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Abstract
Using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry
we investigated the ontogeny of renin, angiotensinogen and angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) in the mesonephros at 27 and 41 days of gestation, and the metanephros
at 41 and 64 days of gestation in ovine fetuses (term is 145 to 150 days). The volume
and composition of fetal urine, stored as allantoic fluid were measured in 12 fetuses
at 27 days, and 13 fetuses at 41 days. Renin, angiotensinogen and ACE were identified
in both meso- and metanephroi at 41 days but not in the mesonephros at 27 to 30 days.
Allantoic fluid volumes were 21 +/- 3 and 45 +/- 5 ml at 27 to 30 days and 41 days,
respectively. This fluid was significantly different in composition to that of amniotic
fluid or maternal plasma. The results suggest that the mesonephros can substantially
modify its glomerular filtrate by 27 days of gestation, and can produce local angiotensin
II by 41 days.