Genetic Low Nephron Number Hypertension is Associated with Altered Expression of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) During Nephrogenesis

Objective: Low nephron number may represent a major determinant of human primary hypertension in adult life. This hypothesis is supported by a genetic rat model, i.e., the Munich-Wistar Frömter (MWF) rat, which demonstrates an inherited deficit in nephron number and the development of spontaneous hypertension. The renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) plays a role in growth and differentiation processes during nephrogenesis. We demonstrate that the low nephron number already present during fetal development is associated with altered expression of genetic components of the RAS in MWF. Methods: We compared MWF and norma…