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Morphometric studies of the renomedullary interstitial cells
1Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38146.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Renomedullary interstitial cells (RIC) produce antihypertensive mediators like prostaglandins and lipids. Abundant RIC correlates with resistance to salt-sensitive hypertension, suggesting both intrarenal and extrarenal roles.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Renomedullary interstitial cells (RIC) reside in the kidney's medulla.
- These cells are implicated in the kidney's antihypertensive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the properties of RIC.
- To identify the antihypertensive mediators produced by RIC.
- To investigate the role of RIC in experimental hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Morphologic studies of RIC.
- Physiologic studies of RIC.
- Experimental maneuvers to assess RIC activity and hypertension induction.
Main Results:
- RIC are the source of antihypertensive mediators, including prostaglandins (PGE2), platelet-activating factor (APRL), and ANRL (medullipin).
- Lipid droplets within RIC are precursors to these mediators.
- Abundant, granulated RIC correlate with resistance to salt-sensitive hypertension.
Conclusions:
- RIC play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through secreted mediators.
- RIC exhibit both intrarenal and extrarenal antihypertensive functions.
- RIC characteristics are indicative of an animal's susceptibility to hypertension.