Angiotensin II (ANG II) is intimately involved in normal renal function, and is estimated to exist at a normal physiological range of 6–10 n M within the renal tubules. The potential role that intrarenal ANG II may play in renal disease was assessed by perfusing isolated rat kidneys with or without excess intratubular levels of ANG II, which may mimic changes in the intrarenal RAS under pathological conditions. The effects of increased systemic ANG II were also determined by infusing rats with ANG II by osmotic pump. In isolated perfused kidneys, ANG II significantly and specifically increased the fractional clearance of albumin to clinical levels, as determined by using radiolabelled albumin. This effect was reversible, as removing ANG II from the perfusate caused the albumin fractional clearance to decrease to pre-ANG II exposure levels. The increase in fractional clearance of albumin was not correlated with renal hemodynamic changes, nor glomerular permeability alterations as measured by the fractional clearance of 36 Å Ficoll and immunoglobulin G. Immunochemical analysis using anti-α-tubulin antibody of perfused kidney sections revealed that ANG II caused a marked disruption of tubular epithelial cytoskeletal components, through disassembly and reorganization of α-tubulin. This disruption was reversible. In vivo, osmotic pump delivery of ANG II at less potent dosage caused a proteinuria (Biuret) and an albuminuria (radioimmunoassay) in rats, from as early as 2 days after pump implantation. These results demonstrate that ANG II may reversibly induce clinical levels of albuminuria. These data point to an important role for renal tubules and the intratubular lumen concentrations of ANG II in the renal processing of albumin.
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.