Korean J Nephrol.  1998 Jul;17(4):527-533.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition Decreases Growth Factor Expression in the Neonatal Rat Kidney

• Yoo KH
• Cheon H
• Choi BM
• Hong YS
• Lee JW
• Kim SK

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in renal growth and development. Exposure of the fetus or neonate to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors increases mortality, growth retardation, and results in renal anomalies. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ACE inhibition in the neonatal rat on the expression of genes known to modulate renal cellular proliferation, cell interactions, and extracellular matrix. Newborn rat pups were treated with enalapril (30mg/ kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days, and kidneys were removed for determination of mRNA for transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF- B1) and prepro epidermal growth factor (EGF). Enalapril treatment resulted in 40Yo mortality by day 14 as well as reduced body and kidney weight (P<0.05 vs vehicle group). Also enalapril decreased renal TGF-Bl and EGF mRNA expression (P<0.05). These results indicate that ACE inhibition in the developing kidney reduces the renal expression of critical growth factors, which may account for renal growth impairment.

Keyword

Angiotensin; Renin-angiotensin System; Growth; TGF-beta1; EGF

MeSH Terms

Angiotensins*
Animals
Cell Communication
Cell Proliferation
Enalapril
Epidermal Growth Factor
Extracellular Matrix
Fetus
Growth and Development
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Kidney*
Mortality
Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A*
Rats*
Renin-Angiotensin System
RNA, Messenger
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Angiotensins
Enalapril
Epidermal Growth Factor
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
RNA, Messenger
Transforming Growth Factor beta1