Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
Urinary angiotensinogen accurately reflects intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin system activity
Maki Urushihara1, Shuji Kondo, Shoji Kagami
1Department of Physiology, and Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, USA.
Background:
We recently reported that immunoreactivity of intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) is significantly increased in IgA nephropathy patients. Meanwhile, we have developed direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure plasma and urinary AGT (UAGT) in humans. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that UAGT levels are increased in chronic glomerulonephritis patients.
Methods:
We analyzed 100 urine samples from 70 chronic glomerulonephritis patients (26 from IgA nephropathy, 24 from purpura nephritis, 8 from lupus nephritis, 7 from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and 5 from non-IgA mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis) and 30 normal control subjects.
Results:
UAGT-creatinine ratio (UAGT/UCre) was correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0326), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (p < 0.0001), urinary protein-creatinine ratio (p < 0.0001) and urinary occult blood (p = 0.0094). UAGT/UCre was significantly increased in chronic glomerulonephritis patients not treated with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers compared with control subjects (p < 0.0001). Importantly, glomerulonephritis patients treated with RAS blockers had a marked attenuation of this augmentation (p = 0.0021).
Conclusion:
These data indicate that UAGT are increased in chronic glomerulonephritis patients and treatment with RAS blockers suppressed UAGT. The efficacy of RAS blockade to reduce the intrarenal RAS activity can be confirmed by measurement of UAGT in chronic glomerulonephritis patients.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Hormonal Regulation
Introduction to Urinary System
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

