Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that maternal protein deprivation during gestation results in changes in expression of the systemic renin-angiotensin system in fetal mice. Fetal weight was decreased significantly as a consequence of 50% maternal protein deprivation during second half of gestation. In fetal liver, angiotensinogen protein expression was reduced significantly despite a significant increase in messenger RNA (mRNA). In fetal kidneys, both mRNA and protein levels of renin were increased significantly. In the lungs, we observed a decrease in both angiotensin-converting enzyme I and II mRNA expression, whereas protein expression of both isoforms was increased significantly. The fetal heart showed significant increases in expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT-1) and type 2 (AT-2) receptors mRNA. Protein expression of AT-1 receptors increased, while that of AT-2 receptors decreased. We conclude that maternal low-protein diet during gestation leads to significant changes in expression of the systemic renin-angiotensin system in fetal mice and may be important in the genesis of hypertension in the adult.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 894-904 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Reproductive Sciences |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Hypertension
- development
- fetal growth
- gene expression
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology