Tissue iso-renins

1. Several extrarenal tissues contain enzymes which are similar to kidney renin: They hydrolyse angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I; they have characteristic substrate specificity; the physicochemical properties of kidney renin and of extrarenal tissue iso-renin are similar. 2. Results indicate that tissue iso-renins are part of a complex enzyme system with mainly local function. A possible biological role has been demonstrated in brain, adrenal gland and tissue culture.</jats:p

Does the Renin—Angiotensin System Contribute to the Vascular Lesions in Renal Hypertensive Rats?

1. Renal hypertensive rats with a normal or suppressed activity of the renin—angiotensin system develop vascular lesions which are similar to those observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats on high sodium diet. 2. Exposure of a vascular bed to high blood pressure results in a rapid damage of the vascular wall, irrespective of the state of the renin—angiotensin system.</jats:p