Carey R M, Levens N R, Peach M J
Prog Biochem Pharmacol. 1980;17:6-13.
In the kidney, renin is synthesized and stored by specialized cells in the afferent arteriole, the juxtaglomerular cells, which are derived from smooth muscle cells. The juxtaglomerular cells are more highly differentiated than ordinary smooth muscle cells and contain numerous-bound granules, the sites where renin is stored and presumably synthesized. Specialized granular epithelial cells situated in the angle between the afferent and efferent arterioles and the distal tubule comprise the macula densa. Collectively, the granular cells of the macula densa and in the wall of the afferent arteriole are termed the juxtaglomerular apparatus [1]. It has been shown repeatedly that all components of the renin-angiotensin system are present within the kidney in close association with the component structures of the juxtaglomerular apparatus [2-4]. Thus, it has been proposed that angiotensin may be formed intrarenally, and that angiotensin exerts a controlling influence on renal function through the unique anatomical structure of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, independent of changes in the systemic renin-angiotensin system. In this article, we will assess the evidence for a functional role of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system acting as a local hormonal system in the control of renal function.
在肾脏中，肾素由入球小动脉中的特化细胞（即球旁细胞）合成并储存，球旁细胞起源于平滑肌细胞。球旁细胞比普通平滑肌细胞分化程度更高，含有大量结合颗粒，这些颗粒是肾素储存以及可能合成的部位。位于入球小动脉和出球小动脉夹角处以及远曲小管的特化颗粒上皮细胞构成致密斑。致密斑的颗粒细胞与入球小动脉壁上的颗粒细胞统称为球旁器[1]。反复的研究表明，肾素-血管紧张素系统的所有组分都存在于肾脏内，且与球旁器的组成结构紧密相关[2-4]。因此，有人提出血管紧张素可能在肾脏内形成，并且血管紧张素通过球旁器独特的解剖结构对肾功能发挥控制作用，这一作用独立于全身肾素-血管紧张素系统的变化。在本文中，我们将评估肾内肾素-血管紧张素系统作为局部激素系统在控制肾功能中发挥功能作用的证据。
