Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and glomerular endothelial cell loss in the remnant kidney model

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is constitutively expressed in the glomerulus where it may have a role in the maintenance of capillary endothelial cell integrity. The present study sought to examine changes in VEGF expression in a model of progressive renal disease and to assess the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Methods. Subtotal nephrectomized (STNx) rats were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (n=10) or the ACE inhibitor perindopril (8 mg/l drinking water) for 12 weeks duration (n=10). Sham‐operated rats were used as controls (n=10). Glomerular capillary endothelial cell density was evaluated by immunostaining for the pan‐endothelial cell marker RECA‐1 and VEGF expression was assessed by quantitative in situ hybridization. Results. In STNx rats glomerular capillary endothelial cell density was reduced to 19% that of sham rats (P