Regression of peritubular capillaries coincides with angiogenesis and renal cyst growth in experimental polycystic kidney disease

Kristal O'Brien, Sayanthooran Saravanabavan, Jennifer Q. J. Zhang, Annette T. Y. Wong, Alexandra Munt, Jane S. Burgess, Gopala K. Rangan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
37 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background/Aim: The natural history of the renal microvasculature changes in PKD is not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that angiogenesis is coupled with kidney cyst expansion, and the loss of peritubular capillary networks precedes the onset of interstitial fibrosis.
Methods: The renal microvasculature (RECA-1 and CD34) was evaluated in groups of Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rats and juvenile cystic kidney (jck) mice during the early, mid and late stage of disease. In addition, LPK rats and jck mice received sirolimus to determine if the reduction in renal cyst growth is in part mediated by the suppression of angiogenesis.
Results: In LPK rats, the loss of peritubular capillaries occurred in early-stage disease and paralleled cyst formation whereas in jck mice it was delayed to the mid stage. In both models, vasa recta were displaced by growing cysts and regressed in LPK rats with disease progression but lengthened in jck mice. Cortical and medullary capillary neoangiogenesis occurred during the early stage in both models and persisted with progression. Treatment with sirolimus reduced cyst enlargement but did not alter the progression of renal microvasculature changes in either model.
Conclusion: Regression of peritubular capillaries and disruption of vasa recta occur in parallel with angiogenesis and the progressive enlargement of kidney cysts. These data suggest that the regrowth of peritubular capillaries together with inhibition of angiogenesis are potential strategies to be considered in the treatment of PKD.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-64
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2020. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • juvenile cystic kidney
  • jck
  • Lewis polycystic kidney
  • LPK
  • peritubular capillary loss
  • renal vasculature

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