In vivo transfection of genes for renin and angiotensinogen into the glomerular cells induced phenotypic change of the mesangial cells and glomerular sclerosis.

Locally activated renin angiotensin system plays an important role in the progression of the glomerular diseases. In order to understand the local effect of overexpressed angiotensin II in the glomerulus in situ, we introduced human genes for renin and angiotensinogen into the rat kidney by hemagglutinating virus of Japan-liposome procedure. Three days after transfection human renin was detected in the glomeruli by immunohistochemistry. Seven days after transfection, extracellular matrix was expanded in the glomeruli and alpha-smooth muscle actin was expressed in the mesangial cells. These results suggest that locally activated renin angiotensin system induces glomerular sclerosis and a phenotypic change in mesangial cells.