Korean Journal of Nephrology 2000;19(5):899-909.

원위부 신세뇨관성 산증에서 산-염기 운반체의 결손 (Defect of Acid-base Transporters in Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the molecular defect of acid-base transporters in renal tubules is related to the functional defect of urinary acidification in distal renal tubular acidosis(RTA). We performed NH₄Cl, furosemide, or bicarbonate loading test to evaluate renal acidification function, and immunohistochemistry using antibodies to H+-ATPase, Cl-/HCO₃ exchanger(band-3 protein), and Na+/K+-ATPase in kidney tissue in 6 patients with RTA and renal cell carcinoma patients as normal controls. Kidney tissue was obtained either by percutaneous needle biopsy(RTA) or nephrectomy(NC). The results were as follows; 1) In all six RTA patients, proton secretory defect of distal acidification was shown by a failure to lower the urine pH after NHC1 loading or furosemide test or abnormally low urine-blood pCO₂ difference during bicarbonate loading. In two patients with RTA, proximal acidification defect was combined, which was demonstrated by increased fractional excretion of bicarbonate. 2) In normal control, intense H+-ATPase and band-3 protein staining was observed in collecting ducts. 3) In distal RTA patients, H+-ATPase and band-3 protein staining was not demonstrable or markedly decreased in the intercalated cells of distal nephron. 4) In two patients who had both proximal and distal RTA, H+-ATPase staining was markedly decreased in the brush border of proximal tubules as well as the distal nephron. In conclusion, the defect of acid-base transporters in renal tubule was related with the functional defect of urinary acidification in distal RTA.