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Updated: May 2, 2026

Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Published on: September 28, 2015
Blocking of angiotensin II is more than blocking of transforming growth factor-beta
1Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. Christoph.Daniel@uk-erlangen.de
Abstract:
Fibrosis is a common feature of chronic kidney diseases that is mediated by matrix-producing myofibroblasts. One potential origin of myofibroblasts is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubuloepithelial cells. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a key factor inducing EMT. Carvajal et al. demonstrate that angiotensin II induces EMT by classical stimulation of TGF-beta and also by a TGF-beta-independent pathway, both signaling via Smad molecules. Therefore, blockade of angiotensin II is more than lowering of blood pressure and inhibition of TGF-beta stimulation.
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