Characterization of endothelin 1 receptor and signal transduction mechanisms in rat medullary interstitial cells

Previous autoradiographic studies have delineated the renal medullas the predominant site of renal endothelin (ET) receptors. Accordingly, cultured rat renal medullary interstitial cells (RMICs) were studied as a target tissue for ET action. Scatchard analysis revealed presence of a single class of high-affinity receptor sites (Kd, 57 +/- 10 pM; receptor density, 749 +/- 124 fmol/mg protein). Relative potency order for displacing 125I-ET-1 was ET-1 greater than ET-2 greater than sarafotoxin greater than big endothelin (human) = big endothelin (porcine). ET-3, unrelated pressor substances, vasodilators, Ca2+ channel antagonists, atrial natriuretic factor, GTP, and GppNHp did not inhibit binding. Challenge of monolayers with ET-1 evoked a biphasic elevation in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration Ca2+i). Initial transient rise in Ca2+i observed in absence of extracellular Ca2+ and accumulation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) was consistent with activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Half-maximal activation concentration of ET-1 for the process was 0.5 and 1 nM for Ca2+i and IP3, respectively. The late sustained phase in Ca2+i elevation was completely blocked by Ni2+, unperturbed by nimodipine, and accompanied by influx of Mn2+, indicating presence of receptor-operated Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ channel opening was detected at 10(-16) MET-1, whereas greater than 10(-12) M agonist was required to mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores and/or stimulate phosphoinositol hydrolysis, indicating that ET activation of PI-PLC and Ca2+ channel opening were independent events. ET-1 markedly stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner that paralleled PI-PLC activation and mobilization of Ca2+i. In summary, cultured rat RMICs possess ET receptors that are linked to PI-PLC, Ca2+ channels, and perhaps phospholipase A2.