Injury to the renal microvasculature may be a major factor contributing to the progression of
renal disease. Although severe disruption of peritubular capillaries (PTC) could lead to
marked tubulointerstitial scarring, elucidation of that process remains incomplete. This study
investigated the morphologic changes in PTC and their likely regulation by vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the progression of tubulointerstitial injuries.
Unilateral ureteral obstruction was induced in Wistar rats by ligation of the left ureter, and the …