Investigation of major genetic polymorphisms in the Renin-Angiotensin-aldosterone system in subjects with young-onset hypertension selected by a targeted-screening system at university.

Although polymorphisms in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system genes for angiotensinogen (AGT M235T), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 A/C1166), and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2-344T/C) have been major targets for genetic investigation in association with essential hypertension (EH), the influence of these genetic factors is still to be determined. Because patients with young-onset EH are thought to possess a stronger genetic background than EH patients who show elevated BP relatively late in life, the targeted screening of hypertensive students in Tohoku University was completed for the selection of subjects for genetic investigation. Out of 16,434 students (12,794 males and 3,670 females) younger than 30, 22 students showed a high blood pressure (BP) (systolic and diastolic BP of 140 and/or 90 mmHg or greater, respectively, on two occasions and more than 135 and/or 85 mmHg, respectively, at a third measurement during casual BP measurements at the Tohoku University Health Center.

Lithium effectively complements vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist in the treatment of hyponatraemia of SIADH rats.

Background: Although, pharmacological intervention with a selective arginine vasopressin (AVP) V(2) receptor antagonist has been demonstrated to be effective for syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), its long-term administration has some therapeutic limitations. Lithium, a drug for bipolar disorders, has been known to cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by reducing kidney-specific apical water channel, aquaporin 2 (AQP2) expression in the collecting ducts. However, its pharmacological efficacy for SIADH still remains to be elucidated.

Transient body fluid accumulation and enhanced NKCC2 expression in gerbils with brain infarction.

Background: Enhanced expression of a kidney-specific sodium co-transporter (NKCC2: Na-K-2Cl co-transporter) in the thick ascending limb of Henle has been identified in rat models of congestive heart failure and liver cirrhosis, suggesting that high NKCC2 expression underlies edema formation. An increased abundance of NKCC2, however, has also been noted in rats with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone; hyponatremia without edema. In the present study, we examined NKCC2 expression in non-edematous disease, such as a brain infarction, and investigated the physiological and/or pathological characterization of NKCC2 expression.

A case of gain-of-function mutation in calcium-sensing receptor: supplemental hydration is required for renal protection.

Aims: The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates the extracellular calcium level, mainly by controlling parathyroid hormon secretion and renal calcium reabsorption. In gain-of-function CaSR mutations, the genetic abnormalities increase CaSR activity leading to the development of such clinical manifestations as hypercalciuric hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. We report a Japanese case of CaSR gain-of-function mutation and represent a therapeutic intervention based on the functional characteristics of CaSR in renal tubule.

BSC1 inhibition complements effects of vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist on hyponatremia in SIADH rats.

Background: Severe hyponatremia is most frequently caused by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Although the expressional alteration of the kidney-specific apical water channel, aquaporin 2 (AQP2), in the collecting duct has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of hyponatremia and the subsequent physiologic reaction that is resistant to arginine vasopressin (AVP; vasopressin escape) in SIADH, the complete pathogenesis of and the appropriate medical treatment for hyponatremia have yet to be elucidated.

Methods: Hyponatremia was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by water loading and subcutaneous infusion of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP).