Hormonal regulation of renal function during development.

The present review summarizes current and new knowledge concerning the major hormonal systems that directly or indirectly affect renal function during development. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in regulating renal function during fetal and postnatal life is reviewed. A summary of the role of this system during fetal and postnatal stresses is also provided. The physiological role of the renal kallikrein-kinin system in the control of renal blood flow, renin release and sodium excretion during development is examined. Possible influences of the prostaglandin system on regulation of renal function and renin secretion during fetal and postnatal maturation are explored. The effect of vasopressin on the ability of the fetal and postnatal kidney to concentrate urine and regulate body fluid homeostasis is reviewed in detail. The physiologic action of vasotocin on renal sodium and water homeostasis is described. New information regarding the role of the sympathetic system in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and in the control of renal function during development is presented. Finally, recent studies demonstrating the effect of atrial natriuretic factor and corticosteroids on the developing kidney are discussed.