Fetal Rat Kidney Research Articles

Effects of maternal uninephrectomy on the development of fetal rat kidney with special reference to the proliferative activity and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Immunolocalization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR) in the kidney of fetal rats from uninephrectomized mothers were examined. As the index of proliferative activity, PCNA positive cell ratios in glomeruli and proximal tubules were determined. In the fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers and sham-operated mothers, the PCNA positive cells were seen predominantly in the nephrogenic zone of the kidney. On fetal day 22, the PCNA positive cell ratio in the glomerulus of the fetus from uninephrectomized mothers (E fetus) was significantly lower than that in the glomerulus of the fetus from sham-operated ones (C fetus). The proximal tubular cells showed positive reaction to EGF and EGFR antibodies in both fetuses. On fetal day 22, the reactions of the proximal tubules to EGF and EGFR antibodies were stronger in E fetus than in C fetus. These results indicate that maternal uninephrectomy causes decreased proliferative activity of the glomerulus and increased reactions of the proximal tubules to EGF and EGFR antibodies in fetal rat kidney, suggesting accelerated development of the kidney.

Apoptosis parallels ceramide content in the developing rat kidney.

Ceramide is emerging as an important hydrophobic sphingolipid involved in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in cellular remodeling during renal morphogenesis, we measured ceramide content and apoptosis in the fetal (18 days gestation), neonatal (3, 7, and 14 days postnatal), and adult rat kidney. In addition, to determine whether developmental changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, we compared renal ceramide content with that in lung and liver. Ceramide was measured by the diacylglycerol kinase assay, and apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL technique. Renal ceramide content fell over 100-fold from the fetus to the 7th postnatal day. Renal apoptosis paralleled ceramide content, with a greater than 300-fold decrease in apoptosis from fetal to adult life. Ceramide content of the lung and liver was significantly less than that of the kidney, and changed less with maturation. We conclude that maturational changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, and that the high rate of apoptosis in the developing kidney may be related to the elevated ceramide content.

Cloning of rat nephrin: Expression in developing glomeruli and in proteinuric states

Nephrin is identified as a product of the gene mutated in a patient with congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type. However, its precise localization and function are not yet fully clarified. To clone the rat homologue of nephrin, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed. To elucidate the localization and expression of nephrin, immunohistological analysis with a specific antirat nephrin antibody, reverse transcription-PCR, and RNase protection assay were performed. Amino acid sequences of rat and human nephrin are highly homologous (82.2% identity). The domain structure of nephrin is also highly conserved between rats and humans. The rat nephrin was detected only in kidney glomeruli along glomerular capillary walls, and its localization was always identical to that of the anti-slit diaphragm monoclonal antibody (mAb) 5-1-6-recognized antigen in normal matured and fetal rat glomeruli and in the glomeruli of proteinuric states. The nephrin staining pattern was clearly distinguished from that of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), alpha3-integrin, or podocalyxin. mRNA expression for nephrin was first detected in the fetal rat kidneys at 18.5 embryonic days. Nephrin mRNA expression decreased just after injection of mAb 5-1-6 (47.4%) or puromycin aminonucleoside (51.2%), and the staining pattern of nephrin shifted from a linear to a granular pattern in both proteinuric states. Nephrin is localized in slit diaphragm in the matured glomeruli and is identical with mAb 5-1-6 antigen. Nephrin is involved in the development of proteinuria not only in mAb 5-1-6 nephropathy, but also in puromycin aminonucleoside nephropathy.

In utero and in vitro exposure to beta-lactams impair kidney development in the rat.

beta-Lactam antibiotics are widely used because of their lack of toxicity in humans. However, during pregnancy, exposure of the fetus is likely to occur because beta-lactam antibiotics cross the placenta. The potential adverse effects of two penicillins (ampicillin, amoxicillin) and of one cephalosporin (ceftriaxone) were examined in rat kidney development. Two experimental approaches were used: metanephros organ cultures to analyze the direct effect of the drug and maternal treatment to assess the consequences of in utero exposure. For in vitro experiments, metanephroi were removed from 14-d-old fetuses and grown with or without the antibiotic at a concentration ranging from 10 to 1000 microg/ml for 6 d. For in vivo experiments, pregnant rats were treated with penicillin at 100 mg/kg per d for 5 d, a period overlapping early renal organogenesis. Both penicillins alter renal development in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, from a dose of 10 microg/ml for ampicillin and 100 microg/ml for amoxicillin. In young animals exposed to penicillins in utero, a mild oligonephronia was present and cystic tubule dilation was observed in newborn and in young animals as well. Ceftriaxone weakly impairs in vitro nephrogenesis except at the dose of 1000 microg/ml that blocks kidney development completely. No effect on nephron ontogeny was observed following in utero exposure, but an interstitial inflammation was present in the medulla of 2-wk-old rats. In conclusion, these data show that beta-lactams, at therapeutic doses, are harmful to fetal rat kidneys.

Developmental changes in multispecific organic anion transporter 1 expression in the rat kidney

The cDNA of the multispecific organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) responsible for the tubular secretion of organic anions was recently isolated. In the current study, we investigated the developmental changes in OAT1 expression in the rat kidney. Ontogenic expression of rat OAT1 was investigated by Northern blot, in situ hybridization, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, para-aminohippurate (PAH) accumulation was measured using fetal, neonatal, and adult rat kidney slices. In Northern blot analysis, OAT1 was detected as early as on embryonic day 18 in the fetal kidney. The expression level of OAT1 mRNA increased remarkably just after birth (postnatal day 0). In situ hybridization revealed OAT1 expression on embryonic day 19. In both the fetal and neonatal kidneys, OAT1 mRNA was localized in a relatively deep region in the cortex. Western blot analysis detected OAT1 protein on embryonic day 20, and the expression level increased after birth. Immunohistochemical analysis did not reveal OAT1 staining in the fetal kidneys. A faint signal of OAT1 protein was detected on postnatal day 0; thereafter, the expression level increased. In the functional study using kidney slices, low but definite probenecid-sensitive PAH accumulation was noted in fetal rat kidney on embryonic day 20. After birth, probenecid-sensitive PAH uptake was increased. The present study consistently demonstrates the remarkable increase of OAT1 expression after birth, and the immature excretory capacity of the proximal tubules of the neonatal kidney can be attributed, at least in part, to the low expression level of OAT1.

A novel developmentally regulated gene in lung mesenchyme: homology to a tumor-derived trypsin inhibitor.

We used differential display-PCR (DD-PCR) to identify glucocorticoid-inducible genes that regulate lung development in late gestation. DD-PCR, a method to screen for differentially expressed genes, is based on a comparison of mRNAs isolated from a subset of two or more cell populations by analysis of RT-PCR products on DNA-sequencing gels. We isolated cDNA probes representing mRNAs expressed in primary cultures of rat lung fibroblasts, but not in epithelial cells, on fetal day 20. A day 20 glucocorticoid-treated fibroblast cDNA library was screened with a single probe to isolate the 3.1-kb cDNA late-gestation lung 1 (LGL1; GenBank accession no. AF109674) encoding a deduced polypeptide of 188 amino acids. Northern analysis confirmed that LGL1 is expressed in human, rat, and mouse fetal lungs, induced by glucocorticoid, developmentally regulated in fibroblasts but not detectable in epithelium. In situ hybridization confirmed LGL1 expression in the mesenchyme, but not in the epithelium, of fetal rat lung, kidney, and gut. The predicted LGL1 gene product (lgl1) showed 81% homology to P25TI, a polypeptide trypsin inhibitor recently identified in human glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells but not detected in normal human tissues. Both lgl1 and P25TI belong to the CRISP family of cysteine-rich extracellular proteins. Trypsin is produced by both normal bronchial epithelial and lung adenocarcinoma cells. Although additional studies will be necessary to clearly establish a functional role for lgl1, we propose that lgl1 has a role in normal lung development that is likely to be via regulation of extracellular matrix degradation.

Effects of maternal uninephrectomy on the development of fetal rat kidney: numerical and volumetric changes of the glomerulus and formation of the anionic site in the glomerular basement membrane.

Developmental processes of the fetal rat kidney from uninephrectomized mothers were studied. The uninephrectomy was performed on day 5 of gestation. Glomerular number and volume in the fetal kidneys on days 18, 20, and 22 of gestation were morphometrically determined. To investigate the anionic site formation in the glomerular basement membrane, distribution of cationized ferritin (CF) in the fetal glomerulus was examined electron microscopically after CF injection. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration in the pregnant rats was also determined on various days after uninephrectomy. On fetal days 20 and 22, the glomerular volume was significantly larger in the fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers than in those from sham-operated ones. On fetal day 20, the CF particles were clustered in the laminae rarae interna and externa of the glomerular basement membrane in the fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers, while the clusters were arrayed in three to four layers in the glomerular basement membrane in the fetuses from sham-operated ones. On fetal day 22, the CF particles noted in the lamina rara externa in the fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers were slightly larger in number than such particles in the age-matched control fetuses. The BUN concentration of the uninephrectomized pregnant rats was significantly higher than that of the sham-operated pregnant ones on each postoperative day. These results suggest that the development of the fetal renal glomerulus is accelerated by the elevated BUN level following maternal uninephrectomy when the fetal kidney is functional in effective filtration in the rat.

Molecular cloning of KS, a novel rat gene expressed exclusively in the kidney

We aimed to identify genes with kidney specific, developmentally regulated expression. Here we report the cDNA sequence and expression pattern of KS, a novel kidney-specific rat gene. A partial cDNA was identified by differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a renal cell fraction enriched for proximal tubular and renin-expressing cells. Using the partial cDNA as a probe, a rat kidney cDNA library was screened. The full-length KS sequence was obtained by PCR amplification of cDNA ends. The expression pattern of KS was investigated by Northern blot. RNA was extracted from several organs of newborn and adult rats, as well as from the kidneys of rats with altered tubular function, that is, rats that had undergone unilateral nephrectomy, unilateral ureteral obstruction, neonatal losartan treatment, and the appropriate control animals. The expression of KS was also investigated in the kidneys of rats with spontaneous or renovascular hypertension. The KS cDNA (2426 bp) contained one open reading frame encoding a predicted 572 amino acid protein. The derived peptide sequence displayed approximately 70% similarity to the hypertension-related SA gene product and approximately 50% similarity to prokaryotic and eukaryotic acetyl-CoA synthases (EC 6. 2.1.1). KS was expressed in the kidney and not in any other organ assayed. KS RNA was not detected in fetal and newborn rat kidney but became apparent after one week of postnatal life. Gene expression was downregulated in rat models of altered tubular function. KS expression was decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats but not in renovascular hypertension. KS, a novel rat gene, exhibits a unique tissue-specific expression exclusively in mature kidneys. The data suggest KS may encode an adenosine monophosphate binding enzyme.

The perinatal expression of aquaporin-2 and aquaporin-3 in developing kidney.

The kidney provides an important contribution to permit the fetus to successfully transition to an independent existence by production of urine with significantly different osmolality compared with plasma. Although recent work has uncovered many aspects of the maturation and regulation of the renal concentrating and diluting mechanism, understanding of how alterations in the expression of aquaporin (AQP) water channels contribute to the formation of urine in the perinatal period is incomplete. Here, we report that both AQP-2 and -3 are expressed during fetal life as early as embryonic d 18 in ureteric buds of rat kidneys, where each is localized to the apical and basolateral membranes of epithelial cells, respectively. Northern analyses demonstrate that the 1.9-kb AQP-2 transcript is present in fetal and postnatal rat kidneys similar to that observed in adults. AQP-2 mRNA expression increases after d 3 of postnatal life. Immunoblotting reveals an increase in total kidney AQP-2 protein particularly with respect to its glycosylated form after postnatal d 3. AQP-3 protein also exhibits a similar alteration likely due to a similar increase in its glycosylation state. Both AQP-2 and AQP-3 display a distribution in the collecting ducts of human postnatal infants and adults identical to that exhibited in rat kidneys. These data show that both AQP-2 and -3 are present in collecting duct epithelia of fetal and postnatal kidneys. Thus, the reduced AVP-responsiveness and decreased urinary concentrating ability of the kidney during the fetal and immediate postnatal period does not appear to be caused by lack of AQP-2 or AQP-3 proteins.

Stored Renin Isoforms in the Developing Rat Kidney

Fetal rat kidney contains renin in renal microvasculature, whereas adult rat kidney contains renin predominantly in juxtaglomerular cells. It is hypothesized that renin isoforms stored within these renal tissues may differ chemically and functionally. To test this hypothesis, stored renin isoforms in fetal and adult rat kidney were compared by isolating renin from adult and fetal kidney homogenate with pepstatin agarose. Pepstatin-eluted renin isoforms were separated by relative molecular size using one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), or by isoelectric point (pI) and size using two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. Isoforms were identified either by silver staining or immunoblotting. One-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of pepstatin-treated kidney homogenates showed a silver-stained band in the range of ∼45 kDa, which corresponded to a silver-stained spot consistently seen on 2D gels. In fetal kidney homogenate, the ∼45 kDa band had a pI of 5.3 ± 0.1, whereas the corresponding band in adult samples had a basic pI of 6.0 ± 0.05. Angiotensin I generation was measured to assess renin enzymatic activity. There was significantly more inactive renin in fetal kidney homogenate than in adult kidney homogenate (60.2 ± 22.4 v 9.6 ± 4.0 ng AI/mg protein/h, P < .05). There was significantly less active renin in fetal kidney homogenate than in adult kidney homogenate (5.4 ± 0.4 v 36.5 ± 14.2 ng AI/mg protein/h, P < .05). The average total renin activity in fetal kidney homogenate was significantly higher than in adult kidney homogenate (65.6 ± 22.3 v 46.0 ± 15.2, P < .05). These results demonstrate major differences in the physical and enzymatic forms of stored renin found in fetal and adult kidney. It is speculated that these variations in stored renin isoforms play a role in the developmental differential regulation of the intrarenal renin angiotensin system.

Expression of the subtype 2 angiotensin (AT2) receptor protein in rat kidney.

In situ hybridization studies have suggested that the subtype 2 angiotensin (AT2) receptor gene is expressed in fetal and newborn rat kidney but is undetectable in the adult animals. In the present study, we investigated the expression of AT2 receptor protein in the fetal (days 14 and 19 of fetal life), newborn (day 1 postpartum), and adult (4-week-old and 3-month-old) rat kidney. Polyclonal anti-peptide antiserum was raised against the amino terminus of the native AT2 receptor. The selectivity of the antiserum was validated by recognition of the AT2 receptor in a stably transfected COS-7 cell line by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis. As a positive control, the AT2 receptor signal was detected strongly in the adrenal gland. Positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in the mesenchymal cells and ureteric buds of the 14-day fetal kidney and in the glomeruli, tubules, and vessels in the 19-day fetal and newborn kidney. Glomeruli expressing the AT2 receptor were localized mainly in the outer layer of the renal cortex. In the young (4-week-old) and mature (3-month-old) adult rat on normal sodium intake, renal AT2 receptor immunoreactivity was present in glomeruli but substantially diminished compared with that of newborn rats. In both young and mature adult rats, dietary sodium depletion increased the renal AT2 receptor signal, mainly in the glomeruli and interstitial cells. Preimmune and preadsorption controls were negative. Western blot analysis detected a single 44-kD band in the fetal and newborn rat kidney and in the young and mature adult rat kidney. Dietary sodium depletion increased the density of the AT2 receptor band in mature adult rat kidneys. These data provide evidence that the AT2 receptor protein is expressed in the fetal and newborn rat kidney, diminishes in adult life, and is reexpressed in the adult in response to sodium depletion.

Effects of maternal bilateral ureteral ligation on formation of the glomerular basement membrane in fetal rat kidney.

The present study was designed to clarify development of filtration property of fetal renal glomerulus when maternal kidney is dysfunctional. Maternal bilateral ureteral ligation was performed on days 17, 19, and 21 of pregnancy. One day after each operation, cationized ferritin (CF), native ferritin (NF), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were injected, respectively, in the fetuses. Distribution of the tracers in the fetal kidneys was investigated electron microscopically. On fetal day 20, clustered CF particles were present in the laminae rarae interna and externa of the glomerular basement membrane of the fetuses from ureter-ligated mothers, while the clusters were arrayed in three to four layers in that of the fetuses from sham-ligated ones. On fetal day 22, a relatively large amount of CF particles was present in the lamina rara externa in the fetuses from ureter-ligated mothers when compared to that in the age-matched control fetuses. On fetal days 20 and 22, the number of NF particles was decreased, and shortening of the time for filtration of HRP through the glomerular basement membrane was observed in the fetuses from the ligated mothers. These results suggest that dysfunction of maternal kidneys causes accelerated formation of fetal glomerular basement membrane and stimulates glomerular function in filtration in fetal rat kidney.

Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptors in rat kidney development.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is strongly expressed during embryogenesis and in sites undergoing intense development and morphogenesis. Two receptor serine/threonine kinases (types I and II) have been identified as signal-transducing TGF-beta receptors. This study was undertaken to further explore the role of the distinct TGF-beta receptors during kidney development. The species-specific sequence information for the two T beta R-I, namely, activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK-5) and Tsk7L, in the rat was sought. Two full-length T beta R-I cDNAs were cloned from a neonatal rat kidney and lung libraries, and sequencing revealed that they were the rat homologs of human ALK-5 and murine Tsk7L. Both types I and II TGF-beta receptors are expressed in the kidney as determined by Northern blot analysis. T beta R-II mRNA abundance was significantly greater in the neonatal rat kidney compared with the adult rat kidney. Similarly, ALK-5 mRNA was more highly expressed in the fetal and neonatal rat kidney than the adult rat kidney. In contrast, there was no significant difference in Tsk7L mRNA abundance among the fetal, neonatal, and adult rat kidney. Thus, based on these findings, both T beta R-II and ALK-5 are developmentally regulated in the kidney. Increased expression of T beta R-II and ALK-5 proteins in the developing kidney was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, the two TGF-beta receptors did not entirely colocalize, raising the intriguing possibility that other TGF-beta signaling receptors may be involved.

Receptor protein tyrosine kinases in perinatal developing rat kidney

We have identified receptor protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) that are expressed and/or activated during kidney development. mRNA from fetal rat kidneys in late gestation (embryonic day 21), was used to prepare a cDNA template for polymerase chain reaction amplification with primers based on conserved regions of PTKs, and products were subcloned and sequenced. Among 346 clones, we identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), Tie-2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R)-alpha, PDGF-R beta, Flk-1, Flt-4, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R)-1, FGF-R3, FGF-R4, Met, and RYK/Nbtk-1. PTK expression was studied by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of kidney membrane proteins with specific antibodies. EGF-R, PDGF-R alpha, FGF-R1, FGF-R3, Met, and in some cases Tie-2 protein expression was greater in fetal kidneys, as compared with kidneys from 12-week-old adult rats (controls). Flk-1, PDGF-R beta, and FGF-R4 proteins were expressed comparably, however, Flt-4 was not detected. As a reflection of receptor PTK activity, we assessed endogenous tyrosine phosphorylation, and in vitro autophosphorylation. EGF-R and PDGF-R alpha displayed activity in fetal, but not adult kidneys. FGF-R3 and Flk-1 were active in some fetal kidneys, and the other PTKs were not active. Thus, in late gestational rat kidney, there are distinct patterns of receptor PTK expression and activity. EGF-R, PDGF-R alpha, FGF-R3 and Flk-1 are among the PTKs that are activated, and they may mediate perinatal development of renal epithelial, interstitial, or vascular structures.

Birth-related changes in energy metabolism enzymes and Na-K-ATPase in kidney proximal convoluted tubule cells.

In the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of rat kidney, reabsorption is known to take place during fetal life, but no data on Na-K-ATPase and mitochondrial energy metabolism enzymes in this epithelium were available at fetal and neonatal stages. With use of the quantitative histochemistry approach, Na-K-ATPase, citrate synthase (tricarboxylic acid cycle), 3-ketoacid CoA-transferase and thiolase (ketone body oxidation), beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (fatty acid oxidation), and acetylcarnitine transferase (acetyl-CoA transport through mitochondrial membrane) were microassayed in PCT and metanephric mesenchyme of fetal and newborn rat kidney. The data indicate that, during fetal life, PCT differentiation involves concomitant increases in Na-K-ATPase and oxidative enzyme activities, supporting the hypothesis that mitochondria could play an active role in cellular ATP turnover when reabsorptive functions develop. Birth resulted in marked increases in the activities of Na-K-ATPase and of fatty acid and ketone body oxidation enzymes in the PCT, whereas no changes in enzyme activities occurred in the metanephric mesenchyme between the fetal and the newborn stage.

Differential expression of angiotensin II receptors during early renal morphogenesis.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) and its receptors, AT1 and AT2, may modulate kidney development. To define the temporal and spatial distribution of AT1 and AT2 receptors and their mRNAs during nephrogenesis, fetal, newborn, and adult rat kidneys were studied using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and radioligand binding autoradiography. AT1 expression was minimal at embryonic day 14 (E14), highly expressed at E20, and persisted into adulthood. Conversely, AT2 expression was easily detected from E14 through postnatal day 7 but was undetectable by postnatal day 28. At E14, 76% of the receptors were AT2, 24% were AT1, and both were found in the undifferentiated mesenchyme. By E17, AT1 comprised 40% of the receptors and localized to mature nephron segments, whereas AT2 remained within both condensed mesenchyme and differentiating epithelia. The dissociation constants for AT1 and AT2 were 0.45 +/- 0.09 nM and 0.73 +/- 0.15 nM, respectively, at E17, similar to adult values. By E20, AT1 and AT2 colocalized to the outer medullary stripe, deep nephrons, medullary rays, and blood vessels, while AT2 continued to predominate in the actively differentiating cortex. The presence of both subtypes of receptors capable of binding ANG II during early nephrogenesis and the time-dependent and structure-specific regulation of receptor localization confirm a regulated developmental program for receptor expression and suggest important roles for AT1 and AT2 in renal morphogenesis.

Expression of structure-specific recognition protein mRNA in fetal kidney and Fe-nitrilotriacetate-induced renal carcinoma in the rat.

Specific expression of the structure-specific recognition protein (SSRP) gene was investigated in rat fetal, adult, and tumor tissues using a 2.0-kb partial sequence of rat SSRP cDNA isolated from a cDNA library of rat renal cell carcinoma. The results revealed that it was rather specifically expressed in rat fetal kidney and renal cell carcinoma induced by Fenitrilotriacetate, but not in adult kidney, when various organs were tested by Northern blot analysis. In situ hybridization further demonstrated that it was located in the neoplastic cells of renal cell carcinoma and in the epithelial cells of fetal kidney but undetectable in any cells of normal adult kidney. These observations seem to imply the involvement of SSRP gene, which is believed to recognize structural alterations of DNA, in kidney development and carcinogenesis of certain types of kidney cancer.

Effects of maternal uninephrectomy on the development of the proximal tubule in fetal rat kidney: morphometrical study.

The kidneys of fetal rats from uninephrectomized mothers were investigated morphometrically on days 18, 20, and 22 of gestation. Maternal uninephrectomy was performed on day 5. On days 20 and 22, the proximal tubular cell height in fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers was significantly lower than that in fetuses from sham-operated mothers. The luminal diameter, length and total volume of the proximal tubule were significantly larger in fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers than in those from sham-operated mothers. The total glomerular volume of mature type in fetuses from uninephrectomized mothers was significantly larger than that in fetuses from sham-operated mothers. On day 18, maternal uninephrectomy caused no significant difference in any kind of parameters used for the proximal tubule, but induced an increase in the total glomerular volume of immature type. These results suggest that maternal uninephrectomy stimulates morphological development of the proximal tubule in the fetal kidney.

Functions of the renin-angiotensin system during development.

1. From studies in chronically catheterized fetal sheep and other species, it can be shown that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is active during intra-uterine life. Levels of angiotensin II (AII) in fetal sheep are similar to maternal. 2. The fetal RAS plays a role in maintenance of arterial pressure. The extent to which it does so depends on the level of activity of the system. 3. The distribution of renin within the fetal rat kidney is much more widespread than in the adult. The fetal kidney, like other vascular beds has high levels of the AT2 angiotensin receptor subtype. With maturation the proportion of the AT1 receptor subtype increases. 4. Blockade of the fetal RAS with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or with the non-peptide AII antagonist (losartan) caused a fall in fetal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a rise in renal blood flow (RBF). AII reverses the fall in GFR even though RBF decreases. 5. The fraction of the filtered sodium load reabsorbed by the proximal tubule was not affected when the fetal RAS was blocked by captopril or losartan. High doses of infused AII had no effect on renal reabsorption of sodium, in the short term, but in the long term depressed fractional proximal reabsorption. 6. Only in high doses does AII stimulate the secretion of aldosterone from the fetal adrenal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differentiation of kidney cortex peroxisomes in fetal and newborn rats

Peroxisomal enzyme assays as well as cytochemical detection of catalase were carried out on fetal and newborn rat kidney cortex throughout the last 3 days of prenatal life and the first month of postnatal development. Concerning the patterns of peroxisomal enzymes, catalase activity, hardly detectable in the fetus, shows the strongest increment after the second week of postnatal life; beta-oxidation system and D-amino acid oxidase increase soon after birth; urate oxidase activity, detected in fetal life, rapidly decreases after birth; dihydroxyacetone phosphate-acyltransferase activity doubles at birth, remaining constant thereafter. Since by cytochemistry no catalase particles were detected in fetal kidneys, morphometric parameters were studied only postnatally. The numerical density shows only minor variations, mainly at day 3; the mean diameter remains practically unchanged between birth and day 14 but strongly increases later. The volume density pattern correlates in the early phase with the numerical density and later with the profile mean diameter. The results suggest that enzymes are asynchronously incorporated into pre-existing peroxisomes; that this import is faster in smaller organelles than in the larger, adult ones; that catalase increases after the H2O2-producing oxidases; and that the abrupt rise of beta-oxidation capacity and DH-APAT is related to the increased renal work immediately after birth.