Renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the regulation of water transport in the peritoneum.
The present study was carried out to investigate changes in the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the peritoneum. The effects of the renin-angiotensin system on the expression of AQPs with and without angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II type 1a receptor blocker (ARB) were then examined. We divided 20 male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats into four groups, dialyzed with these solutions: saline; 10% glucose (TZ); 10% glucose plus benazepril (ACEI: 4 mg/kg daily); and 10% glucose plus valsartan (ARB: 10 mg/kg daily). The ACEI and ARB were administered into the peritoneum for 7 days. Expression of AQP-1-AQP-4 mRNA was studied by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ultrafiltration volume (UFV) and peritoneal function were measured by peritoneal equilibration test (PET). In the TZ group, expression of AQP-1 and AQP-4 was enhanced in parallel with an increment in UFV. Expression of AQP-1 and AQP-4 was also observed in the mesothelium by immunofluorescence microscopy. On the other hand, in ACEI- and ARB-treated rats, expression of AQP-1 and AQP-4 was significantly suppressed, accompanied by loss of UFV. Our results suggest that the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the regulation of water transport in the peritoneum. Administration of ACEI or ARB in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis should be carried out with caution.