AT1 receptors and the actin cytoskeleton during angiotensin II treatment.
BACKGROUND
The response of proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) to angiotensin II is mediated by specific type 1 receptors found on both apical and basolateral surface membrane cells. After ligand association with type 1 receptors, different signaling pathways are triggered and determine changes in fluid absorption (Jv). The presence of AT1 and actin cytoskeleton, which are directly related to Jv, can undergo changes in distribution based on the actions of AngII and losartan.


METHODS
Using a microperfusion technique and immunohistochemistry analysis, we investigated the basolateral action in PCTs, of AngII and/or losartan on Jv in rabbits, with regard to AT1 and actin cytoskeleton.


RESULTS
AngII increased Jv, while in contrast, losartan and combined AngII + losartan led to its decrease. AngII did not change fluorescence intensity of AT1 receptors on tubular membranes, while losartan and AngII + losartan demonstrated a slight increase after treatment. On the other hand, AngII increased the fluorescence intensity of actin cytoskeleton, while losartan induced a decrease. AngII + losartan led actin cytoskeleton having a higher fluorescence intensity than in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, we demonstrated that treatment of the basolateral side of PCT cells with AngII and losartan could lead to changes in absorptive tubular function. Important alterations were detected in AT1 receptor fluorescence on the luminal and basolateral membranes, and changes in F-actin cytoskeleton were verified by fluorescence following these protocols.
Bertels
Ivome M V
IM
Organ Preservation Laboratories, Medical Sciences School, State University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas - Brazil.
Gontijo
José A R
JA
Figueiredo
José F
JF
D000042:Absorption / Q000502:physiology; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D019808:Losartan / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*
D000199:Actins; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D000804:Angiotensin II; D019808:Losartan