[The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome].

The state of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was studied in 102 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis with the nephrotic syndrome (NS) with relation to a phase of the edematous syndrome and sodium balance. Heterogeneity of patients with NS was shown with regard to RAS activity and the circulating blood volume in the whole group as well as in accumulation and stabilization phases of the edematous syndrome. A plasma renin activity value did not correlate with a degree of sodium retention permitting a review of the earlier concept of the role of RAS in sodium retention genesis during NS formation. In the phase of increment of the edematous syndrome there was definite relationship between a degree of sodium retention and glomerular filtration rate, its decrease in the initial period of NS formation being regarded as a possible factor of sodium retention.