Renal expression of parvalbumin is critical for NaCl handling and response to diuretics

The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) plays an essential role in the reabsorption of NaCl by the kidney, a process that can be inhibited by thiazide diuretics. Parvalbumin (PV), a Ca(2+)-binding protein that plays a role in muscle fibers and neurons, is selectively expressed in the DCT, where its role remains unknown. We therefore investigated the renal phenotype of PV knockout mice (Pvalb(-/-)) vs. wild-type (Pvalb(+/+)) littermates. PV colocalized with the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NCC) in the early DCT. The Pvalb(-/-) mice showed increased diuresis and kaliuresis at baseline with higher aldosterone levels and lower lithium clearance. Acute furosemide administration increased diuresis and natriuresis/kaliuresis, but, surprisingly, did not increase calciuria in Pvalb(-/-) mice. NaCl supplementation of Pvalb(-/-) mice increased calciuria at baseline and after furosemide. The Pvalb(-/-) mice showed no significant diuretic response to hydrochlorothiazide, but an accentuated hypocalciuria. A decreased expression of NCC was detected in the early DCT of Pvalb(-/-) kidneys in the absence of ultrastructural and apoptotic changes. The PV-deficient mice had a positive Ca(2+) balance and increased bone mineral density. Studies in mouse DCT cells showed that endogenous NCC expression is Ca(2+)-dependent and can be modulated by the levels of PV expression. These results suggest that PV regulates the expression of NCC by modulating intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in response to ATP in DCT cells. They also provide insights into the Ca(2+)-sparing action of thiazides and the pathophysiology of distal tubulopathies.