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Vasoactive substances induce cytoskeletal changes in cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells
R Sharma1, H B Lovell, T B Wiegmann
1Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Vasoactive substances like Angiotensin II (ANG II) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) significantly alter glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) cytoskeleton and cyclic nucleotide levels, impacting kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) are crucial for kidney filtration.
- Vasoactive substances like Angiotensin II (ANG II), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) influence kidney hemodynamics.
- Cyclic nucleotides (cAMP, cGMP) are key intracellular messengers in GEC regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ANG II, ANP, and SNP on the cytoskeleton of GEC.
- To correlate changes in GEC cytoskeleton with alterations in intracellular cyclic nucleotide levels.
Main Methods:
- Primary cultures and cell lines of GEC were treated with ANG II, ANP, and SNP.
- Cytoskeletal changes were visualized using F-actin and tubulin staining.
- Intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels were measured.
Main Results:
- ANG II induced a rearrangement of F-actin into stellate patterns, accompanied by increased cAMP.
- ANP and SNP caused stress fiber disassembly and altered F-actin distribution, concurrent with increased cGMP.
- Control GEC exhibited distinct F-actin stress fibers and a microtubule network.
Conclusions:
- ANG II, ANP, and SNP modulate the GEC cytoskeleton through distinct mechanisms involving cyclic nucleotides.
- These findings highlight the role of GEC cytoskeletal dynamics in regulating glomerular function under various physiological stimuli.