Effect of aldosterone on renal transforming growth factor-β

• Published in: American journal of physiology. Renal physiology 2004-06, Vol.55 (6), p.F1059-F1062
• Main Authors: JUKNEVICIUS, Irmantas, SEGAL, Yoav, KREN, Stefan, LEE, Rutha, HOSTETTER, Thomas H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Effects; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hormones; Kidney diseases; Kidneys; Steroids; Vertebrates: urinary system
• ISSN: 1931-857X; 1522-1466

Aldosterone participates in the pathophysiology of several models of progressive chronic renal disease. Because of the causal connection between transforming growth factor-{beta}1 (TGF-{beta}) and scarring in many such models, we hypothesized that aldosterone could evoke TGF-{beta} in the kidney. Aldosterone infusion for 3 days in otherwise normal rats caused a more than twofold increase in TGF-{beta} excretion without changes in systolic pressure or evidence of kidney damage. Concurrent treatment with amiloride did not alter this effect, indicating that aldosterone's stimulation of TGF-{beta} was independent of its regulation of sodium or potassium transport. However, concurrent treatment with spironolactone did block the increase in TGF-{beta}, indicating that the effect depends on the mineralocorticoid receptor. Renal mRNA for serum glucocorticoid kinase rose, but no change in TGF-{beta} message occurred, suggesting posttranscriptional enhancement of renal TGF-{beta}. In summary, aldosterone provokes renal TGF-{beta}, and this action may contribute to aldosterone's fibrotic propensity. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]