Interaction of renal cortical cyclooxygenase-2 and angiotensin II in postnatal nephrogenesis.

Both renal cortical cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are involved in postnatal nephrogenesis and maturation. Crosstalk between renal cortical COX-2 and Ang II exists in the adult kidney. However, the potential role of the interaction between renal cortical COX-2 and Ang II in postnatal nephrogenesis and maturation has not been previously investigated. A study by Frölich et al. now strongly indicates that cortical COX-2 promotes postnatal nephrogenesis and maturation through activation of Ang II-angiotensin type 1 receptor signaling.