Diminished number of renin-containing cells in kidney biopsy samples from hypertensive women immediately postpartum: An immunomorphologic study

Abstract

Using a specific antirenin antiserum, we previously showed that in patients with various glomerular and vascular renal diseases, the number of renin-containing cells was increased when compared to normal kidney biopsy samples. We now extend our study to hypertensive pregnant women who have either preeclampsia or isolated high blood pressue (HBP) or previous renal disease. The study shows that, in comparison with nonpregnant normotensive women, all these patients have fewer renin-containing cells upon postpartum renal biopsy examination.