AT2R (Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor)-Mediated Regulation of NCC (Na-Cl Cotransporter) and Renal K Excretion Depends on the K Channel, Kir4.1.

AT2R (AngII [angiotensin II] type 2 receptor) is expressed in the distal nephrons. The aim of the present study is to examine whether AT2R regulates NCC (Na-Cl cotransporter) and Kir4.1 of the distal convoluted tubule. AngII inhibited the basolateral 40 pS K channel (a Kir4.1/5.1 heterotetramer) in the distal convoluted tubule treated with losartan but not with PD123319. AT2R agonist also inhibits the K channel, indicating that AT2R was involved in tonic regulation of Kir4.1. The infusion of PD123319 stimulated the expression of tNCC (total NCC) and pNCC (phosphorylated NCC; Thr) by a time-dependent way with the peak at 4 days. PD123319 treatment (4 days) stimulated the basolateral 40 pS K channel activity, augmented the basolateral K conductance, and increased the negativity of distal convoluted tubule membrane. The stimulation of Kir4.1 was essential for PD123319-induced increase in NCC because inhibiting AT2R increased the expression of tNCC and pNCC only in wild-type but not in the kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice. Renal clearance study showed that thiazide-induced natriuretic effect was larger in PD123319-treated mice for 4 days than untreated mice. However, this effect was absent in kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice which were also Na wasting under basal conditions. Finally, application of AT2R antagonist decreased the renal ability of K excretion and caused hyperkalemia in wild-type but not in kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice. We conclude that AT2R-dependent regulation of NCC requires Kir4.1 in the distal convoluted tubule and that AT2R plays a role in stimulating K excretion by inhibiting Kir4.1 and NCC.