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Renal function in hypertensive rats transgenic for mouse renin gene
J E Springate1, L G Feld, D Ganten
1Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
The American Journal of Physiology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
This study reveals that transgenic rats with the mouse ren-2 renin gene develop hypertension but maintain normal kidney function initially due to vasoconstriction. However, older rats show increased glomerular pressure and kidney damage, indicating progressive disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Transgenic rat strain TGR(mRen2)27 exhibits suppressed plasma renin and hyperproreninemia, serving as a novel hypertension model.
- Understanding kidney function in this model is crucial for hypertension research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term kidney function and hemodynamics in TGR(mRen2)27 rats.
- To assess the impact of age-dependent hypertension on renal autoregulation and glomerular integrity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of TGR(mRen2)27 rats and control animals.
- Micropuncture techniques to measure blood flow and glomerular filtration rates.
- Assessment of albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis incidence.
Main Results:
- TGR(mRen2)27 rats showed elevated blood pressure, with severity decreasing with age.
- Normal whole-kidney and single-nephron function observed at 4 and 8 months due to preglomerular vasoconstriction.
- Increased glomerular capillary pressure and elevated glomerular ultrafiltration coefficients noted in older transgenic rats.
- Pathological albuminuria and increased glomerulosclerosis were present from 2 months onwards.
Conclusions:
- TGR(mRen2)27 rats demonstrate age-dependent regulation of transgene expression impacting hypertension severity.
- Renal autoregulation initially protects glomeruli, but sustained hypertension leads to glomerular hypertension and damage in older animals.
- This model provides valuable insights into the progression of renin-dependent hypertension and its renal consequences.