The experimental program will be directed toward an elucidation of the factors which regulate ammonium synthesis by the mammalian kidney. Studies utilizing isolated cortical mitochondria from dog and rat kidneys will be performed to define the relationships between mitochondrial matrix free Ca2+, H+ and HC03 in regulating glutamine and glutamate metabolism. Kinetic studies are also planned defining the characteristics of glutamine transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane. As part of these studies, we will evaluate the role of transport and metabolism of glutamate and ketoglutarate on glutamine transport and deamidation. Particular emphasis will be directed toward the control of ketoglutarate dehydrogenase flux and its effect on glutamate deamidation and deamidation by renal cortical mitochondria. Mitochondrial free Ca2+ and mitochondrial calcium efflux will be measured as a function of external pH, sodium, magnesium, and phosphate. We will reevaluate the effects of HC03- on succinate dehydrogenase utilizing concentrations of HC03- thought to occur in the matrix space in situ. Utilizing cell fractionation methods, analysis of metabolite profiles in the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments of isolated renal tubules will be performed, particularly as a function of altered medium pH and HC03 - content in order to understand better alterations in renal metabolism in acidosis. Studies will also be performed to assess the effect of transporters for Na/H and Ca2+ on the cytosolic content of these ionic species, the interrelationship of acidosis and hormonal stimulation of gluconeogenesis and ammoniagenesis, and the involvement of other second messengers. These studies will provide further insight into the biochemical mechanisms underlying the control of renal ammoniagenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK036822-09
Application #
2139880
Study Section
Physiology Study Section (PHY)
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
1995-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1995-06-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Richmond
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
23298
Drewnowska, K; Schoolwerth, A C (1997) Mechanism(s) regulating matrix pH in rat kidney mitochondria. Contrib Nephrol 121:62-8
Drewnowska, K; Labruyere, W T; van den Hoff, M J et al. (1997) Stimulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression in cultured LLC-PK1-F+ cells. Contrib Nephrol 121:25-30
Drewnowska, K; Schoolwerth, A C (1994) Stimulatory effect of calcium on metabolism and its sensitivity to pH in kidney mitochondria. Am J Physiol 267:F153-9
Boon, L; Blommaart, P J; Meijer, A J et al. (1994) Effect of chronic acidosis on hepatic amino acid uptake and gene regulation: implications for control of acid-base balance. Contrib Nephrol 110:138-43
Boon, L; Blommaart, P J; Meijer, A J et al. (1994) Acute acidosis inhibits liver amino acid transport: no primary role for the urea cycle in acid-base balance. Am J Physiol 267:F1015-20
Schoolwerth, A C; deBoer, P; Moorman, A F et al. (1994) Time course of changes in mRNAs for enzymes of glutamine metabolism in kidney during metabolic acidosis. Contrib Nephrol 110:127-32
Boon, L; Blommaart, P J; Meijer, A J et al. (1994) Acute acidosis inhibits hepatic amino acid uptake: implications for regulation of acid-base balance. Contrib Nephrol 110:133-7
Waybill, M M; Clore, J N; Emerick, R A et al. (1994) Effects of corticosteroids on urinary ammonium excretion in humans. J Am Soc Nephrol 4:1531-7
Schoolwerth, A C; deBoer, P A; Moorman, A F et al. (1994) Changes in mRNAs for enzymes of glutamine metabolism in kidney and liver during ammonium chloride acidosis. Am J Physiol 267:F400-6
Schoolwerth, A C; Smith, B C; Drewnowska, K (1992) Regulation of glutamine metabolism in dog kidney cortex: effect of pH and chronic acidosis. Am J Physiol 262:F1007-14

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