In addition to its well-characterized renal hemodynamic effects, angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes growth of cultured glomerular and tubular cells, suggesting a possible role in renal development. To better define potential developmental effects of Ang II, we examined the expression of Ang II receptors in embryonic (E19) and postnatal (1, 2, 3, 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 and 9 months) rat kidneys, using in situ autoradiography and the nonpeptide antagonists losartan and PD-123177 to identify receptor subtypes. At E19, 125I-[Sar1, Ile8]Ang II binding was equally reduced by losartan and PD-123177, indicating the presence of both AT1 and AT2 receptors. A progressive increase in Ang II receptor density occurred after birth, reaching a plateau at day 10. At that time, the AT1 subtype predominated and was virtually the sole subtype present thereafter. Ang II receptor density and AT1 mRNA levels decreased in aging rats. Total AT1 receptor mRNA levels in both kidney and liver were determined by Northern hybridization analysis using a radiolabeled AT1 anti-sense cRNA probe. In both tissues, AT1 mRNA levels increased rapidly following birth, reached a maximum on day 10 and decreased thereafter. To further characterize the ontogenic effects on AT1 gene expression, renal AT1A and AT1B receptor mRNA isoforms were determined by reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction. No significant differences were observed during maturation between the relative levels of AT1A and AT1B mRNAs, with the AT1A isoform accounting for approximately 78% at any time point. Thus, renal AT1 receptor density increases rapidly after birth, in association with an increase in both AT1A and AT1B receptor gene expression. As the predominant receptor isoform in the adult kidney, the AT1A receptor may account for the majority of the effects of Ang II on glomerular and tubular function.

Keywords:
AT1 mRNA, Kidney, Liver, Losartan, PD-123177
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1997 S. Karger AG, Basel
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.