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Angiotensin receptors and development: the kidney
D Alcorn1, J E McCausland, C Maric
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology. Supplement
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Angiotensin II (AngII) is crucial for normal kidney function and the development of renal tubules and vasculature. However, AngII is not essential for initial nephron induction or glomerular development in the fetal kidney.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in fetal kidney development.
- Angiotensin II (AngII) signaling is vital for normal fetal and neonatal renal function.
- Angiotensin II receptors mediate critical growth and development signals.
Framework:
- Spatial and temporal localization of angiotensin receptor subtypes during renal development.
- Investigating the impact of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition and AngII receptor blockade on kidney development.
- Examining functional and structural abnormalities in developing kidneys due to RAS blockade.
Implementation:
- Studies in experimental models and clinical situations demonstrate abnormalities following ACE inhibition or AngII receptor blockade.
- Chronic postnatal RAS blockade in rats leads to structural damage in renal tubules and blood vessels.
- Metanephric organ culture shows glomerular induction occurs independently of AngII receptor blockade.
Implications:
- Angiotensin II is essential for the growth and development of renal tubules and vasculature.
- Angiotensin II is not required for nephron induction and glomerular development in the rat kidney.
- Understanding the specific roles of AngII in renal development informs therapeutic strategies for kidney diseases.