The bradykinin B2 receptor induces multiple cellular responses leading to the proliferation of human renal carcinoma cell lines

BACKGROUND The vasoactive peptide bradykinin (BK) acts as a potent growth factor for normal kidney cells, but there have been few studies on the role of BK in renal cell carcinomas. PURPOSE In this study, we tested the hypothesis that BK also acts as a mitogen in kidney carcinomas, and explored the effects of BK in human renal carcinoma A498 cells. METHODS The presence of mRNAs for BK B(1) and BK B(2) receptors in A498 cells was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. To study BK signaling pathways, we employed fluorescent measurements of intracellular Ca(2+), measured changes in extracellular pH as a reflection of Na(+)/H(+) exchange (NHE) with a Cytosensor microphysiometer, and assessed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by Western blotting. RESULTS Exposure to 100 nM of BK resulted in the rapid elevation of intracellular Ca(2+), caused a ≥30% increase in NHE activity, and a ≥300% increase in ERK phosphorylation. All BK signals were blocked by HOE140, a BK B(2) receptor antagonist, but not by a B(1) receptor antagonist. Inhibitor studies suggest that BK-induced ERK activation requires phospholipase C and protein kinase C activities, and is Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent. The amiloride analog 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)-amiloride (MIA) blocked short-term NHE activation and inhibited ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that NHE is critical for ERK activation by BK. BK induced an approximately 40% increase in the proliferation of A498 cells as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine uptake. This effect was blocked by the ERK inhibitor PD98059, and was dependent on NHE activity. CONCLUSION We conclude that BK exerts mitogenic effects in A498 cells via the BK B(2) receptor activation of growth-associated NHE and ERK.