INTERSTITIAL INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS IN OBSTRUCTIVE NEPHROPATHY - THE ROLE OF ACE-INHIBITORS AND NITRIC-OXIDE

In this work we review the fundamental mechanisms leading to the estab lish ment of obstructive nephropathy from the cell biology perspective . In particular, the implication of macrophages and infiltrating leuko cytes in post-obstructive tubulo-interstitial changes are analyzed. Al so, the involvement of specific cytokines such as TGF-beta and TNF-alp ha, as well as metalloproteinases and the transcription factor NF-kB i s detailed. Finally, we comment upon the effect of pharmacological int ervention with ACE inhibitors on the development of obstructive nephro pathy.