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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
12:03
Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
Angiotensin receptors and development: the kidney.
D Alcorn1, J E McCausland, C Maric
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Angiotensin II (AngII) is not essential for initial nephron and glomerular development in rat kidneys. However, AngII plays a crucial role in the normal growth and development of renal tubules and vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is present in the fetal kidney early in development.
- Angiotensin II (AngII) is vital for normal fetal and neonatal renal function.
- Angiotensin II receptors mediate critical signals for growth and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the essential role of AngII in kidney development.
- To investigate the impact of RAS blockade on renal development.
- To clarify AngII's specific contributions to nephrogenesis and organogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing experimental and clinical data.
- Analysis of studies involving Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition or AngII receptor blockade.
- Examination of findings from metanephric organ culture experiments.
Main Results:
- AngII receptor blockade or ACE inhibition leads to abnormalities in developing kidneys.
- Chronic RAS blockade in rats causes structural damage to tubules and blood vessels.
- Glomerular induction occurs even with AngII receptor blockade in organ culture.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin II is not essential for nephron induction and glomerular development in rat kidneys.
- Angiotensin II is indispensable for the proper growth and development of renal tubules and vasculature.
- RAS blockade significantly impacts postnatal renal structure and function.
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