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Programming of adult blood pressure by maternal protein restriction: role of nephrogenesis

Lori L Woods1, Douglas A Weeks, Ruth Rasch

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. woodsl@ohsu.edu

Kidney International
|April 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Severe maternal protein restriction programs both male and female offspring for salt-sensitive hypertension. This is linked to reduced kidney glomeruli number, indicating impaired renal development during a critical window of nephrogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Maternal protein restriction can lead to hypertension and reduced glomeruli in male offspring.
  • The effects of severe protein restriction on both sexes and the role of nephrogenesis were investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if severe maternal protein restriction affects male and female rat offspring equally.
  • To examine the role of nephrogenesis in programming adult hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were fed protein-restricted (5%) or normal (19%) diets during specific pregnancy periods.
  • Offspring were instrumented as adults to measure blood pressure.
  • Glomerular number and volume were assessed using stereology.

Main Results:

  • Severe protein restriction reduced glomerular number in offspring but did not alter glomerular volume.
  • Male offspring exposed to severe protein restriction exhibited salt-sensitive hypertension.
  • Female offspring showed qualitatively similar results regarding hypertension and renal development.

Conclusions:

  • Severe maternal protein restriction programs for salt-sensitive hypertension in both sexes by reducing glomerular number.
  • The critical window for this programming effect aligns with the period of nephrogenesis in rats.
  • Impaired renal development due to maternal protein restriction is a likely cause of adult offspring hypertension.
Abstract

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