Actions of Angiotensin II Along the Nephron to Regulate Blood Pressure

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Hypertension affects more than 60 million people in the US and despite its diverse causes; blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) lowers blood pressure in the majority of hypertensive patients. The clinical significance of the RAS is exemplified by the substantial benefit of RAS blockade (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) on overall cardiovascular and renal health. We have used gene-targeting in mice to identify the cellular targets of the RAS in the kidney to control blood pressure. Our recent studies have identified the renal proximal tubule as a critical site for RAS to regulate blood pressure in the intact animal. Mice lacking AT1 receptors only from renal proximal tubule had lower blood pressures, associated with protection against angiotensin II-induced hypertension and alterations in urinary sodium handling. We now hypothesize that AT1 receptors in the renal proximal tubule set the level of the intrarenal RAS which can then exert effects in different segments of the nephron to regulate blood pressure and fluid homeostasis. The overall goal of this project is to establish the capacity of angiotensin receptors in the renal proximal tubule to regulate blood pressure, which we propose to accomplish through the following specific aims: To determine how proximal tubule AT1 receptors regulate epithelial function (1) directly within the PT and (2) distally, along the nephron. We will examine specific pathways such as intra- renal RAS, oxidative stress, and transporter regulation related to angiotensin signaling in the renal proximal tubule.