We have identified
platelet-derived growth factor (
PDGF)-CC as a potent profibrotic mediator in kidney
fibrosis and pro-angiogenic mediator in glomeruli. Because renal
fibrosis is associated with progressive
capillary rarefaction, we asked whether
PDGF-CC neutralization in
fibrosis might have detrimental anti-angiogenic effects leading to aggravated peritubular capillary loss. We analyzed
capillary rarefaction in mice with and without
PDGF-CC neutralization (using genetically deficient mice and
neutralizing antibodies), in three different models of renal interstitial
fibrosis, unilateral
ureteral obstruction, unilateral
ischemia-reperfusion, Col4a3-deficient (Alport) mice, and healthy animals. Independent of the effect of
PDGF-CC neutralization on renal
fibrosis, we found no difference in
capillary rarefaction between
PDGF-CC-neutralized mice and mice with intact
PDGF-CC. We also found no differences in microvascular leakage (determined by extravasation of
Evans Blue Dye) and in renal relative blood volume quantified using in vivo microcomputed tomography.
PDGF-CC neutralization had no effects on renal microvasculature in healthy animals. Capillary endothelium did not express
PDGF receptor-α, suggesting that potential
PDGF-CC effects would have to be indirect.
PDGF-CC neutralization or deficiency was not associated with preservation or accelerated loss of peritubular capillaries, suggesting no significant pro-angiogenic effects of
PDGF-CC during renal
fibrosis. From a clinical perspective, the profibrotic effects of
PDGF-CC outweigh the pro-angiogenic effects and, thus, do not limit a potential
therapeutic use of
PDGF-CC inhibition in renal
fibrosis.