Distribution and regulation of guanylyl cyclase type B in the rat nephron

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been localized to the proximal and distal nephron. In this study, we examined the distribution and regulation of the CNP receptor, guanylyl cyclase type B (GC-B), in the rat kidney. GC-B mRNA was detected most frequently in microdissected glomeruli, thin and thick limbs of the loop of Henle, and outer and inner medullary collecting ducts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This pattern of expression is supported by immunofluorescent staining, using anti-GC-B-specific antiserum. Nearly equivalent levels of GC-B and guanylyl cyclase type A (GC-A) mRNAs were found by quantitative RT-PCR (5,662 +/- 1,622 and 5,187 +/- 1,204 molecules of cDNA/mu g total RNA, respectively; means +/- SE, n = 6). Renal inner medulla GC-B mRNA levels, but not renal CNP mRNA levels, were 3.2-fold greater in hypervolemic and 2.3-fold less in hypovolemic rats compared with euvolemic controls. Immunohistochemical staining also supports a greater GC-B expression with increased volume status. These data link hydration status and GC-B expression and suggest an additional and novel mechanism for regulating intravascular volume.