Contribution of angiotensin (1-7) (Ang1-7) to control of extrarenal and renal function may be modified in diabetes. We investigated effects of Ang1-7 supplementation on blood pressure, renal circulation and intrarenal reactivity (IVR) to vasoactive agents in normoglycaemic (NG) and streptozotocin-diabetic rats (DM).

In Sprague Dawley DM and NG rats, three weeks after streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.) or solvent injection, Ang1-7 was administered (400 ng/min) over the next two weeks using subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. During five weeks blood pressure (BP), 24 hours’ water intake and diuresis were determined weekly. In anaesthetized rats, BP, renal total and cortical (CBF), outer-(OMBF) and inner medullary (IMBF) perfusion and urine excretion were determined. To check IVR, a short-time infusion of acetylcholine or norepinephrine was randomly given to the renal artery.

Unexpectedly, BP did not differ between NG and DM, and this was not modified by Ang-1-7 supplementation. Baseline IMBF was higher in NG vs DM, and Ang1-7 treatment did not change it in NG but decreased it in DM. In the latter, Ang1-7 increased cortical IVR to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. IMBF decrease after high acetylcholine dose seen in untreated NG was reverted to an increase in Ang1-7 treated rats.

Irrespective of the glycaemia level, Ang1-7 did not modify BP. However, it impaired medullary circulation in DM, whereas in NG it rendered the medullary vasculature more sensitive to vasodilators. Possibly, the medullary hypoperfusion in DM was mediated by Ang1-7 activation of angiotensin AT-1 receptors which are upregulated by hyperglycaemia.