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The renin angiotensin system and kidney development
Taiji Matsusaka1, Yoichi Miyazaki, Iekuni Ichikawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
Annual Review of Physiology
|February 5, 2002
Summary
Angiotensin II is crucial for kidney development and function. Inhibiting this system during birth can cause kidney abnormalities, but angiotensin II also protects kidneys from obstruction later in life.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Perinatal inhibition of angiotensin II or its AT1 receptor leads to significant kidney structural abnormalities.
- These abnormalities include arterial vascular hypertrophy and papillary atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological role of angiotensin in kidney development and function.
- To understand the mechanisms behind angiotensin-induced kidney structural changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing pharmacological interventions and genetic manipulation in animal models.
- Analyzing kidney development and function in mice lacking the AT1 receptor.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking the AT1 receptor exhibit underdeveloped renal pelvis and impaired ureteral peristalsis.
- Angiotensin II is transiently upregulated at birth, promoting ureteral peristalsis for urine production transition.
- In adult animals, angiotensin II enhances ureteral peristalsis during partial urinary tract obstruction, preventing hydronephrosis.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin II plays a vital role in perinatal kidney development, specifically in establishing ureteral peristalsis.
- Angiotensin II provides a protective mechanism for kidney architecture against urine outflow obstruction in adulthood.
- This function mirrors angiotensin II's protective role during arterial blood flow obstruction.