AJP - Heart Watch the video to see how APS reaches out to developing nations.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 280: H327-H333, 2001;
0363-6135/01 $5.00
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Web of Science (12)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Audoly, L. P.
Right arrow Articles by Arendshorst, W. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Audoly, L. P.
Right arrow Articles by Arendshorst, W. J.
Vol. 280, Issue 1, H327-H333, January 2001

Role of EP2 and EP3 PGE2 receptors in control of murine renal hemodynamics

Laurent P. Audoly1, Xiaoping Ruan3, Victoria A. Wagner2, Jennifer L. Goulet1, Stephen L. Tilley2, Beverly H. Koller2, Thomas M. Coffman1, and William J. Arendshorst3

1 Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham 27710; and 2 Departments of Medicine and 3 Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7545


    ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

The kidney plays a central role in long-term regulation of arterial blood pressure and salt and water homeostasis. This is achieved in part by the local actions of paracrine and autacoid mediators such as the arachidonic acid-prostanoid system. The present study tested the role of specific PGE2 E-prostanoid (EP) receptors in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and vascular reactivity to PGE2. Specifically, we determined the extent to which the EP2 and EP3 receptor subtypes mediate the actions of PGE2 on renal vascular tone. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured by ultrasonic flowmetry, whereas vasoactive agents were injected directly into the renal artery of male mice. Studies were performed on two independent mouse lines lacking either EP2 or EP3 (-/-) receptors and the results were compared with wild-type controls (+/+). Our results do not support a unique role of the EP2 receptor in regulating overall renal hemodynamics. Baseline renal hemodynamics in EP2-/- mice [RBF EP2-/-: 5.3 ± 0.8 ml · min-1 · 100 g kidney wt-1; renal vascular resistance (RVR) 19.7 ± 3.6 mmHg · ml-1 · min · g kidney wt] did not differ statistically from control mice (RBF +/+: 4.0 ± 0.5 ml · min-1 · 100 g kidney wt-1; RVR +/+: 25.4 ± 4.9 mmHg · ml-1 · min · 100 g kidney wt-1). This was also the case for the peak RBF increase after local PGE2 (500 ng) injection into the renal artery (EP2-/-: 116 ± 4 vs. +/+: 112 ± 2% baseline RBF). In contrast, we found that the absence of EP3 receptors in EP3-/- mice caused a significant increase (43%) in basal RBF (7.9 ± 0.8 ml · min-1 · g kidney wt-1, P < 0.05 vs. +/+) and a significant decrease (41%) in resting RVR (11.6 ± 1.4 mmHg · ml-1 · min · g kidney wt-1, P < 0.05 vs. +/+). Local administration of 500 ng of PGE2 into the renal artery caused more pronounced renal vasodilation in EP3-/- mice (128 ± 2% of basal RBF, P < 0.05 vs. +/+). We conclude that EP3 receptors mediate vasoconstriction in the kidney of male mice and its actions are tonically active in the basal state. Furthermore, EP3 receptors are capable of buffering PGE2-mediated renal vasodilation.

knockout mice; renal blood flow; EP receptor; cAMP; renal circulation; vascular smooth muscle cells


    INTRODUCTION
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

THE MAINTENANCE of precisely controlled blood flow within the kidney is essential for regulating appropriate salt and water balance. Paracrine and autacoid mediators play an important role in the control of renal vascular resistance (RVR). PGE2 has long been recognized as a key product of the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway by cyclooxygenase. PGE2 is a major arachidonic acid metabolite in the kidney and is known to exert important actions on both renal hemodynamics and tubular transport. It can also be released along with PGI2 from the vascular endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) (13, 24, 37). Among the cyclooxygenase products thromboxane A2, PGI2, and PGE2, PGE2 is released in greatest abundance from all nephron segments (3). Infusion of PGE2 into the kidney commonly causes renal vasodilation, although there are a few reports (2, 10, 11, 16) of reductions in renal hemodynamics, depending on the species, preparations, and doses. Such variability implicates actions of PGE2 on multiple cell surface receptors in the regulation of renal tubular transport and hemodynamics.

PGE2 elicits its biological effects through interactions with a family of G protein-coupled cell surface receptors. To date, four distinct PGE2 (E-prostanoid, EP1-4) receptors have been cloned; each originates from a distinct gene (19). These EP receptors differ in their amino acid identities, pharmacological characteristics, and signal transduction properties. The existence of unique coupling of EP subtypes to a given signal transduction pathway provides the molecular basis for the diverse and complex physiological actions of PGE2. All of the EP receptor subtypes are found in the kidney (12). More is known about the localization of EP receptors along the nephron than the vasculature. EP1 and EP3 receptors are present in cells of the collecting ducts (cortex and medulla) and connecting segments (18, 33). In situ hybridization and Northern blot studies (4, 12, 33) reveal EP4 receptor mRNA in rat and human glomeruli. A recent study (18) employing immunohistochemistry reveals EP3 and EP4 receptors in human glomeruli. Antibodies localized all four EP receptors to large preglomerular arteries, EP1-3 to the afferent arteriole, EP1 to the efferent arteriole, and all but EP2 on vasa recta of human kidneys (18).

The functional roles and patterns of EP receptor control of peripheral vascular resistance in different organs in general and tone of resistance arterioles in the kidney are unknown. It is difficult to predict which specific receptor mediates PGE2 actions on the renal vasculature in experimental animals. One approach to resolve these issues is to use EP subtype-specific ligands in functional studies. Unfortunately, the weak binding profiles and less-than-ideal selectivity of these compounds limits interpretation of experiments based solely on pharmacological agonist/antagonists action. These imprecise properties complicate their utility in whole animal physiology and render results less than conclusive. To circumvent these limitations, we took a different approach and studied mice in which specific EP receptors were deleted by gene targeting.

The purpose of the present study was to gain insight into the roles of EP2 and EP3 receptors in the control of renal hemodynamics in the mouse. Steady-state and dynamic responses of renal blood flow (RBF) were recorded with the use of an ultrasonic flow probe in EP2- or EP3-deficient (EP2-/- and EP3-/-, respectively) mice. We tested the hypotheses that the inability of selected EP receptors to function would affect the renal microcirculation during basal conditions and/or in response to administered PGE2.


    MATERIALS AND METHODS
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

Generation of EP2-/- and EP3-/- mice. EP2-/- and EP3-/- animals were generated as previously described (9, 35) and maintained on a 129 background. Genotypes were determined by Southern blot analysis. We maintained 129 mice in the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill animal facility as controls. Only 4- to 5-mo-old male mice were studied. All animal experiments were performed according to approved institutional guidelines.

RBF measurements. Surgical procedures were performed as described previously (28, 29). In brief, a polyethylene (PE-10) catheter was inserted into the right jugular vein for the administration of 4.7 g/dl BSA in saline to maintain constant plasma oncotic pressure during surgery (10 µl/min) and then reduced to 2 µl/min for the duration of an experiment. A second catheter was placed in the left carotid artery to monitor systemic arterial blood pressure with a transducer (Gulton-Statham P23 dB).

Blood flow in the left kidney was measured continuously by using a noncannulating ultrasonic flowmeter system (Transonic Systems; Ithaca, NY) interfaced with a 5-mm V-shaped probe around the left renal artery. This system has been previously validated in mice by our laboratory (29, 30). A PE-10 catheter, pulled to a smaller diameter with the tip bent at 90°, was inserted into the abdominal aorta, and its tip was placed ~0.5 mm into the left renal artery. Saline was infused continuously into the renal artery (2 µl/min), except during bolus injections of vasoactive agents. Placement of the catheter tip at the origin of the renal artery did not affect RBF. There was a 30-min stabilization period after the 60- to 90-min surgical procedures, followed by an observation period of 2-3 h.

PGE2 (Cayman Chemical; Ann Arbor, MI) was resuspended in 100% ethanol at a final concentration of 50 mg/ml. We then used this solution to prepare the various dilutions using saline. The highest concentration of ethanol was 0.1% vol/vol (500 ng/10 µl bolus). Thirty seconds before the injection of bolus (10 µl), the saline infusion rate into the renal artery was increased to 50 µl/min. At 2-min postinjection, the saline infusion was returned to 2 µl/min.

Data analysis. RBF measurements and arterial blood pressure readings were recorded by using NotebookPro software (Labtech; Andover, MA) and then transferred into a spreadsheet and analyzed with the use of statistical software (GraphPad; San Diego, CA). All of the data presented are means ± SE. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of Student's t-test and linear regression by least-squares analysis (GraphPad). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.


    RESULTS
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

EP3-/- mice altered baseline renal hemodynamics. To assess the contribution of individual EP receptors to resting levels of renal hemodynamics, baseline RBF was compared among age-matched controls (+/+), EP2-/-, and EP3-/- male mice. There were no significant differences in animal body weight, kidney weight, or mean arterial blood pressure among genotypes (Table 1). RBF and RVR were similar in control mice and EP2-/- mice. An important finding was that the absence of functional EP3 receptors (EP3-/- mice) had a significant effect on renal hemodynamics. Baseline RBF was increased 43% in EP3-/- compared with wild-type mice (Fig. 1). Because arterial pressure was similar in both groups, RVR was reduced in the EP3-/- mice by almost 50% (Fig. 1). These data suggest that EP3 receptors mediate tonic renal vasoconstriction in these animals under resting conditions. In marked contrast, EP2 receptors appear to have little, if any, discernable effect on basal renal hemodynamics.

                              
View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1.   Hemodynamic characteristics of 5-mo-old wild-type control and EP receptor-deficient mice



View larger version (13K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 1.   Altered renal hemodynamic characteristics in E-prostanoid (EP3-/-) mice expressed as a function of kidney weight (in ml · min-1 · 100 g-1). A: values for renal blood flow (RBF, in ml · min-1 · g kidney wt-1) are wild-type (+/+), 5.3 ± 0.8; EP2-/-, 4.0 ± 0.5; and EP3-/-, 8.0 ± 0.8. B: values for renal vascular resistance (RVR, in mmHg · ml-1 · min · g) are +/+, 19.7 ± 3.6; EP2-/-, 25.4 ± 4.9; and EP3-/-, 11.6 ± 1.4. *P < 0.05 by Student's unpaired t-test.

EP3-/- mice display increased renal responsiveness to PGE2. RBF studies were conducted to evaluate RVR and assess the functional response to PGE2 injected directly into the renal artery of mice lacking EP2 or EP3 receptors. In these studies, renal vascular reactivity in response to receptor activation was assessed utilizing a combination of continuous measurement of RBF and drug delivery directly into the renal artery of the experimental kidney (29, 30). This approach allows for the study of local hormonal effects on the renal circulation without systemic effects of the agonists on arterial pressure. By design, mean arterial blood pressure was unaffected by intrarenal injection of PGE2 in all experiments.

Vehicle administration reflecting the ethanol content of the 500-ng PGE2 bolus had no effect on RBF in any group (Fig. 2). Figure 2 shows individual representative tracings of transient RBF responses to bolus injection of PGE2 (500 ng) into the renal artery. The general shape of the vasodilatory response to PGE2 was similar in all groups. PGE2 caused a significant increase in RBF in wild-type mice, with a maximum increase at 100-110 s. RBF returned to baseline within 5-10 min. Mean arterial pressure was not affected by PGE2 injection, remaining constant at all times during the experimental period. Thus the recorded changes in RBF reflect inverse changes in RVR during the PGE2-induced responses.


View larger version (19K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 2.   Effects of EP3 receptor mutation on renal hemodynamic responses to PGE2. RBF was recorded continuously in anesthetized mice from 0 to 300 s during a 500-ng PGE2 injection into the renal artery; arterial pressure was unchanged. , +/+ mice (n = 5); triangle , EP3-/- mice (n = 6); and shaded line, vehicle. EP3-/- (n = 2) and +/+ (n = 2). Values are means ± SE.

Group averages for the maximum vasodilator effect of PGE2 (500 ng) recorded in all three groups of mice are presented in Fig. 3. PGE2 produced a similar amount of vasodilation in EP2-/- and wild-type mice [116 ± 4% (n = 3) and 112 ± 2% of baseline RBF (n = 6), respectively]. It is possible that a difference exists between EP2-/- and +/+ mice that could not be detected due to the sample size of our experiments. In contrast, deletion of the EP3-/- receptor had a profound effect on the renal response to PGE2. The maximum RBF response was appreciably greater (128 ± 2% of baseline RBF; n = 5) in the absence of a functional EP3 receptor than in either of the other two groups (P < 0.05 vs. +/+ or EP2-/-). In addition, the integrated area under the response curve was significantly greater in the EP3-/- mice than wild-type or EP2-/- animals. Thus the difference in the integrated RBF response was virtually identical to that observed for peak changes in RBF. These results suggest that EP3 but not EP2 receptors contribute to the PGE2-mediated vascular responsiveness in the murine kidney.


View larger version (21K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 3.   Increase in RBF is accentuated in EP3-/- mice compared with +/+ controls and EP2-/- animals. The maximum increase in RBF (60-80 s) after a 500-ng PGE2 injection into the renal artery was greater in EP3-/- mice. Values are expressed as % baseline RBF. Solid bar: control mice, +/+; 112.3 ± 2.1% (n = 6). Hatched bar: EP2-/-, 116.5 ± 4.0% (n = 3). Open bar: EP3-/-, 128.5 ± 2.4% (n = 5). *P < 0.05 by Student's unpaired t-test.

Dose-dependent responsiveness to PGE2 in EP3-/- animals. To further explore the differences in renal reactivity to PGE2 in EP3-/- mice, we examined RBF responses to a range of PGE2 doses (25-500 ng). All tested doses elicited renal vasodilation in all groups. As shown in Fig. 4, wild-type mice exhibited a maximal increase in RBF (111 ± 2% of control RBF) with 25 ng of PGE2. No additional RBF increase was recorded between 25 and 500 ng PGE2 in +/+ mice. Higher doses of PGE2 (>= 1,000 ng) compromised the systemic hemodynamic stability of the animals, preventing us from utilizing these results.


View larger version (12K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Fig. 4.   Linear increase in RBF as function of PGE2 doses. The maximum % increase in RBF for dose of PGE2 was dose dependent for EP3-/- mice. Values are expressed as % baseline RBF with 25 ng PGE2: +/+, 110.9 ± 1.9 (n = 5); EP3-/-, 117.0 ± 2.8 (n = 5); 250 ng PGE2: +/+, 108.3 ± 1.6 (n = 5); EP3-/-, 123.4 ± 4.3 (n = 4); and 500 ng PGE2: +/+, 112.3 ± 2.1% (n = 6); EP3-/-, 128.5 ± 2.4 (n = 5). Linear regression analysis for +/+: y = -0.0036x + 109.6 (P > 0.5); linear regression analysis for EP3-/-: y = 0.0241x + 116.7. P < 0.05; n, no. of mice.

In contrast, EP3-/- mice displayed a more readily discernable dose-dependent increase in RBF responsiveness to PGE2. The effects of 25 ng PGE2 were slightly greater in EP3-/- mice (117 ± 3% basal RBF) than in wild-type controls. The exaggerated response in EP3-/- mice became more pronounced as the dose of PGE2 was increased, with 500 ng of PGE2 producing a greater increase in RBF (128 ± 2 vs. 112.3 ± 2.1% control RBF in control mice) (Fig. 4).


    DISCUSSION
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

Our studies focused on the role of EP2 and EP3 receptors in the control of whole kidney hemodynamics. We focused on these specific subtypes because they have been shown to be present in the kidney and EP2- and EP3-deficient mice are available on the same 129 genetic backgrounds. The contribution of genetic background is an important consideration with any gene targeting experiment (21). Therefore, intergroup comparisons can be made in these studies without background genes contributing to data variability.

Although general actions of PGE2 are well characterized, very little is known about which EP receptor subtypes mediate the biological effects of this prostanoid. With regard to EP receptor actions on the cardiovascular system, we have demonstrated previously (1) in mice that activation of EP2 receptors is responsible for a systemic depressor response to intravenous injection of PGE2. In contrast, PGE2-mediated activation of EP3 receptors causes an increase in mean systemic arterial pressure. The present study extends these findings by characterizing the extent to which EP2 and EP3 receptors contribute to the regulation of the microcirculation in the kidney.

Renal vascular reactivity in vivo was investigated by using a recently refined approach in which injection of PGE2 into the renal artery was combined with continuous measurement of RBF with a miniaturized ultrasound flow transducer. Our results indicate that the EP3 receptor contributes importantly to the baseline renal hemodynamics by enhancing vasomotor tone. EP3-/- mice exhibit a 43% increase in baseline RBF and a 41% decrease in RVR independent of changes in systemic arterial blood pressure. On the other hand, the EP2 receptor does not appear to be a major contributor to resting renal vasomotor tone as basal RBF was independent of EP2 receptor deletion. The absence of detectable differences in our experiments between EP2-/- and +/+ mice is strongly suggestive that the EP2 receptors are not present in the majority of renal cortical resistance vessels of male mice, or if present, receptor-mediated vasodilation is undetectable in our experimental conditions.

The same general pattern of contribution was observed in renal vascular reactivity to exogenous PGE2. Injection of PGE2 into the renal artery of wild-type mice produced net renal vasodilation as RBF rose 10-15% above baseline levels. This degree of renal vasodilation was also observed in EP2-/- or EP3-/- mice in response to relatively low doses of PGE2 (25 ng) injected into the renal artery. Higher doses of PGE2 elicited more pronounced vasodilation in EP3-/- mice. These results suggest that EP3 receptors mediate renal vasoconstriction such that activation of EP3 receptors in wild-type mice buffers or counteracts some of the vasodilation triggered by other EP receptors. In marked contrast, our data on EP2-/- mice suggest the EP2 receptors contribute little to basal RBF and the vasodilatory effect of PGE2. Thus the EP2 receptor appears to play a minor role, if any, in modulating renal vasomotor tone, at least at the whole kidney level in male mice.

The vasoconstrictor action of EP3 receptors in the renal vasculature is consistent with what is known about signal transduction pathways in other cell types. On the bais of information largely obtained on receptors transfected into nonvascular host cells, the EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors are thought to regulate intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i) levels. In general, agonist-dependent activation of the EP2 and EP4 subtypes, Galpha s-coupled receptors, stimulates [cAMP]i. Such changes in cAMP are predicted to cause relaxation of VSMC and vasodilation. In renal epithelial cells, EP3 receptors are primarily coupled to the inhibitory G protein, Galpha i, as demonstrated by inhibition of [cAMP]i production in rabbit collecting duct cells and the bovine renal medulla (32, 36). Thus EP3 receptors may antagonize the stimulatory effect of Galpha s-coupled EP receptors. Agonist-dependent activation of EP1 and EP3 receptors produces an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration in most nonvascular cell types tested to date. Therefore, EP1- and EP3-dependent stimulation of intracellular second messengers are predicted to induce VSMC contraction and increase vascular resistance. In VSMC of the rat tail artery, PGE2 is reported (26) to modulate both intracellular cAMP and calcium-dependent pathways leading to the regulation of voltage-dependent rectifier K+ channels and modulation of vascular tone. However, the identity of specific EP subtypes involved in these processes is unknown.

In the absence of a detectable phenotypic effect of EP2 receptor mutation on whole kidney hemodynamics, the remaining Galpha s-coupled EP4 receptors might be expected to mediate vasodilation by virtue of their ability to stimulate [cAMP]i production. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that EP4 receptors are the predominant EP receptor subtype most likely to mediate PGE2-dependent vasodilation in control wild-type animals. The net vasodilatory action of renal PGE2 and its ability to buffer vasoconstrictor agents more effectively in control than in genetic hypertension has been previously established in animal models (6, 7). In this setting, the vasodilatory effects of PGE2 were reduced in 6-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with aged-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls (6). There is evidence of a defective EP receptor Gs-coupled (stimulation of cAMP production) signaling pathway in the renal vasculature of SHR. In vitro studies reveal that PGE2 stimulation produces weaker-than-normal increases in [cAMP]i in isolated preglomerular arterioles of young SHR versus WKY mice. In vivo RBF studies (8) support this view.

Recently, we (1) described the impact of EP2 and EP3 receptor mutations on the effects of PGE2 in the systemic circulation. Both of these receptors contributed significantly to the PGE2-dependent actions on the regulation of arterial blood pressure. Intravenous injection of PGE2 injected elicited a 25-mmHg reduction in mean arterial pressure in wild-type control animals. In EP2-/- mice, the same dose of PGE2 caused a smaller 10-mmHg depressor response, suggesting that EP2 receptors are vasodilatory and contribute to a decrease in total peripheral resistance, possibly through proposed activation of Gs proteins and increases in [cAMP]i. There was an accentuated vasodepressor response in male EP3-/- consistent with a constrictor action of EP3 receptors in the peripheral vasculature, perhaps mediated through activation of Gi and subsequent reductions in [cAMP]i and/or stimulation of intracellular calcium. It is not known which vascular beds contribute to the systemic pressor effects of PGE2. Our current study provides new information about the importance of EP3 receptors in mediating renal vasoconstriction and the apparent absence of EP2 actions on the renal vasculature of male mice. Two recent reports (25, 34) described the role of EP receptors in transducing PGE2 effects in the rat renal preglomerular microcirculation. These investigators provided convincing evidence supporting the role of EP1 and/or EP3 and EP4 receptors in kidney hemodynamics. These observations are consistent with our present report.

This is especially relevant in view of documented differences in the actions of PGE2 among species. The physiological response to PGE analogues is quite different between isolated preparations of rabbit and piglet saphenous veins (15), suggesting that individual EP receptors contribute differently to the PGE2-dependent vasomotor activity of these preparations. This situation is not unique to saphenous vein preparations. Differences in PGE2 potencies were also reported between human and rabbit preparations of basilar arteries (22). In human artery preparations, PGE2 and its analogue 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (EP3>EP4>EP2) cause contractions. In contrast, in the rabbit artery, both compounds cause relaxation. Therefore, caution must be exercised in extrapolating results from one species to the next (e.g., mouse to human) as relative levels of EP receptors or efficacy in receptor-evoked signal transduction may differ appreciably.

Our whole kidney RBF results pertain to total vascular resistance in vivo. It would be of interest to extend our studies to discern which specific vascular segments in the renal microcirculation are responsible for the observed changes in total resistance. In this regard, identification of EP receptor location and function in the afferent and efferent arterioles is worthy of further investigation as are relative contributions in superficial and juxtamedullary nephron populations.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are potent inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase enzymes, and their anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of the production of prostanoids such as PGE2 (31). PGE2 can act as a major determinant of renal vascular tone by acting as a vasodilator and counteracting the effects of vasoconstrictor agents. Administration of NSAIDs can cause marked renal vasoconstriction (8) and reversible acute renal failure (5, 23) in elderly patients and patients with congestive heart failure or volume depletion. Recently, cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitors have also been shown (27) to cause significant transient renal vasoconstriction. The undesired side effects of subtype and nonsubtype-specific NSAIDs may be due in part to the reduction of PGE2 from the circulation (38). In this situation, the actions of vasoconstrictors become unrestrained and dominant, resulting in a deleterious attenuation of renal perfusion. This is especially relevant in view of the counteracting vasodilatory effect of PGE2 with respect to vasoconstrictors such as ANG II, endothelin, norepinephrine, and vasopressin (17, 20). Alternatively, there is evidence (19) suggesting that EP3 isoforms may be able to exert effects independent of agonist. It is interesting to speculate on the implications and the therapeutic potential of using specific EP receptor agonists and/or antagonists in disease states and during NSAID therapy.

In summary, we have measured RBF with the use of an ultrasonic flowmeter system in anesthetized mice. Compared with wild-type control animals, resting RBF is elevated in EP3 receptor-deficient mice but is normal in mice with EP2 receptors rendered nonfunctional by gene mutation. Deletion of putative vasodilatory EP2 receptors had no discernable effect on renal vasodilation elicited by intrarenal PGE2. In contrast, more pronounced vasodilation was clearly observed in EP3-/- mice. Our results suggest a very weak or nonexistent role for EP2 receptors in either baseline or PGE2-dependent vascular responsiveness. The ablation of gene expression by homologous recombination is a powerful tool for the study of gene function. However, it is important to appreciate that the phenotype of any "knockout" study may not only reflect on the absence of the targeted gene, but also on the potential compensation of other genes that may be upregulated in these genetically modified animals. For example, a significant upregulation of PGE2 biosynthesis is noted in fibroblasts isolated from PGH2 synthase (PGHS1 -/- or PGHS2 -/-) animals compared with their wild-type controls (14). In mice, our data suggest that EP3 receptors are present on renal resistance vessels and mediate vasoconstriction that plays a role in damping the strength of vasodilation triggered by PGE2. On the basis of our current knowledge of signal transduction, it is reasonable to postulate that the major vasodilatory action of PGE2 is mediated by another EP receptor, such as the EP4 receptor that couples to a Galpha s protein and stimulates [cAMP]i. The vasoconstrictor EP3 receptor may play an important role in the control of renal hemodynamics.


    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants HL-02334 (to W. J. Arendshorst), HL-58554 (to B. H. Koller), P01-DK-38103 and DK-38108 and the Research Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs (to T. M. Coffman). L. P. Audoly is a recipient of an American Heart Association fellowship.


    FOOTNOTES

Present address of L. P. Audoly: Inflammation, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT 06340.

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: W. J. Arendshorst, Dept. Cell and Molecular Physiology, CB# 7545, School of Medicine, Rm. 152, Medical Sciences Research Bldg., The Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545 (E-mail: arends{at}med.unc.edu).

The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.

Received 5 May 2000; accepted in final form 28 August 2000.


    REFERENCES
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

1.   Audoly, LP, Tilley SL, Goulet J, Key M, Nguyen MT, Stock J, McNeish J, Koller BH, and Coffman TM. Identification of specific EP receptors responsible for the hemodynamic effects of PGE2. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 277: H924-H930, 1999[Abstract/Free Full Text].

2.   Baer, PG, and McGiff JC. Comparisons of effects of prostaglandins E2 and I2 on rat renal vascular resistance. Eur J Pharmacol 54: 359-363, 1976.

3.   Bonvalet, JP, Pradelles P, and Farman N. Segmental synthesis and actions of prostaglandins along the nephron. Am J Physiol Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol 253: F377-F387, 1987[Abstract/Free Full Text].

4.   Breyer, MD, Davis L, Jacobson HR, and Breyer RM. Differential localization of prostaglandin E receptor subtypes in human kidney. Am J Physiol Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol 39: F912-F918, 1996.

5.   Brezin, JH, Morider Katz S, Schwartz AB, and Chinitz JL. Reversible renal failure and nephrotic syndrome associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. N Engl J Med 301: 1271-1276, 1979[Web of Science][Medline].

6.   Chatziantoniou, C, and Arendshorst WJ. Renal vascular reactivity to vasodilator prostaglandins in genetically hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 31: F124-F130, 1992.

7.   Chatziantoniou, C, and Arendshorst WJ. Impaired ability of prostaglandins to buffer renal vasoconstriction in genetically hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 32: F573-F580, 1992.

8.   Finn, WF, and Arendshorst WJ. Effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on renal blood flow in rats. Am J Physiol 231: 1541-1545, 1976.

9.   Fleming, EF, Athirakul K, Oliverio MI, Key M, Goulet J, Koller BH, and Coffman TM. Urinary concentrating function in mice lacking EP3 receptors for prostaglandin E2. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 275: F955-F961, 1998[Abstract/Free Full Text].

10.   Haylor, J, and Towers J. Renal vasodilator activity of prostaglandin E2 in the rat anesthetized with pentobarbitone. Br J Pharmacol 76: 131-137, 1982[Web of Science][Medline].

11.   Jackson, EK, Heidemann HT, Branch RA, and Gerkens GF. Low dose of intrarenal infusions of PGE2, PGI2, and 6-keto-PGE1 vaodilate the in vivo rat kidney. Circ Res 51: 67-72, 1982[Abstract/Free Full Text].

12.   Jensen, BL, Mann B, Skott O, and Kurtz A. Differential regulation of renal prostaglandin receptor mRNAs by dietary salt intake in the rat. Kidney Int 56: 528-537, 1999[Web of Science][Medline].

13.   Kirchenbaum, MA, and Chaudhari A. Calcium dependent synthesis of vasodilator renal microvascular prostanoids. Am J Nephrol 6: 46-53, 1986.

14.   Kirtikara, K, Morham SG, Raghow R, Laulederkind SJF, Kanekura T, Goorha S, and Ballou LR. Compensatory prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis in cyclooxygenase 1 or 2 null cells. J Exp Med 187: 517-523, 1998[Abstract/Free Full Text].

15.   Lydford, SJ, McKechnie KCW, and Dougall IG. Pharmacological studies on prostanoid receptors in the rabbit isolated saphenous veins: a comparison with the rabbit isolated ear artery. Br J Pharmacol 117: 13-20, 1996[Web of Science][Medline].

16.   Malik, KU, and McGiff JC. Modulation by prostaglandins of adernergic transmission in the isolated perfused rabbit and rat kidney. Circ Res 36: 599-609, 1975[Abstract/Free Full Text].

17.   McGiff, JC, Malik KU, and Terragno NA. Prostaglandins as determinants of vascular reactivity. Fed Proc 35: 2382-2387, 1976[Web of Science][Medline].

18.   Morath, R, Klein T, Seyberth HW, and Nusing RM. Immunolocalization of the four prostaglandin E2 receptor proteins EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 in human kidney. J Am Soc Nephrol 10: 1851-1860, 1999[Abstract/Free Full Text].

19.   Narumiya, S, Sugimoto Y, and Ushikubi F. Prostanoid receptors: structures, properties, and functions. Physiol Rev 79: 1193-1226, 1999[Abstract/Free Full Text].

20.   Nasjletti, A, and Arthur C. Corcoran Memorial Lecture. The role of eicosanoids in angiotensin-dependent hypertension. Hypertension 31: 194-200, 1998[Abstract/Free Full Text].

21.   Nguyen, M, Camenisch T, Snouwaert JN, Hicks E, Coffman TM, Anderson P, Malouf NN, and Koller B. The prostaglandin receptor EP4 triggers remodelling of the cardiovascular system at birth. Nature 390: 78-81, 1997[Medline].

22.   Parsons, A, and Whalley ET. Effects of prostanoids on human and rabbit basilar arteries precontracted in vitro. Cephalalgia 9: 165-171, 1989[Web of Science][Medline].

23.   Perneger, TV, Whelton PK, and Klag MJ. Risk of kidney failure associated with the use of acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. N Engl J Med 331: 1675-9, 1994[Abstract/Free Full Text].

24.   Purdy, KE, and Arendshorst WJ. Calcium dependent synthesis of vasodilator renal microvascular prostanoids. Am J Nephrol 277: F850-F858, 1999.

25.   Purdy, KE, and Arendshorst WJ. EP1 and EP4 receptors mediate prostaglandin E2 actions in the microcirculation of the rat kidney. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 279: F755-F764, 2000[Abstract/Free Full Text].

26.   Ren, J, Karpinski E, and Benishin CG. The actions of prostaglandin E2 on potassium currents in rat tail artery vascular smooth muscle cells: regulation by protein kinase A and protein kinase C. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 277: 394-402, 1996[Abstract/Free Full Text].

27.   Rossat, J, Maillartd M, Nussberger J, Brunner HR, and Burnier M. Renal effects of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in normotensive salt-depleted subjects. Clin Pharmacol Ther 66: 76-84, 1999[Web of Science][Medline].

28.   Ruan, X, Chatziantoniou C, and Arendshorst WJ. Impaired PGE2 or PGI2-Gs protein interaction and stimulation of cAMP formation in isolated renal resistance vessels of young genetically hypertensive rats. Hypertension 34: 1134-1140, 1999[Abstract/Free Full Text].

29.   Ruan, X, Oliverio MI, Coffman TM, and Arendshorst WJ. Renal vascular reactivity in mice: Ang II-induced vasoconstriction in AT1a receptor null mice. J Am Soc Nephrol 10: 2620-2630, 1999[Abstract/Free Full Text].

30.   Ruan, X, Purdy KW, Oliverio MI, Coffman TM, and Arendshorst WJ. Effects of candesartan on angiotensin II-induced renal vasoconstriction in rats and mice. J Am Soc Nephrol 10: S202-S207, 1999.

31.   Samuelsson, B. An elucidation of the arachidonic acid cascade. Discovery of prostaglandins, thromboxane and leukotrienes. Drugs 33: 2-9, 1987.

32.   Sonnenburg, WK, Zhu J, and Smith W. A prostaglandin E receptor coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in rabbit cortical collecting duct cells. J Biol Chem 265: 8479-8483, 1990[Abstract/Free Full Text].

33.   Sugimoto, Y, Namba T, Shigemoto R, Negishi M, Ichikawa A, and Narumiya S. Distinct cellular localization of mRNAs for three subtypes of prostaglandin E receptor in kidney. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 35: F823-F828, 1994.

34.   Tang, L, Loutzenhiser K, and Loutzenhiser R. Biphasic actions of prostaglandin E2 on the renal afferent arteriole: Role of EP3 and EP4 receptors. Circ Res 86: 663-670, 2000[Abstract/Free Full Text].

35.   Tilley, SL, Audoly LP, Hicks EH, Kim HS, Flannery PJ, Coffman TM, and Koller BH. Reproductive failure and reduced blood pressure in mice lacking the EP2 prostaglandin E2 receptor. J Clin Invest 103: 1539-1545, 1999[Web of Science][Medline].

36.   Watanabe, T, Umegaki K, and Smith W. Association of a solubilized prostaglandin E2 receptor from renal medulla with a pertussis toxin-reactive guanine nucleotide regulatory rotein. J Biol Chem 621: 13430-13437, 1986.

37.   Wekslet, BB, Marcus AJ, and Jaffe EA. Synthesis of prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) by cultured human and bovine endothelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 74: 3922-3926, 1977[Abstract/Free Full Text].

38.   Zambraski, EJ. The effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on renal function: experimental studies in animals. Semin Nephrol 15: 205-213, 1995[Web of Science][Medline].


Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 280(1):H327-H333



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
H. Francois, C. Facemire, A. Kumar, L. Audoly, B. Koller, and T. Coffman
Role of Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase 1 in the Kidney
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., May 1, 2007; 18(5): 1466 - 1475.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol.Home page
A. L. Opay, C. R. Mouton, J. J. Mullins, and K. D. Mitchell
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition normalizes arterial blood pressure in CYP1A1-REN2 transgenic rats with inducible ANG II-dependent malignant hypertension
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, September 1, 2006; 291(3): F612 - F618.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol.Home page
F. Schweda, J. Klar, S. Narumiya, R. M. Nusing, and A. Kurtz
Stimulation of renin release by prostaglandin E2 is mediated by EP2 and EP4 receptors in mouse kidneys
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, September 1, 2004; 287(3): F427 - F433.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
T. Suganami, K. Mori, I. Tanaka, M. Mukoyama, A. Sugawara, H. Makino, S. Muro, K. Yahata, S. Ohuchida, T. Maruyama, et al.
Role of Prostaglandin E Receptor EP1 Subtype in the Development of Renal Injury in Genetically Hypertensive Rats
Hypertension, December 1, 2003; 42(6): 1183 - 1190.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol.Home page
J. D. Imig, M. D. Breyer, and R. M. Breyer
Contribution of prostaglandin EP2 receptors to renal microvascular reactivity in mice
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, September 1, 2002; 283(3): F415 - F422.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Web of Science (12)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Audoly, L. P.
Right arrow Articles by Arendshorst, W. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Audoly, L. P.
Right arrow Articles by Arendshorst, W. J.


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visit Other APS Journals Online