Mechanisms of Renal Control of Potassium Homeostasis in Complete Aldosterone Deficiency

[摘要] Aldosterone-independent mechanisms may contribute to K+ homeostasis. We studied aldosterone synthase knockout (AS−/−) mice to define renal control mechanisms of K+ homeostasis in complete aldosterone deficiency. AS−/− mice were normokalemic and tolerated a physiologic dietary K+ load (2% K+, 2 days) without signs of illness, except some degree of polyuria. With supraphysiologic K+ intake (5% K+), AS−/− mice decompensated and became hyperkalemic. High-K+ diets induced upregulation of the renal outer medullary K+ channel in AS−/− mice, whereas upregulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) sufficient to increase the electrochemical driving force for K+ excretion was detected only with a 2% K+ diet. Phosphorylation of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter was consistently lower in AS−/− mice than in AS+/+ mice and was downregulated in mice of both genotypes in response to increased K+ intake. Inhibition of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor reduced renal creatinine clearance and apical ENaC localization, and caused severe hyperkalemia in AS−/− mice. In contrast with the kidney, the distal colon of AS−/− mice did not respond to dietary K+ loading, as indicated by Ussing-type chamber experiments. Thus, renal adaptation to a physiologic, but not supraphysiologic, K+ load can be achieved in aldosterone deficiency by aldosterone-independent activation of the renal outer medullary K+ channel and ENaC, to which angiotensin II may contribute. Enhanced urinary flow and reduced activity of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter may support renal adaptation by activation of flow-dependent K+ secretion and increased intratubular availability of Na+ that can be reabsorbed in exchange for K+ secreted.

[学科分类] 泌尿医学