Transient receptor potential channel subfamily C, member 6 (
TRPC6), a non-selective
cation channel that controls influx of Ca2+ and other
monovalent cations into cells, is widely expressed in the kidney.
TRPC6 gene variations have been linked to
chronic kidney disease but its role in
acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. Here we aimed to investigate the putative role of
TRPC6 channels in AKI. We used
Trpc6-/- mice and pharmacological blockade (
SH045 and BI-749327), to evaluate short-term AKI outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that neither
Trpc6 deficiency nor pharmacological inhibition of
TRPC6 influences the short-term outcomes of AKI.
Serum markers, renal expression of epithelial damage markers, tubular injury, and renal inflammatory response assessed by the histological analysis were similar in wild-type mice compared to
Trpc6-/- mice as well as in vehicle-treated versus SH045- or BI-749327-treated mice. In addition, we also found no effect of
TRPC6 modulation on renal arterial myogenic tone by using blockers to perfuse isolated kidneys. Therefore, we conclude that
TRPC6 does not play a role in the acute phase of AKI. Our results may have clinical implications for safety and health of humans with
TRPC6 gene variations, with respect to mutated
TRPC6 channels in the response of the kidney to acute ischemic stimuli.