title: Transforming growth factor beta1 and aldosterone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  It is well established that blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is effective for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal complications in hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Although the induction of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) by components of the RAAS mediates the hypertrophic and fibrogenic changes in cardiovascular-renal complications, it is still controversial as to whether TGFbeta1 can be a target to prevent such complications. Here, we review recent findings on the role of TGFbeta1 in fluid homeostasis, focusing on the relationship with aldosterone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TGFbeta1 suppresses the adrenal production of aldosterone and renal tubular sodium reabsorption. We have generated mice with TGFbeta1 mRNA expression graded in five steps, from 10 to 300% of normal, and found that blood pressure and plasma volume are negatively regulated by TGFbeta1. Notably, the 10% hypomorph exhibits primary aldosteronism and sodium and water retention due to markedly impaired urinary excretion of water and electrolytes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results identify TGFbeta signalling as an important counterregulatory system against aldosterone. Understanding the molecular mechanisms for the suppressive effects of TGFbeta1 on adrenocortical and renal function may further our understanding of primary aldosteronism, as well as assist in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Kota
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsuki
authors.forename: Catherine K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Hathaway
authors.forename: Albert S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Smithies
authors.forename: Masao
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kakoki
mesh_terms: D000450:Aldosterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000378:metabolism*; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D000450:Aldosterone; D012964:Sodium