Is oxidative stress differentially regulated in the renal cortex and medulla?

Abstract

The cortex and medulla of the kidney are believed to exist on a tightrope between normal function and hypoxia. The contributions of cortical and medullary hypoperfusion to hypertension have been widely investigated. In this Viewpoint, Thomas Pallone distills current knowledge on the roles of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in this setting, and speculates on the implications for future treatment of hypertension.