The Role of β-Adrenergic Overstimulation in the Early Stages of Renal Injury

Background/Aims: To assess the possible contribution of the β-adrenergic overstimulation in early stages of renal injury, the present study evaluated, in rats, the effects of the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) on renal function and morphology, as well as the renal mRNA and protein expression of the NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (Nox 4) and subunit p22^phox, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, pro-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components. Methods: Wistar rats received ISO (0.3 mg.kg^-1.day^-1 s.c.) or vehicle (control) for eight days. At the end of the treatment, food and water intake, urine output and body weight gain were evaluated and renal function studies were performed. Renal tissue was used for the morphological, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical studies. Results: ISO did not change metabolic parameters or urine output. However it induced a decrease in renal blood flow and an increase in the filtration fraction. These changes were accompanied by increased cortical mRNA and protein expression for the renal oxidative stress components including Nox 4 and p22^phox; ER stress, pro-inflamatory, pro-apoptotic as well as RAS components. ISO also induced a significant increase in medullar renin protein expression. Conclusion: These findings support relevant information regarding the contribution of specific β-adrenergic hyperactivity in early stage of renal injury, indicating the reactive oxygen species, ER stress and intrarenal RAS as important factors in this process.