Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
Published on: May 22, 2019
Genetic low nephron number hypertension is associated with altered expression of osteopontin and CD44 during
Aims:
The study set out to investigate whether the osteopontin (OPN)-CD44-integrin-receptor-system is differently regulated during nephrogenesis in inborn nephron deficit, a major determinant of human primary hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adult life.
Methods:
We compared a genetic rat model with an inherited nephron deficit, the Munich-Wistar-Froemter rat (MWF), to normotensive Wistar rats during nephrogenesis at day 19 of fetal development (E19) and at postpartal day 7 (D7).
Results:
Renal OPN mRNA (-75%, P<0.05) and protein expression (-38%, P<0.05) were strongly decreased at E19 in MWF compared to Wistar. Renal mRNA-expression of CD44 was increased at E19 in MWF (+271%, P<0.05). At D7, renal OPN protein expression was increased (+115%, P<0.05) and renal mRNA-expression of CD44 remained elevated compared to Wistar control (+127%, P<0.05).
Conclusions:
Altered fetal expression of the OPN-CD44-integrin-receptor-system in the MWF model points to a possible role in low nephron number hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nephrons
Diabetic Nephropathy
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Hormonal Regulation
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

