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Angiotensin II regulates renin gene expression.
D W Johns1, M J Peach, R A Gomez
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
The American Journal of Physiology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Angiotensin II (ANG II) reduces renin messenger RNA (mRNA) accumulation stimulated by enalapril, suggesting ANG II directly inhibits renin synthesis. ANG II does not alter renal renin distribution, indicating regulation at the gene expression level.
Area of Science:
- Renal Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation.
- Understanding the feedback mechanisms controlling renin synthesis and release is vital for managing cardiovascular and renal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) and enalapril on renin messenger RNA (mRNA) accumulation.
- To examine the impact of ANG II and enalapril on renal renin distribution using immunohistochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Adult Wistar-Kyoto rats were treated with enalapril and infused with ANG II or vehicle.
- Renin mRNA levels were quantified using hybridization with complementary DNA and autoradiography.
- Renal renin distribution was analyzed via immunohistochemical staining.
Main Results:
- Enalapril treatment increased renal renin mRNA specific activity.
- Subsequent infusion of ANG II significantly decreased renal renin mRNA specific activity.
- ANG II attenuated enalapril-induced renin mRNA accumulation but did not alter renin immunostaining distribution in the renal vasculature.
Conclusions:
- ANG II exerts a short-loop negative feedback on renin synthesis by inhibiting renin gene expression.
- The findings suggest a direct inhibitory effect of ANG II on renin production, primarily regulated at the transcriptional level.
- ANG II's lack of effect on renin distribution may be related to the turnover time of stored renin protein.