RILLKKMPSV Influences the vasculature, neurons and glia, and (Pro)renin receptor expression in the Retina

Abstract

The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is implicated in organ pathology. We examined the cellular location of the (P)RR and whether a putative (P)RR antagonist, RILLKKMPSV, corresponding to the handle region of the prorenin prosegment (handle region peptide [HRP]) influences angiogenesis, inflammation, and neuronal and glial function in rat retina. The (P)RR was localized to retinal vessels, endothelial cells, and pericytes, but most immunolabeling was in ganglion cells and glia. HRP (1 mg/kg per day by IP injection) reduced physiological angiogenesis in developing retina. Moreover, HRP (0.1 mg/kg per day by subcutaneous minipump) reduced pathological retinal angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascula..