Perindopril attenuates tubular hypoxia and inflammation in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy in transgenic Ren-2 rats

Abstract

Background: Renal hypoxia plays a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy, and may be mediated by overactivity of the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS). In this study the localization of cellular hypoxia in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy was assessed, and the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril on hypoxia evaluated. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats heterozygous for the Ren-2 gene were randomized to three groups (n = 8 per group) - controls, diabetes or diabetes + perindopril. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin at 6 weeks of age. Perindopril was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg daily from 6 weeks. Subjects we..