Angiotensin II down-regulates the SR-BI HDL receptor in proximal tubular cells

The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism of lipoproteins, but renal cells are also a target of lipids under pathophysiological conditions contributing to organ damage and progression of disease. The majority of studies has focused on the interaction of renal cells with low-density lipoproteins. Relatively little is known of potential metabolism of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) on renal cells However, diverse pathophysiological situations, such as the nephrotic syndrome and acute renal injury, may be associated with an activated renin-angiotensin system as well as altered renal handling of HDL. Therefore, the present study sought to gain insight into the expression of the HDL receptor scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in cultured renal cells and a potential regulation by angiotensin II (ANG II).