Differential regulation of uterine and glomerular angiotensin II receptors in normal and hypertensive pregnancy in the rat.

1. In the non-pregnant state uterine and glomerular angiotensin II (AII) receptors have been shown to regulate in a similar fashion. This study sought to determine whether such parallel regulation occurred during pregnancy. We also investigated the role of plasma AII in these changes. 2. These studies were performed in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The SHR has increased receptor number, increased sensitivity to infused AII and decreased plasma volume compared to the WKY. These features are also seen in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). 3. Age matched female WKY and SHR were exposed to an appropriate breeder and sacrificed on day 14 of gestation. Plasma AII was measured by radio-immunoassay. Uterine and glomerular receptor binding was determined by saturation analysis using 125I(Sar1,Ileu8)AII. Data were analysed using the program LIGAND. 4. Uterine and glomerular AII receptors showed different patterns of regulation during pregnancy. The uterine AII receptor affinity decreased significantly in both strains at 14 days of gestation and receptor number also decreased significantly in WKY. In contrast, glomerular AII receptor affinity did not change significantly in either strain. Receptor numbers in the glomeruli increased significantly compared to their respective non-pregnant controls. 5. We conclude that the uterine and glomerular AII receptors do not regulate in a parallel fashion in pregnancy. Plasma AII concentration does not appear to be involved in the regulation of either uterine and glomerular receptor expression in pregnancy.