Genetic low nephron number hypertension is associated with altered expression of key components of the renin-angiotensin system during nephrogenesis.

Aim: This study investigates key components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) which play a central role in nephrogenesis and possibly in fetal programming of arterial hypertension in adult life.

Methods: We compared a genetic rat model with inborn nephron deficit, the Munich Wistar Fromter rat (MWF), to normotensive Wistar rats during nephrogenesis at day 19 of fetal development (E19) and at postnatal day 7 (D7).

Results: At E19 renal mRNA of angiotensin II type 1a (AT1a) (-50%, P<0.