the present study, we investigated the influence of aldosterone on AQP2 expression in mpkCCDC14 cells by RNase protection assay and Western blot analysis. Aldosterone reduced AQP2 mRNA and protein expression when administered together with AVP for short periods of time (< or =24 h). For longer periods of time, however, aldosterone increased AQP2 protein expression despite sustained low expression levels of AQP2 mRNA. Both events were dependent on mineralocorticoid receptor occupancy because they were both induced by a low concentration of aldosterone (10-9 m) and were abolished by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist canrenoate. Inhibition of lysosomal AQP2 protein degradation increased AQP2 protein expression in AVP-treated cells, an effect that was potentiated by aldosterone. Finally, both aldosterone and actinomycin D delayed AQP2 protein decay following AVP washout, but in a non-cumulative manner. Taken together, our data suggest that aldosterone tightly modulates AQP2 protein expression in cultured mpkCCDC14 cells by increasing AQP2 protein turnover while maintaining low levels of AQP2 mRNA expression.     

Immunocytochemical localization of endothelin in cultured bovine endothelial cells

Summary To investigate the intracellular localization of endothelin in cultured endothelial cells, an immunocytochemical study was carried out by the post-embedding protein A-gold technique with endothelin-specific antiserum. Gold particles were seen on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi cisternae, the Golgi vesicles, small vesicles beneath the cell membrane, and the lysosomes. By contrast, no secretory granules were observed. These results suggest that endothelin is secreted by a constitutive pathway and that the lysosome may play an important role in regulating the biological activity of endothelin.     

FXYD5 (dysadherin) regulates the paracellular permeability in cultured kidney collecting duct cells

FXYD5 (dysadherin or RIC) is a member of the FXYD family of single-span transmembrane proteins associated with the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Several studies have demonstrated enhanced expression of FXYD5 during metastasis and effects on cell adhesion and motility. The current study examines effects of FXYD5 on the paracellular permeability in the mouse kidney collecting duct cell line M1. Expressing FXYD5 in these cells leads to a large decrease in amiloride-insensitive transepithelial electrical resistance as well as increased permeability to 4-kDa dextran. Impairment of cell-cell contact was also demonstrated by staining cells for the tight and adherence junction markers zonula occludens-1 and β-catenin, respectively. This is further supported by large expansions of the interstitial spaces, visualized in electron microscope images. Expressing FXYD5 in M1 cells resulted in a decrease in N-glycosylation of β1 Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, while silencing it in H1299 cells had an opposite effect. This may provide a mechanism for the above effects, since normal glycosylation of β1 plays an important role in cell-cell contact formation (Vagin O, Tokhtaeva E, Sachs G. J Biol Chem 281: 39573-39587, 2006).     

Immunocytochemical localization of endothelin in cultured bovine endothelial cells

To investigate the intracellular localization of endothelin in cultured endothelial cells, an immunocytochemical study was carried out by the post-embedding protein A-gold technique with endothelin-specific antiserum. Gold particles were seen on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi cisternae, the Golgi vesicles, small vesicles beneath the cell membrane, and the lysosomes. By contrast, no secretory granules were observed. These results suggest that endothelin is secreted by a constitutive pathway and that the lysosome may play an important role in regulating the biological activity of endothelin.     

Immunocytochemical localization of ornithine decarboxylase in cultured murine cells

Summary Antiserum elicited to ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) purified from murine RAW 264 macrophage-like cells has been employed to localize ODC in cultured murine cells. The antiserum immunoprecipitated 100% of the ODC activity from the cultured cells. The specificity of the antiserum was demonstrated by the immunoprecipitation from ³⁵S-methionine metabolically-labeled cell extracts of a single protein which migrated upon SDS-gel electrophoresis coincident with authentic ODC. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments were performed on paraformaldehyde-fixed RAW 264 cells and JB6 epidermal cells using the rabbit anti-ODC antiserum and FITC-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG. Little immunofluorescence was apparent in non-stimulated cells. Intense immunofluorescence was detectable in stimulated cells at times of peak cellular ODC activity. Antigenically-reactive ODC was localized diffusely in the cytoplasm and was absent in the nuclei of RAW 264 cells, whereas in the JB6 cells the immunodetectable enzyme protein was localized in a punctate pattern in both the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm and was absent in the nucleolus. The appearance and disappearance of immunoreactive ODC in both cell types after stimulation was consistent with the alterations in ODC activity.     

Cell associated glycoproteins synthesized by cultured renal tubular cells

Summary Thin cortical kidney explants from newborn New Zealand rabbits were cultured in Dulbecco's MEM containing 10% fetal bovine seru. Within 24 h the explants formed globular bodies which were completely covered by a monolayered epithelium. The cells show polar differentiation and resemble the renal collecting duct epithelium. By culturing the globular bodies in Dulbecco's MEM with d-valine instead of l-valine additionally a monolayer of renal collecting duct cells was obtained. For the study of glycoprotein synthesis the globular bodies and the collecting duct monolayers were incubated with various labelled carbohydrates, protein and collagen precursors and then fractionated into coarse membrane pellets. The synthesized glycoproteins were regained in 600×g and 12,000×g coarse membrane fractions and extracted with Triton X 100 buffer for column chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis in 6 M urea. In addition to a 85,000 d glycoprotein, a carbohydrate rich collagen like protein (apparent molecular weight in column chromatography 200,000 d, in the SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis 150,000 d) was found. The 150,000 d glycoprotein incorporates favorably radioactive proline, sulfate, and smaller amounts of lysine, and leucine. Compared to the 85,000 d glycoprotein a double amount of glucosamine and galactose and four fold amount of fucose was detected. The 85,000 d protein has to be ascribed as a usual glycoprotein, in contrast the 150,000 d protein shows an unusual combination of characteristics and has to be considered as a new type of renal glycoprotein.     

Properties of a polarized primary culture from rat renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells

Summary A primary culture from rat renal IMCD cells was established to investigate the permeability characteristics of the luminal and contraluminal plasma membranes of the papillary collecting duct in vitro. Freshly isolated IMCD cells were grown on filters in a special “epithelial cell” medium. Confluency was proved with an epithelial volt/ohm meter. After 7 d of culture the transepithelial resistance reached more than 1000 Ω×cm². A polarization of the cells with regard to a basolateral localization of a lactate efflux system, and an l-alanine transport system was achieved. The hypotonicity-activated release systems for the organic osmolytes sorbitol and betaine were also located basolaterally, whereas taurine, glycerophosphorylcholine, and myo-inositol left the cells at both cell poles but with different capacity. Morphological observations revealed also that the monolayer was well differentiated. Thus, a model of a renal collecting duct epithelium was established which can be used to analyze polarized and differentiated transport processes across the epithelial cells and their plasma membranes.     

Apico-basal osmotic gradient induces transcytosis in cultured renal collecting duct epithelium

Summary The present experiments report the existence of an apico-basal plasma membrane shuttle in cultured renal collecting duct principal cell epithelium. Apical and basal perfusion under isotonic conditions, 290 mosm phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), has no effect on the shape of the epithelium. In contrast, gradient perfusion bf the epithelium with 75 mosm PBS on the apical side and 290 mosm PBS on the basal side for 10 min alters the morphology of the epithelium by causing the originally columnar epithelial cells to become lower, the intercellular spaces to dilate, and the intracellular vesicles to enlarge. Perfusion of the epithelium with isotonic PBS in the presence of electron-dense cellular markers such as gold-coupled GP_CDI antibody, recognizing a glycoprotein in the plasma membrane of collecting duct cells (W.W. Minuth, G. Lauer, S. Bachman and W. Kriz,Histochemistry 80:171–182, 1984), cationized ferritin (CF), horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and native ferritin (NF) for 10 min reveals their binding at the apical plasma membrane. Little endocytosis is observable. However, after labeling the luminal side by the cellular markers and following exposure to apical hypotonicity, 75 mosm PBS for 10 min, endocytosis of all markers is enhanced to a high degree. Furthermore, the gold-coupled GP_CDI antibody and cationized ferritin are transported within vesicles unidirectionally through the epithelium and are exocytosed at the basolateral aspect, indicating the retrieval and possible translocation of apical plasma membrane. In contrast, volume markers such as NF and HRP are also endocytosed under osmotic gradient exposure, but are not seen to be transcytosed. Therefore, the function of this membrane pathway seems not to be related to water reabsorption, but may be part of a cellular response as protection against the osmotic gradient.     

Apico-basal osmotic gradient induces transcytosis in cultured renal collecting duct epithelium

The present experiments report the existence of an apico-basal plasma membrane shuttle in cultured renal collecting duct principal cell epithelium. Apical and basal perfusion under isotonic conditions, 290 mosm phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), has no effect on the shape of the epithelium. In contrast, gradient perfusion of the epithelium with 75 mosm PBS on the apical side and 290 mosm PBS on the basal side for 10 min alters the morphology of the epithelium by causing the originally columnar epithelial cells to become lower, the intercellular spaces to dilate, and the intracellular vesicles to enlarge. Perfusion of the epithelium with isotonic PBS in the presence of electron-dense cellular markers such as gold-coupled GPCDI antibody, recognizing a glycoprotein in the plasma membrane of collecting duct cells (W.W. Minuth, G. Lauer, S. Bachman and W. Kriz, Histochemistry 80:171-182, 1984), cationized ferritin (CF), horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and native ferritin (NF) for 10 min reveals their binding at the apical plasma membrane. Little endocytosis is observable. However, after labeling the luminal side by the cellular markers and following exposure to apical hypotonicity, 75 mosm PBS for 10 min, endocytosis of all markers is enhanced to a high degree. Furthermore, the gold-coupled GPCDI antibody and cationized ferritin are transported within vesicles unidirectionally through the epithelium and are exocytosed at the basolateral aspect, indicating the retrieval and possible translocation of apical plasma membrane. In contrast, volume markers such as NF and HRP are also endocytosed under osmotic gradient exposure, but are not seen to be transcytosed. Therefore, the function of this membrane pathway seems not to be related to water reabsorption, but may be part of a cellular response as protection against the osmotic gradient.     

Differentiation properties of renal collecting duct cells in culture

In the present study, we were particularly interested in distinguishing specific patterns of structural and functional proteins in the collecting duct system of neonatal and adult kidneys and in cultured renal collecting duct epithelia in order to ascertain the degree of differentiation in the cultures. We studied the distribution of specific renal collecting duct cell markers using morphological, immunohistochemical and biochemical procedures. Cultured renal collecting duct epithelium undergoes maturation in vitro. Examples of morphological differentiation include the appearance of cilia and microvilli at the apical cell pole, and a basement membrane at the basal aspect of the epithelium. Tight junctions with five to seven strands separate the wide intercellular spaces from the apical cell surface. Physiological maturation from a 'leaky' to a 'tight' epithelium is evident from the acquisition of the alpha-subunit of Na/K-ATPase and the development of a high transepithelial potential difference and resistance. Biochemical differentiation is revealed by the expression of specific proteins. The simple-epithelium cytokeratins, PKK1 and PKK2, which are typical intracellular-matrix proteins of mature collecting duct epithelium, maintain the same distribution in cell culture as in neonatal and adult kidneys. An indicator of maturation in vitro is the expression of the collecting duct-specific proteins, PCD2 and PCD3. Newly developed monoclonal antibodies against these antigens reacted similarly with cultured cells and cells of the mature collecting duct system, but they did not label the embryonic ampullae in the cortex of neonatal rabbit kidneys. In contrast, a third collecting duct-specific protein, PCD1, is not expressed by the cultured cells, which indicates the retention of an embryonic characteristic in vitro. Embryonic collecting duct ampullae of the neonatal kidney in situ contain laminin during their development. Laminin is, however, absent in cultured collecting duct epithelium. Biochemical stimulation of the adenylate cyclase system by arginine vasopressin resulted in a twofold stimulation of the enzyme activity. This degree of stimulation is similar to that found in maturing kidneys of neonatal rabbits and indicates another embryonic feature of the cultures.     

Differentiation properties of renal collecting duct cells in culture

In the present study, we were particularly interested in distinguishing specific patterns of structural and functional proteins in the collecting duct system of neonatal and adult kidneys and in cultured renal collecting duct epithelia in order to ascertain the degree of differentiation in the cultures. We studied the distribution of specific renal collecting duct cell markers using morphological, immuno-histochemical and biochemical procedures. Cultured renal collecting duct epithelium undergoes maturation in vitro. Examples of morphological differentiation include the appearance of cilia and microvilli at the apical cell pole, and a basement membrane at the basal aspect of the epithelium. Tight junctions with five to seven strands separate the wide intercellular spaces from the apical cell surface. Physiological maturation from a ‘leaky’ to a ‘tight’ epithelium is evident from the acquisition of the α-subunit of Na/K-ATPase and the development of a high transepithelial potential difference and resistance. Biochemical differentiation is revealed by the expression of specific proteins. The simple-epithelium cytokeratins. PKK1 and PKK2, which are typical intracellular-matrix proteins of mature collecting duct epithelium, maintain the same distribution in cell culture as in neonatal and adult kidneys. An indicator of maturation in vitro is the expression of the collecting duct-specific proteins, P^CD2 and P^CD3. Newly developed monoclonal antibodies against these antigens reacted similarly with cultured cells and cells of the mature collecting duct system, but they did not label the embryonic ampullae in the cortex of neonatal rabbit kidneys. In contrast, a third collecting duct-specific protein, PcDl, is not expressed by the cultured cells, which indicates the retention of an embryonic characteristic in vitro. Embryonic collecting duct ampullae of the neonatal kidney in situ contain laminin during their development. Laminin is. however, absent in cultured collecting duct epithelium. Biochemical stimulation of the adenylate cyclase system by arginine vasopressin resulted in a twofold stimulation of the enzyme activity. This degree of stimulation is similar to that found in maturing kidneys of neonatal rabbits and indicates another embryonic feature of the cultures.     

Methylation of cytosolic proteins may be a possible biochemical pathway of early aldosterone action in cultured renal collecting duct cells

The common model of aldosterone-dependent sodium transport is that the hormone increases sodium transport during the "early" and "late" response phases by inducing specific proteins (AIPs). However, in actual biochemical studies, AIPs were mostly detected 6-24 h after aldosterone application. Regarding the physiological early response phase, this implies temporal dissociation of the physiological and biochemical events. The discrepancy raises the question as to whether other biochemical events, such as protein modifications, may be involved in addition to the novo protein synthesis. Labelling of cultured renal collecting duct epithelia for 1-5 h with a radioactive methylgroup donor, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), following tissue fractionation, resulted in progressive methylations of specific cytosolic proteins. Aldosterone-dependent methylations increased consistently with time, and accounted for a 60% increase in total cytosolic protein content as compared to controls after 5 h labelling. The different methylated proteins showed a molecular weight of 220, 97 and 75 kd and comprised groups of proteins with an isoelectric point of 5.1-5.7 and 6.0-7.5. Methylation of identical proteins was obtained by incubation of the epithelia with unlabelled SAM instead of aldosterone. SAM-induced as well as aldosterone-induced methylation of proteins with an isoelectric point of 6.0-7.5 could be inhibited by the methylation inhibitor S-adenosylhomocysteine. The results indicate that aldosterone may influence the SAM cycle in cultured collecting-duct epithelia during increase of the Na+-transport.     

Subtypes of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells defined by immunocytochemistry: Further evidence for properties of renal collecting duct cells

The Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line has been proposed as a model for studying intercalated (IC) cells of the renal cortical collecting duct. The IC cells are characterized by peanut lectin (PNA) binding capacity, carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and Cl^-–HCO ₃ ^- exchange mediated by a band 3-related protein. It has been suggested that these properties are also expressed in MDCK cells. So far however, the nature of the specific protein involved in Cl^-–HCO ₃ ^- exchange, the type of CA isozyme and the relationship between these two characteristics and PNA binding, have not been investigated in MDCK cells by immunocytochemical methods. Using two antibodies raised against human erythrocyte band 3 protein and two against human erythrocyte CA I and II isozymes, our study provides evidence that a protein related to band 3 is expressed in about 5% of cultured MDCK cells; these band 3-positive cells do not bind PNA and are not reactive for CAI or CAII. About 30% of the MDCK cells bind PNA, two-thirds of which are also CAII-positive. A majority (about 65%) of MDCK cells is not reactive for the three markers used; their density is increased after incubation with aldosterone. These data indicate (i) that the Cl^-–HCO ₃ ^- exchanger of the MDCK cells could be related to human erythrocyte band 3, (ii) that the CA activity of the MDCK cell line bears antigenic identity with the erythrocyte CA II isozyme and (iii) that the latter is always co-localized with PNA binding. These results provide immunocytochemical evidence for the heterogeneity of the MDCK cell line, which might reflect the cellular heterogeneity encountered in the renal cortical collecting duct. Our data also indicate that clonal selection will be required for future functional studies of the MDCK cells.