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An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney
Published on: November 1, 2018
In vitro production of angiotensin II by isolated glomeruli
B A Atiyeh1, B S Arant, W L Henrich
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
The American Journal of Physiology
|February 11, 1995
Summary
The rat glomerulus can produce angiotensin II (ANG II), a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This localized production occurs independently of systemic controls, suggesting an intrinsic renal capability.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- The glomerulus contains components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
- Understanding local angiotensin II (ANG II) production in the kidney is crucial for renal physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the capacity of isolated adult Wistar-Kyoto rat glomeruli to produce angiotensin II (ANG II).
- To investigate the intrinsic ability of glomeruli to generate ANG II independent of systemic influences.
Main Methods:
- Isolated glomeruli were incubated in Krebs buffer to measure angiotensin (ANG) production and degradation.
- 125I-labeled ANG II was used to determine the half-life of ANG II in the incubation medium.
- Glomerular incubates were subjected to perturbations affecting systemic RAS, including substrate addition and pharmacological agents.
Main Results:
- Peak ANG concentration in isolated glomeruli occurred at 15 minutes, with 18% being ANG II.
- Estimated ANG II production was 3.77 pg/mg protein/15 min.
- ANG concentration increased 500-fold with angiotensinogen-rich serum and responded predictably to RAS modulators like enalaprilat and salt depletion.
Conclusions:
- The isolated rat glomerulus possesses the intrinsic capability to generate ANG II.
- Glomerular ANG II production is independent of neural, hormonal, or vascular control.
- This finding highlights a potential intrarenal mechanism for regulating renal function via ANG II.
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