The role of angiotensin II in glomerular volume dynamics and podocyte calcium handling

Podocytes are becoming a primary focus of research efforts due to their association with progressive glomeruli damage in disease states. Loss of podocytes can occur as a result of excessive intracellular calcium influx, and we have previously shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) via canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels caused increased intracellular Ca²⁺ flux in podocytes. We showed here with patch-clamp electrophysiology that Ang II activates TRPC channels; then using confocal calcium imaging we demonstrated that Ang II–dependent stimulation of Ca²⁺ influx in the podocytes is precluded by blocking either AT₁ or AT₂ receptors (ATRs). Application of Ang(1–7) had no effect on intracellular calcium. Ang II-induced calcium flux was decreased upon inhibition of TRPC channels with SAR7334, SKF 96365, clemizole hydrochloride and La³⁺, but not ML204. Using a novel 3D whole-glomerulus imaging ex vivo assay, we revealed the involvement of both ATRs in controlling glomerular permeability; additionally, using specific inhibitors and activators of TRPC6, we showed that these channels are implicated in the regulation of glomerular volume dynamics. Therefore, we provide evidence demonstrating the critical role of Ang II/TRPC6 axis in the control of glomeruli function, which is likely important for the development of glomerular diseases.