Resemblance in Physiological Systems during Phylogeny and Ontogeny
Authors: Nishimura Hiroko , Kawachi Hiroshi , Gomez R. A. , Sequeira Maria Luisa S. 
Published: May 2022

Although it is not certain whether some characteristics of the mammalian fetus/embryo may repeat the adult stage of ancestral vertebrates, comparison of these two time‐dependent processes should provide new insight into the molecular and functional evolution and its significance. Here we discuss two important biological models: 1) Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) and 2) Urine concentration mechanism.

Renin is a hormone and substrate‐dependent enzyme secreted mostly by the juxtaglomerular (JG) cells of the afferent arteriole located at the vascular pole of the glomerulus. Renin acts on renin substrates and forms angiotensin (Ang) I which is subsequently converted to Ang II by Ang converting enzyme (ACE). Renin containing cells evolved early both in phylogeny and ontogeny, whereas, the macula densa (tubule component), and extracellular mesangium appeared at later stages.

Renin containing cells are distributed more widely intrarenally and/or extrarenally in early stages during phylogeny and ontogeny. Granulated cells and renin expression become progressively restricted to JG areas with phylogenic and ontogenic advancement. Kidney renin activities tend to be higher in primitive fishes than in more advanced, while the relative level of extrarenal renin expression to that of the kidney is higher in embryos than in more mature chicken and mice. Extra renal renin is noted in primitive vertebrates. Also, in both the mammalian fetus and nonmammalian vertebrates, the vasopressor and vascular action of Ang II evolved early. A single application of ACE inhibitors decreases the basal level of blood pressure and increase plasma renin activity in conscious adult teleost fish. Ang II stimulates, whereas ACE inhibitors inhibit, arteriolar branching in zebrafish. Likewise, the RAS is important during early ontogeny of mammals in vascular growth and development.

Distal tubules of freshwater trout show secondary active NaCl cotransport mechanism without accompaniment of water and act as the so‐called “diluting segment.” Teleost fish cannot concentrate urine because they lack structural and functional countercurrent mechanisms. Only birds and mammals can form urine clearly hyperosmotic to plasma and conserve body water. The structure and function of adult quail kidneys have similarities to those of developing rodents. Both have a loop of Henle, consisting of descending limb and thick ascending limb, but they lack the thin ascending limb. Countercurrent urine concentration of adult quail and developing rodents heavily depends on NaCl recycling without participation of urea transport. Moreover, in both adult quail and developing rodent kidneys, aquaporin 2 gene expression and protein are present in the apical membrane of the collecting tubules, but the water conservation effect of neurohypophysial hormones is smaller than that of adult rodent kidneys. Hence, comparing these two time‐dependent processes may provide new insights into the interpretation of existing findings and provide perspective for future investigations.