Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Decreases Fibrosis and Fibroblast Expression in a Rat Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

Abstract

We observed the direct contribution of angiotensin II to both apoptotic and cellular transition processes (epithelial mesenchymal transition) and fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction. Because these processes are active not only in unilateral ureteral obstruction, but also in other renal diseases, the value of angiotensin II blockade as an important part of the antifibrotic armamentarium has been confirmed.