[Inherited reduced number of nephrons versus primary arterial hypertension]

The reduced number of nephrons, which was determined during fetal development may play a role as an important factor influencing blood pressure level in adult life. The results of a study which confirmed the involvement of the reduced nephron number in the etiopathogenesis of primary arterial hypertension were published recently. It was demonstrated, that the number of nephrons in the kidneys of hypertensive persons (without kidney disease) was significantly lower than in matched normotensive persons. The mean glomerular volume in hypertensive persons was markedly greater than in normotensives. The inherited reduced nephron numbers may depend not only on environmental influences acting during fetal development (like malnutrition) but also on the genetic factors. The hypothesis was presented that adaptative hypertrophy of less numerous nephrons is associated with the trait of sodium sensitivity of blood pressure. The results of the described studies may be of significant importance for clarification of the pathogenesis of primary arterial hypertension.