Abstract

The intrarenal gradient of renin activity was determined in rats by using superficial (S) and deep (D) cortical juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA's), identified and microdissected after silicone-rubber compound injection. Angiotensin generated from single JGA's using partially purified sheep renin substrate was quantified by rat bioassay. When, in rats on a normal NaCl diet, silicone-rubber was injected into a carotid artery, alone or with abdominal aorta catheterization, S:D renin activity ratios were 1.18±0.08 (SEM) and 1.21±0.12, respectively. The S:D renin activity ratios obtained when silicone-rubber was injected into the abdominal aorta (2.52±0.09) or a chronic carotid artery catheter (3.44±0.40) were significantly higher (P < 0.001). The lower S:D renin activity ratios after carotid artery manipulation were due to significantly higher D-JGA renin activities. This increased D-JGA renin activity and the lack of a renin gradient appear to be related to acute carotid artery manipulation.

Authors

Walter Flamenbaum, Robert J. Hamburger

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