Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition attenuates renal platelet-derived growth factor gene expression and cell proliferation in subtotal nephrectomy

Abstract

Cell proliferation, matrix accumulation and cell infiltration are characteristic features of progressive glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a cytokine which has proliferative, prosclerotic and chemokine properties, has been shown to be upregulated in the rat remnant kidney model. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has a beneficial effect on renal function and morphology, but the effect of ACE inhibition on PDGF gene expression and PDGF-mediated cellular proliferation in subtotal nephrectomy has not been studied in detail. Twelve rats were subtotally nephrectomized (STNx) and rece..