Caveolae are plasma membrane invaginations that may play an important role in numerous cellular processes including transport, signaling, and tumor suppression. By targeted disruption of caveolin-1, the main protein component of caveolae, we generated mice that lacked caveolae. The absence of this organelle impaired nitric oxide and calcium signaling in the cardiovascular system, causing aberrations in endothelium-dependent relaxation, contractility, and maintenance of myogenic tone. In addition, the lungs of knockout animals displayed thickening of alveolar septa caused by uncontrolled endothelial cell proliferation and fibrosis, resulting in severe physical limitations in caveolin-1-disrupted mice. Thus, caveolin-1 and caveolae play a fundamental role in organizing multiple signaling pathways in the cell.

Loss of a critical number of podocytes from the glomerular tuft leads to glomerulosclerosis. Even in health, some podocytes are lost into the urine. Because podocytes themselves cannot regenerate, we postulated that glomerular parietal epithelial cells (PECs), which proliferate throughout life and adjoin podocytes, may migrate to the glomerular tuft and differentiate into podocytes. Here, we describe transitional cells at the glomerular vascular stalk that exhibit features of both PECs and podocytes. Metabolic labeling in juvenile rats suggested that PECs migrate to become podocytes. To prove this, we generated triple-transgenic mice that allowed specific and irreversible labeling of PECs upon administration of doxycycline. PECs were followed in juvenile mice beginning from either postnatal day 5 or after nephrogenesis had ceased at postnatal day 10. In both cases, the number of genetically labeled cells increased over time. All genetically labeled cells coexpressed podocyte marker proteins. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time recruitment of podocytes from PECs in juvenile mice. Unraveling the mechanisms of PEC recruitment onto the glomerular tuft may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to renal injury. Chronic kidney disease, resulting in renal failure and the need for lifelong renal replacement therapy, has become a significant problem worldwide. In the United States, approximately 7% of the total Medicare budget is spent on the treatment of ESRD, and projections suggest that the amount spent will increase by another 50% by 2020. 1 Most renal pathologies that ultimately lead to ESRD originate within the glomerulus. It has now been established that a depletion of podocytes, the visceral epithelium of the capillary convolute (Figure 1), is central in this process. As soon as damage to the glomerular podocytes exceeds a certain threshold (approximately 30%), glomerulosclerosis ensues. 2 Indeed, in patients with a surgical reduction of Ն75% of renal mass, a relative lack of podocytes (podocytopenia) and subsequent FSGS in the originally healthy remnant kidney can lead to renal failure. 3 Glomerulosclerosis is also the common final pathway of all glomerular diseases leading to ESRD. 4 In glomerular diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritides, or preeclampsia, significant numbers of podocytes are lost as a result of apoptosis, necrosis or excretion of living cells into the urine. Even in normal individuals, low numbers of living podocytes are continu-

Long-term treatment (8 and 13 weeks) of rats with FGF-2 led to albuminuria and to increase in serum creatinine indicating the development of chronic renal failure. Histologically, the classic picture of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was found; males were more severely affected than females. Among the early changes podocyte lesions were most prominent. Surprisingly, mitotic figures in podocytes and a considerable fraction of bi(multi)nucleated podocyte profiles were found in treated animals (roughly 16% in males, 8% in females). Since an increase of cell number of podocytes was not evident, we conclude that FGF-2 stimulates podocytes to re-enter the cell cycle and to undergo mitosis (nuclear division). However, podocytes-probably due to their highly differentiated cell shape in the adult-are unable to complete cell division (cytokinesis) resulting in bi- or multinucleated cells; in others cell division may fail totally leading to podocyte degeneration. Most podocytes in FGF-2-treated rats exhibited degenerative changes including cell body attenuation, extensive pseudocyst formation, widespread foot process effacement, as well as detachments from the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The development of FSGS in this model is very uniform. In the case of podocyte detachments from peripheral capillaries, parietal cells become attached to naked GBM-areas, establishing the nidus for development of a tuft adhesion to Bowman's capsule. Tuft adhesions grow by encroaching of parietal cells onto adjacent capillary loops, resulting eventually in a solid synechia with collapsed capillaries, that is, what represents segmental sclerosis. The distribution of adhesions on the inner surface of Bowman's capsule appeared to be random, including all locations between the vascular and urinary pole. The two main aspects of this study (inability of podocytes to replicate and development of FSGS based on progressing podocyte degeneration) may be part of a vicious cycle. FGF-2 stimulates podocytes to enter cell division thereby conveying them into a hazardous situation. If a podocyte fails and degenerates it cannot be replaced, aggravating the situation for the remaining cells and possibly increasing their predisposition to respond to mitogenic stimuli. Similar mechanisms may constitute the development of FSGS in other experimental as well as human glomerulopathies.

In a previous study of the changes in glomerular structure in the isolated perfused kidney (IPK), perfusion at high pressures lead to an enlargement of the glomerular tuft and to the formation of giant capillaries. The present paper analyzes the morphological and dimensional changes of the peripheral glomerular capillary wall under these circumstances. The enlargement of glomerular capillaries at high pressure perfusion was accompanied by a considerable increase in the surface area of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The podocyte as well as the endothelial layer perfectly adapted to the acute challenge in covering increasing GBM area. The interdigitating foot process pattern showed up in an ideal arrangement. The capillary wall expansion was associated with a significant increase in total pericapillary slit area. Compared to the corresponding low pressure groups (65 mm Hg, without and with the application of vasodilators) the slit area increased in the high pressure groups (105 mm Hg, without and with vasodilator) by approximately 50 and 75%, respectively. This increase of the slit area was mainly due to an increase in slit length; the slit width remained fairly constant. These findings indicate that the pericapillary wall is distensible based on a distensibility of the GBM. We suggest that the contractile apparatus of podocyte foot processes regulates the expansion of the GBM.

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. We showed earlier that PKC-␣ is activated in the kidneys of hyperglycemic animals. We now used PKC-␣ ؊/؊ mice to test the hypothesis that this PKC isoform mediates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. We observed that renal and glomerular hypertrophy was similar in diabetic wild-type and PKC-␣ ؊/؊ mice. However, the development of albuminuria was almost absent in the diabetic PKC-␣ ؊/؊ mice. The hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of the negatively charged basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan was completely prevented in the PKC-␣ ؊/؊ mice, compared with controls. We then asked whether transforming growth factor-␤1 (TGF-␤ 1 ) and/or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in the PKC-␣-mediated changes in the basement membrane. The hyperglycemia-induced expression of VEGF165 and its receptor VEGF receptor II (flk-1) was ameliorated in PKC-␣ ؊/؊ mice, whereas expression of TGF-␤ 1 was not affected by the lack of PKC-␣. Our findings indicate that two important features of diabetic nephropathy-glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria-are differentially regulated. The glucose-induced albuminuria seems to be mediated by PKC-␣ via downregulation of proteoglycans in the basement membrane and regulation of VEGF expression. Therefore, PKC-␣ is a possible therapeutic target for the prevention of diabetic albuminuria.

Abstract-Ca2ϩ sparks are localized intracellular Ca 2ϩ events released through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) that control excitation-contraction coupling in heart and smooth muscle. Ca 2ϩ spark triggering depends on precise delivery of Ca 2ϩ ions through dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca 2ϩ channels to RyRs of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), a process requiring a very precise alignment of surface and SR membranes containing Ca 2ϩ influx channels and RyRs. Because caveolae contain DHP-sensitive Ca 2ϩ channels and may colocalize with SR, we tested the hypothesis that caveolae are the structural element necessary for the generation of Ca 2ϩ sparks. Using methyl-␤-cyclodextrin (dextrin) to deplete caveolae, we found that dextrin dose-dependently decreased the frequency, amplitude, and spatial size of Ca 2ϩ sparks in arterial smooth muscle cells and neonatal cardiomyocytes. However, temporal characteristics of Ca 2ϩ sparks were not significantly affected. We ruled out the possibility that the decreases in Ca 2ϩ spark frequency and size are caused by changes in DHP-sensitive L-type channels, SR Ca 2ϩ load, or changes in membrane potential. Our results suggest a novel signaling model that explains the formation of Ca 2ϩ sparks in a caveolae microdomain. The transient elevation in [Ca 2ϩ ] i at the inner mouth of a single caveolemmal Ca 2ϩ channel induces simultaneous activation and thus opens several RyRs to generate a local Ca 2ϩ release event, a Ca 2ϩ spark. Alterations in the molecular assembly and ultrastructure of caveolae may lead to pathophysiological changes in Ca 2ϩ signaling. Thus, caveolae may be intimately involved in cardiovascular cell dysfunction and disease. Materials and MethodsSingle SMCs were isolated enzymatically from myogenic cerebral (100 to 800 m in diameter posterior and basilar) arteries from adult Sprague-Dawley rats (12 to 14 weeks; 200 to 280 g), as previously described. 14 Single cardiomyocytes were isolated enzymatically from newborn rats. 21 For Ca 2ϩ imaging, the cells were incubated with the Ca 2ϩ indicator fluo-3-AM (5 m) and pluronic acid (0.005% wt/vol) for 30 minutes at room temperature in Ca 2ϩ -free Hanks solution. 3,14 SMCs and cardiomyocytes were imaged using a BioRad laser scanning confocal microscope attached to a Nikon Diaphot microscope. Whole-cell membrane currents and potentials in freshly isolated cerebral artery myocytes were measured using the perforated patch configuration of the patch-clamp technique configuration with amphotericin B or nystatin. 22 Currents were recorded from holding potentials of Ϫ80 mV (Ϫ100 mV) during lineage voltage ramps at 0.67 V/s from Ϫ100 to ϩ100 mV or 300-ms step pulses to different potentials; pulse frequency 0.2 Hz. 22,23 An expanded Materials and Methods section can be found in an online data supplement available at http://www.circresaha.org. ResultsWe used a laser scanning confocal microscope and the Ca Figure 1 online, available at http:// www.circresaha.org) by membrane depolarization (using 60 mmol/L external K ϩ ) or by th...

Abstract. Postischemic acute renal failure (ARF) is common and often fatal. Cellular mechanisms include cell adhesion, cell infiltration and generation of oxygen free radicals, and inflammatory cytokine production. Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors ("statins") directly influence inflammatory mechanisms. The hypothesis that ischemiainduced ARF could be ameliorated with statin treatment was investigated and possible molecular mechanisms were analyzed in a uninephrectomized rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with cerivastatin (0.5 mg/kg) or vehicle for 3 d. Ischemic ARF was induced by left renal artery clipping for 45 min, while the right kidney was being removed. After 24 h of ARF, serum creatinine levels were increased 7.5-fold in vehicle-treated control animals with ARF, compared with sham-operated animals (P Ͻ 0.005). Statin treatment reduced the creatinine level elevation by 40% (P Ͻ 0.005). Simultaneously, ischemia-induced severe decreases in GFR were significantly ameliorated by statin treatment (sham operation, 0.95 Ϯ 0.09 ml/min, n ϭ 13; ischemia without treatment, 0.06 Ϯ 0.02 ml/min, n ϭ 9; ischemia with statin pretreatment, 0.21 Ϯ 0.03 ml/min, n ϭ 11; P Ͻ 0.001). Furthermore, statin pretreatment prevented the occurrence of tubular necrosis, with marked loss of the brush border, tubular epithelial cell detachment, and tubular obstruction in the S3 segment of the outer medullary stripe. In addition, monocyte and macrophage infiltration was almost completely prevented, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 upregulation was greatly decreased, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was reduced. Fibronectin and collagen IV expression was reduced, approaching levels observed in sham-operated animals. In vehicle-treated rats with ARF, mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular activated kinase-1/2 activity was increased and the transcription factors nuclear factor-B and activator protein-1 were activated. Statin treatment reduced this activation toward levels observed in sham-operated rats. The data suggest that hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibition protects renal tissue from the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury and thus reduces the severity of ARF. The chain of events may involve anti-inflammatory effects, with inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and the redox-sensitive transcription factors nuclear factor-B and activator protein-1.

To determine whether calcium polyvalent cation-sensing receptors (CaRs) are salinity sensors in fish, we used a homology-based cloning strategy to isolate a 4.1-kb cDNA encoding a 1,027-aa dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) kidney CaR. Expression studies in human embryonic kidney cells reveal that shark kidney senses combinations of Ca 2؉ , Mg 2؉ , and Na ؉ ions at concentrations present in seawater and kidney tubules. Shark kidney is expressed in multiple shark osmoregulatory organs, including specific tubules of the kidney, rectal gland, stomach, intestine, olfactory lamellae, gill, and brain. Reverse transcriptase-PCR amplification using specific primers in two teleost fish, winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), reveals a similar pattern of CaR tissue expression. Exposure of the lumen of winter flounder urinary bladder to the CaR agonists, Gd 3؉ and neomycin, reversibly inhibit volume transport, which is important for euryhaline teleost survival in seawater. Within 24 -72 hr after transfer of freshwater-adapted Atlantic salmon to seawater, there are increases in their plasma Ca 2؉ , Mg 2؉ , and Na ؉ that likely serve as a signal for internal CaRs, i.e., brain, to sense alterations in salinity in the surrounding water. We conclude that CaRs act as salinity sensors in both teleost and elasmobranch fish. Their tissue expression patterns in fish provide insights into CaR functions in terrestrial animals including humans.