Regulatory peptides and their antagonists in nephropathies

Many peptides influence renal function and structure in physiological and p athophysiological situations, Bioactive peptides that regulate renal functi on and structure encompass various substances including vasopeptides, growt h factors, cytokines and peptide hormones, We highlight some novel concepts indicating that the vasoactive peptides angiotensin II and endothelin-1 pl ay a major role in the progression of renal disease. These effects may be a mplified by reduced concentration of counteracting natriuretic peptides. in addition, recent evidence suggests that peptides such as leptin, previousl y not considered to exert any renal effects, may be involved in renal patho physiology under certain conditions. One of the most imperative tasks in ne phrology is to develop innovative strategies to slow the progression of chr onic renal disease. interference with the renal action of bioactive peptide s will certainly be part of this strategy. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 9:23 3-239. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.