Maternal insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 differentially affect the renin-angiotensin system during pregnancy in the guinea pig

The data obtained in the current study suggest the potential for alternate roles for the induction of the RAS after IGF treatment. IGF1 and 2 treatments increase the activation of prorenin to renin in the placenta, possibly due to increased protease activity. In addition, IGF2 treatment in early pregnancy may enhance the maternal adaptation to pregnancy through stimulation of renin in the kidney. The sustained effects on placental differentiation and function after IGF2 treatment suggest therapeutic potential for exogenous administration of IGFs in improving pregnancy outcomes.