Ren1d and Ren2 cooperate to preserve homeostasis: evidence from mice expressing GFP in place of Ren1d

Abstract

To distinguish the contributions of Ren1d and Ren2 to kidney development and blood pressure homeostasis, we placed green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the Ren1d renin locus by homologous recombination in mice. Homozygous Ren1d-GFP animals make GFP mRNA in place of Ren1d mRNA in the kidney and maintain Ren2 synthesis in the juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. GFP expression provides an accurate marker of Ren1d expression during development. Kidneys from homozygous animals are histologically normal, although with fewer secretory granules in the JG cells. Blood pressure and circulating renin are reduced in Ren1d-GFP homozygotes. Acute administration of losartan decreases blood pressure further, suggesting a role for Ren2 protein in blood pressure homeostasis. These studies demonstrate that, in the absence of Ren1d, Ren2 preserves normal kidney development and prevents severe hypotension. Chronic losartan treatment results in compensation via recruitment of both Ren1d- and Ren2-expressing cells along the preglomerular vessels. This response is achieved by metaplastic transformation of arteriolar smooth muscle cells, a major mechanism to control renin bioavailability and blood pressure homeostasis.