Natriuretic Hormone: The Ultimate Determinant of the Preservation of External Sodium Balance

The present manuscript focuses on a putative natriuretic hormone. It includes the history of a long-term search for the pure molecule, ranging from partial purification to synthesis. It includes a description of seven different bioassay systems used, a resume of the sequential steps in purification, and a summary of a series of experimental protocols employed in the effort to define the biologic properties of the inhibitor of sodium (Na) transport. Two closely related molecules were purified and synthesized. Both are xanthurenic acid derivatives (xanthurenic acid 8-O-β-D-glucoside and xanthurenic acid 8-O-sulfate). It is concluded that one or both of these two low molecular weight compounds (MW: 368 and 284) meet many of the criteria for the final modulator of Na excretion.

Introduction

It is our assumption that there is a single natriuretic hormone that serves to modulate the renal excretion of sodium (Na) so as to preserve an ongoing equality between consecutive 24 h Na excretion by the kidneys and the contemporaneous intake of Na. The focus on what we presume to be a hormone was initiated from the classic experiments of DeWardener et al. (1–3). The present symposium provides a contemporary review of the state-of-the-art of natriuretic hormone research by key investigators who have pursued the identity and biologic properties of several different putative natriuretic hormones.

Because of the design of DeWardener’s protocol, it appeared likely that all of the factors then known to affect the renal excretion of Na could be excluded as the definitive control element. These included changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (so-called “first factor”) and changes in mineralocorticoid hormone activity (“second factor”). We coined the term “third factor” (4), which subsequently was replaced by “natriuretic factor.”

Throughout a long period of time, a multinational group of investigators has sought to isolate and characterize the natriuretic hormone. To this point in time, despite considerable progress, the ultimate goal remains elusive. Hence, the present symposium.

Our interest in an endogenous natriuretic hormone arose out of long-term studies on the pathologic physiology of chronic progressive renal disease (CRD) (5). It was the pattern of Na excretion that evolved as nephron destruction proceeded.

What is a remarkable change in the estimated Na excretion rate per nephron from the beginning to the end of CRD is presented in Table 1. In constructing this table, the intake of Na per 24 h was maintained constant (e.g., at 120 mEq/day) and at all levels of GFR, external Na balance was preserved (the latter is not unusual down to a GFR as low as 10% of normal.).

TABLE 1

Table 1. Adaptation in Na excretion per nephron in advancing CRD on a constant salt intake.

At a normal GFR of 120 ml/min in an 80 kg person, Na balance is achieved by the excretion of 1/2 of 1% of the filtered load of Na. A fall in GFR to 60 ml/min mandates the excretion of 1% of the filtered Na. A further reduction of GFR (to 30 ml/min) due to the progression of the underlying renal disease requires the excretion of 2% of the filtered Na. And at a GFR of 15 ml/min, external Na balance is achieved by the excretion of 4% of the filtered Na. Thus, per unit of Na entering the extracellular fluid on a constant Na intake, the excretion rate per milliliter of residual GFR with no time delay increases by eightfold. Finally, in many forms of CRD, single nephron GFR (SNGFR) doubles as nephron loss advances. Na excretion rate per residual nephron per milliequivalents of Na intake, approaches 16 times the value in the normal subject.

Bioassay Systems

Seven different bioassay systems were used in both the sequential steps in the isolation, purification, and synthesis of NH and the studies of the biologic effects of the test materials. Each assay system allowed for a quantitative measure of the inhibitory effects of a test sample on Na transport either in vitro or in vivo.

The primary in vitro systems (frog skin and toad bladder) (6, 7) involve polar epithelial cells that transport Na from the serosal surface of the membrane across the mucosal surface. Na transport is quantified by the short-circuit current across the isolated membrane (in an Ussing chamber). Activity of partially purified to pure NH was detectable only when the inhibitor was added to the serosal surface of the membrane.

In micropuncture studies (8), isolated cortical collecting tubules, dissected from normal rabbits were perfused with partially purified test material from the urine of uremic patients. The perfusate was delivered into the lumen of each nephron segment and the peritubular surface was bathed in a solution of known composition (see Experimental Data).

The in vivo assays were performed in rats (9). The test materials were delivered intravenously, intraarterially, or via a gastric tube.

In the rat assay, the rats employed had: (1) two normal kidneys; (2) one remnant kidney (75% reduction of renal mass) and a contralateral normal kidney; or (3) a solitary remnant kidney following removal of the normal kidney.

Purification of NH

Twenty-four hour collections of urine were reduced from their original volume to approximately 20 ml of sludge by lyophilization. The sludge was then redissolved in isotonic saline to 25 ml components each equal to 6 h of original urine. Each sample then was chromatographed through Sephadex G-25 with online monitoring of UV absorption at 290 nm and electrical conductivity (10).

Biologic activity was limited to the “post-salt” peaks using the frog skin assay (11). Short-circuit current decreased from 40–50 to 20–30 μAmp/cm². These samples were purified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) runs. The active fractions were purified further by two consecutive HPLC runs. The eluate was monitored by fluorescence and UV absorbance.

After further concentration, a bioassay was performed by infusion of the test material into the uremic rat (11). A strong and sustained natriuresis was recorded.

The natriuretic fractions, consistently showed two peaks with strong fluorescence (excitation 332 nm; emission 430 nm) and characteristic UV absorption (UV max at 338 nm). These spectroscopic signatures were used as the main pooling criteria for further HPLC-based purification of NH (11). Additional steps in isolation, purification, and synthesis of the two molecules: xanthurenic acid 8-O-β-D-glucoside and xanthurenic acid 8-O-sulfate are described in a separate publication (11).

Experimental Data

Uremic vs. Control Subjects

Based on the adaptation in Na excretion in advancing CRD (see Table 1), bioassays were performed on normal rats using partially purified urine samples from 17 patients with advanced CRD (mean GFR 8.7 ml/min) and 14 normal control subjects. The assays from the normal subjects were negative [i.e., no significant increase in either absolute Na excretion (U_NaV), or the fraction of filtered Na excreted (FE_Na) (12)]. The uremic fractions produced a highly significant increase from baseline levels in both parameters of Na excretion. With more concentrated samples of the uremic urine fractions, values for ΔFE_Na rose to levels as high as 12%.

Advanced CRD with a Superimposed Edema-Forming State: (The Nephrotic Syndrome)

Eight patients with advanced CRD and the nephrotic syndrome were studied (12). Assays were performed on normal rats using partially purified fractions of serum in all eight studies. Fractions of urine were also used in three studies. Values for U_NaV decreased from control levels (by an average of 0.97 μEq/min). The mean value for FE_Na also decreased (1.35%).

Danovitch et al. (13) studied a group of five patients with far advanced CRD (GFR 5.2–16.0 ml/min) who initially were in Na balance on controlled metabolic diets containing from 58 to 342 mEq of Na per day. In each patient, while under close observation (clinical and laboratory), the Na content of the diet was reduced at intervals of 1 week or longer over 4–14 weeks. Four of the patients exhibited a salt-losing state, wherein Na excretion exceeded Na intake. Two of these patients required intravenous salt replacement. At the completion of the studies, all patients maintained external Na balance while ingesting a mean of 5.0 ± 2.9 mEq of Na/day. Thus, in contrast to patients with advancing CRD who maintain Na balance on a constant salt intake and a progressively decreasing nephron population, these patients were subjected to a progressive reduction of Na intake with an unchanging nephron population. (GFR remained constant throughout the studies.) The adaptive increase in Na excretion in advancing CRD (Table 1), thus was reversed with slow (and cautious) serial reductions in salt intake. The salt-losing tendency of CRD was reversed.

Micropuncture Studies

As described under Bioassay Systems, partially purified natriuretic factor was infused into the lumen of isolated cortical collecting tubules of normal rabbits. No effect was observed with intraluminal infusions. However, when the natriuretic material was added to the solution bathing the peritubular surface, the effects were rapid in onset and highly significant. Net Na flux (measured isotopically) from luminar to peritubular surface of the nephrons, decreased from 6.29 to 3.20 pmol/s (p < 0.001) with no change in Na flux in the opposite direction. Potential difference rose rapidly from −22.5 to −12 mV. Control studies, using the same fraction from normal subjects, had no effect (8).

Studies on Normal Human Beings Exposed to Water Immersion

Epstein et al. (14) have established water immersion to the neck as a reliable and reproducible stimulus evoking natriuresis in normal subjects. The experiments were performed on 12 normal adults (15). Each was studied twice – once under control conditions sitting in a chair and again during water immersion. The paired studies were performed at the same time of day. Partially purified urine samples were assayed for natriuretic activity in normal rats.

U_NaV and FE_Na did not change from the baseline values in the control studies. During water immersion U_NaV rose (1.27 ± 0.28 μEq/min) and FE_Na increased from pre-immersion baseline values by 1.29 ± 0.21%. Both changes were highly significant (p < 0.001) (15).

Studies in Dogs

Normal dogs were maintained on a Na intake varying from 3 to 258 mEq/day, with and without fludrocortisone. Urine was partially purified and assayed for natriuretic effect in normal rats and for inhibition of Na transport in isolated toad bladders. In dogs on the 258 mEq Na diet and 0.2 mg fludrocortisone/day, both a statistically significant natriuretic response and inhibition of short-circuit current (p < 0.001) were observed. In dogs fed 3 mEq of Na per day with fludrocortisone, no significant effect was found in either assay system (16).

End-Organ Responsiveness

The effects of nephron loss on the natriuretic response (9) to partially purified natriuretic factor were studied in three groups of rats, each on a normal salt diet.

1. Group 1: normal rats: intraarterial infusion into one renal artery produced a unilateral natriuresis.

2. Group 2: intraarterial infusion into the renal artery of a unilateral remnant kidney in rats with a contralateral normal kidney produced an increase in FE_Na, which was equal bilaterally. Intravenous infusion of the natriuretic fraction also produced comparable increments of FE_Na in the remnant and the normal kidneys.

3. Group 3: in uremic rats with a solitary remnant kidney (no contralateral kidney), the intraarterial infusion of natriuretic factor produced an increase in FE_Na that was significantly greater than in remnant kidneys of group 2 rats or normal kidneys of group 1.

Natriuretic Response to Synthesized (Pure) NH

Synthesized preparations of xanthurenic acid 8-O-β-D-glucoside (NH) and xanthurenic acid 8-O-sulfate (NH-1) were bioassayed in normal rats (11).

The intravenous infusion of NH (range 0.14–16.4 nmol) and NH-1 (0.7–4.21 nmol) was studied in eight and five normal rats, respectively. In the NH group, ΔU_NaV averaged 3.68 ± 0.55 μEq/min; in the five experiments in which NH-1 was the test substance, ΔU_NaV averaged 4.33 ± 0.71 μEq/min (1).

In five additional studies, a combination of NH (1.4–3.41 nmol) and NH-1 (1.75–5.44 nmol) was assayed. ΔU_NaV averaged 5.0 ± 0.89 μEq/min.

Studies by Hoffman and Associates

In a recent publication, Hoffman et al. (17) studied the effects of xanthurenic acid 8-O-β-D-glucoside on Na excretion in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Each rat was given two consecutive incremental doses (6.3 + 31.5 nmol) of NH (designated as XAG). Values for ΔU_NaV were 3.21 ± 1.12 and 3.99 ± 0.95 at the two dosages, respectively. Values for ΔFE_Na increased significantly (1.63 ± 0.46) during the second dose of XAG.

In these studies, GFR (inulin clearance) remained unchanged. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total renal blood flow were recorded electronically every 5 min for 60 s during the control periods and for 30–40 min periods during the XAG infusions. All hemodynamic values remained stable (17).

Two important new observations were made by Hoffman and coworkers:

1. In rats pretreated with amiloride, an inhibitor of E_NaC, the epithelial Na channel in the distal tubule, the natriuretic effects of XAG were completely abolished (17).

2. In rats subjected to chronic blockade of the NO system, the natriuretic response to XAG was diminished suggesting to these investigators that the renal effects of XAG could be mediated in part by activation of the renal NO system (17).

Discussion

A large number of factors, both humoral and physical are known to influence the renal tubular transport of Na. But none of these, including changes in GFR or mineralocorticoid hormone activity (see Introduction) is believed to be the final modulator of net Na transport and thus of Na excretion. We believe that natriuretic hormone fulfills this role. It thus would serve as the definitive element of a sophisticated biologic control system that is charged with the preservation of Na balance and with the constancy of the extracellular fluid volume. But, while there may be virtual unanimity of opinion about the existence of natriuretic hormone, there is no such unanimity about the nature of this hormone.

In this manuscript, we have reviewed the properties of a natriuretic factor, which we have pursued for a long period of time. The activity was obtained from both serum (or plasma) and urine using material that ranged from partially purified to pure, chemically synthesized molecules (11). We believe that the experimental data reviewed in the manuscript meet at least some of the criteria for natriuretic hormone. These include:

1. The rapid and reversible inhibition of net Na transport across polar epithelial cell systems, including the distal portion of the nephron.

2. The foregoing biologic activity is present only when the inhibitor is added to the peritubular surface of the nephron or the serosal surface of equivalent in vitro models.

3. The natriuretic effect of the purified and synthesized material is completely blocked by prior administration of amiloride, an inhibitor of E_NaC activity in the distal portion of the nephron.

The mechanism of this action could relate either to a direct effect on the number and/or the activity of E_NaC channels, or to a change in the relation between open vs. closed E_NaC channels.

4. Inhibition of Na transport in the distal nephron associated with a rapid shift in transepithelial electric potential difference (i.e., a less negative intraluminal potential).

This change would favor the excretion of Cl with Na as opposed to increased secretion of K.

5. No evidence for a fixed coupling ratio between the inhibition of Na transport and K secretion.

6. Increase in natriuretic activity in advancing CRD in purified serum or urine samples.

7. An increase in end-organ responsivity to the inhibitor associated with nephron loss.

8. Lack of natriuretic effect of the inhibitor in patients with advanced CRD and a superimposed edema-forming state (the nephrotic syndrome).

9. Reversal of salt-losing state in advanced CRD by progressive slow reduction of salt intake to very low levels.

10. Presence of natriuretic activity in urine of normal subjects during water immersion – an experience known to produce central hypervolemia.

11. Increased natriuretic activity in normal dogs on a high salt diet and superimposed mineralocorticoid hormone.

12. No natriuretic activity in normal dogs on a low salt diet and superimposed mineralocorticoid hormone.

Other “Natriuretic” Factors

Four other categories of putative natriuretic hormones are considered in separate papers in this symposium. These compounds include: (1) ouabain [or ouabain-like substances (OLS)]; (2) marinobufogenin (MFG); (3) vanadium diascorbate (VD); and atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP).

A summary of key properties of each is shown in Table 2 and a brief description of some relevant characteristics follows.

TABLE 2

Table 2. A comparison of several natriuretic substances.

Ouabain (OLS)

A small molecule (MW 584.6) isolated from plasma (18), urine, adrenal cortex, and hypothalamus (19–23). The primary and relevant effects are the inhibition of NaK ATPase and the cross reaction with ouabain antibodies (21).

But they are inconsistently natriuretic (21, 22, 33, 34), presumably because ouabain has little effect on the α1 subunit of NaK ATPase (22, 35). Indeed, there also recent evidence that OLS may actually cause Na retention (26).

Marinobufogenin

Also a small molecule (MW between 387 and 600) (31), which is isolated from plasma, urine, and the adrenal cortex (24, 44). No studies have shown that administration of MFG causes natriuresis in assay animals. However, administration of anti-MBG antibodies reduces Na excretion (24, 44). Exogenous administration of bufalin, a very closely related compound, injected into the renal artery of sheep has been shown to produce natriuresis. No similar studies have as yet been published using MFG (51).

Vanadium Diascorbate

A small molecule (MW 403) isolated from plasma and urine (26). Inhibits NaK ATPase in the proximal convoluted tubule. Produces moderate natriuresis, may produce influx of Ca⁺⁺ into vessel walls and thereby increase BP.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptides

Molecular weight 2,000–3,000± (32). The natriuretic peptides, while producing natriuresis, also increase GFR and increase glomerular pressure by dilating the afferent arteriole, and constricting the efferent arteriole (30, 45, 50). It may cause progressive renal failure in animal models.

If ANP is the final modulator of Na balance, there is a paradox. In advanced cirrhosis, there is an increase in preload and a decrease in central volume and EAV. ANP levels are elevated (50). Likewise in CHF there is a decrease in EAV and an increase in preload and again ANP levels are elevated. Physiologically both situations should invoke Na retention due to the decrease in the EAV, which in turn should shut off natriuresis, but in both of these situations ANP is elevated.

The arterial natriuretic peptides are primarily vasoactive and act on multiple sites of the nephron including the proximal tubule.

Conclusion

The cumulative data presented in this paper lend support to the view that xanthurenic acid 8-O-β-D-glucoside and xanthurenic acid 8-O-sulfate could be the long sought after and elusive natriuretic hormone. But to validate, or refute this thesis, additional experimental evidence is required. A partial list of key areas of future study includes:

1. A sensitive assay system for quantifying the levels of the putative hormone in body fluids.

2. Establishing the site of production.

3. The character of the signaling process (including the nature of the receptors), involved in initiating and controlling the induced natriuresis.

4. The enzymes involved in the synthesis.

Conflict of Interest Statement

During the long period of study covered by this review, major support was provided by Program Project Grants from the NIH and from Naturon Pharmaceutical Company. The authors do not have any conflict of interest in relation to this review.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Nancy Price for her untiring patience and expertise.

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