Vimentin and heat shock protein expression are induced in the kidney by angiotensin and by nitric oxide inhibition

Vimentin and heat shock protein expression are induced in the kidney by angiotensin and by nitric oxide inhibition.BackgroundAngiotensin II (Ang II) infusion and nitric oxide synthesis (NOS) inhibition with Nω-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) are experimental models of hypertension associated with renal inflammation and oxidative stress. To gain insight into the nature of the tubulointerstitial injury induced in these models, we studied lectin-binding specificities, vimentin expression, and heat shock protein (HSP) 60 and 70 in these experimental models.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats received Ang II infusion (435 ng/kg/min) for 2 weeks by subcutaneous minipumps (Ang II group, N = 5) or L-NAME in the drinking water (70 mg/100 mL) for 3 weeks (L-NAME group N = 7). The control group consisted of 10 rats. Systolic blood pressure (tail-cuff plethysmography), serum creatinine, and proteinuria were determined weekly. At the end of the treatment period, rats were sacrificed and kidneys studied. Binding specificities of fluorescein-labeled lectins were examined in frozen sections, and cellular infiltrates were identified by immunohistology and expression of vimentin and HSP 60 and 70 with immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis.ResultsTubulointerstitial accumulation of macrophages, lymphocytes, and Ang II–positive cells were present in the Ang II group and L-NAME group. Vimentin, HSP 60, and HSP 70 were increased 8 to 20 times in the cortex of the rats of the Ang II group and the L-NAME groups. Neoexpression of vimentin and HSPs was found primarily in proximal tubular cells.ConclusionAng II infusion and NOS inhibition induce tubular injury with epithelial cell transdifferentiation and expression of stress proteins. The role of these changes in the accumulation and activation of the interstitial inflammatory infiltrate merits further investigation

Inhibition of COX 1 and 2 prior to Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Decreases the Development of Fibrosis

Ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) contributes to the development of chronic interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy in renal allograft patients. Cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 actively participate in acute ischemic injury by activating endothelial cells and inducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, blockade of COX 1 and 2 has been associated with organ improvement after ischemic damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of COX 1 and 2 in the development of fibrosis by performing a COX 1 and 2 blockade immediately before IRI. We subjected C57Bl/6 male mice to 60 min of unilateral renal pedicle occlusion. Prior to surgery mice were either treated with indomethacin (IMT) at days –1 and 0 or were untreated. Blood and kidney samples were collected 6 wks after IRI. Kidney samples were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), osteopontin (OPN), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), vimentin, connective-tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I, and bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP-7). To assess tissue fibrosis we performed morphometric analyses and Sirius red staining. We also performed immunohistochemical analysis of anti-actin smooth muscle. Renal function did not significantly differ between groups. Animals pretreated with IMT showed significantly less interstitial fibrosis than nontreated animals. Gene transcript analyses showed decreased expression of TGF-β, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1-β, vimentin, collagen I, CTGF, and IL-10 mRNA (all P < 0.05). Moreover, HO-1 mRNA was increased in animals pretreated with IMT (P < 0.05). Conversely, IMT treatment decreased osteopontin expression and enhanced BMP-7 expression, although these levels did not reach statistical significance when compared with control expression levels. The blockade of COX 1 and 2 resulted in less tissue fibrosis, which was associated with a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines and enhancement of the protective cellular response