Enhanced renal sensitivity to angiotensin actions in diabetes mellitus in the rat. Kennefick, Thomas M., Terry T. Oyama, Michele M. Thompson, Jiten P. Vora, and Sharon Anderson. Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Oregon Health Sciences University, and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, OR
APStracts 3:0085F, 1996.
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. In diabetes, renal RAS components are dysregulated, potentially increasing renal RAS effects. To explore the renal RAS, studies were conducted in control and diabetic rats. In both groups, intravenous (IV) angiotensin (Ang) I and Ang II produced similar increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP). In contrast, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declined only in diabetic rats. Renal plasma flow (RPF) fell in both groups, but decreased more in diabetic rats. Additional groups were given the same dose of Ang I directly into the left renal artery, and hemodynamics were studied in the treated and untreated kidneys. In contrast to the IV studies, intra-arterial Ang I had no effect on MAP in either group. The renal hemodynamic effects were similar to those in IV studies. Additionally, diabetic rats exhibited enhanced hemodynamic sensitivity in the untreated kidney, suggesting that renal effects could occur at non-pressor concentrations of circulating Ang II. Thus, renal (but not systemic) responsiveness to angiotensins is enhanced in diabetic rats.

Received 7 February 1996; accepted in final form 1 May 1996.
APS Manuscript Number F41-6.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Renal Fluid Electrolyte
Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 19 May 96