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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
12:03

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Published on: June 7, 2016

Association of (pro)renin receptor mRNA expression with angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA expression in human artery

Tomoko Takemitsu1, Atsuhiro Ichihara, Yuki Kaneshiro

  • 1Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

American Journal of Nephrology
|July 31, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The (pro)renin receptor plays a role in arterial angiotensin II generation in kidney failure patients. Its expression is linked to ACE levels, particularly in untreated hypertensive individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Renal Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The role of the (pro)renin receptor in end-organ damage is primarily suggested by animal studies.
  • Its involvement in human arterial pathology remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the (pro)renin receptor in human arteries.
  • To explore the relationship between (pro)renin receptor expression and components of the renin-angiotensin system in kidney failure patients.

Main Methods:

  • Arterial fragments were obtained from 141 kidney failure patients undergoing arteriovenous access surgery.
  • mRNA expression levels of the (pro)renin receptor and other renin-angiotensin system components were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Arterial (pro)renin receptor mRNA levels were comparable between diabetic and non-diabetic patients, despite higher plasma prorenin in diabetics.
  • Hypertensive patients treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs showed higher arterial (pro)renin receptor mRNA than untreated patients.
  • A significant association between arterial (pro)renin receptor mRNA and ACE mRNA was observed, which diminished with ACE inhibitor or ARB treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The (pro)renin receptor may contribute to the local production of angiotensin II within arteries of kidney failure patients.
  • Arterial (pro)renin receptor expression is potentially influenced by renin-angiotensin system modulating therapies.

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