Method and compositions for maintaining glomerular filtration rate while inhibiting extracellular matrix accumulation

Abstract

This invention provides a method of and compositions for increasing or maintaining glomerular filtration rate while preserving renal structure in a patient comprising administering an angiotensin II type 1 vascular receptor antagonist to the patient, independent of its effects on systemic blood pressure. The invention provides that, by administering the AII type 1 receptor antagonist, blood flow to the kidney can be improved without sacrificing intraglomerular pressure and therefore glomerular filtration and that even with this enhanced glomerular pressure and filtration, renal structure is preserved. Also provided is a method of screening AII type 1 receptor antagonists for the ability to maintain or increase glomerular filtration rate while decreasing mesangial matrix accumulation comprising the steps of administering the antagonist in an animal model characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased mesangial matrix accumulation and selecting the compounds that increase glomerular filtration rate while decreasing mesangial matrix accumulation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.