THE INFLUENCE OF VASOACTIVE FACTORS ON RENAL-CELL GROWTH

The hypertrophy and proliferation of renal cells underlies the progres sive interstitial fibrosis which occurs in experimental and clinical r enal failure, The effects of vasoactive factors on the growth of renal cells is reviewed. Evidence from in vitro studies indicates that vaso active factors are capable of influencing the growth of renal cells an d these studies have permitted detailed analyses of the mechanisms res ponsible. More recently, evidence of complex interactions between fact ors has emerged but, in general, the constrictors promote growth and t he dilators suppress it. Although probably unable to initiate growth t hemselves in vivo, experiments using a variety of inhibitors and recep tor blockers suggest that these vasoactive factors potently enhance th e effects of other growth factors, Manipulation of vasoactive factors may be a useful strategy to limit renal injury and disease progression .