Rabbit uterus as a possible site of renin synthesis

Abstract

[longdash]The presence of large quantities of reninlike material in the rabbit uterus raises the question of the source of this material. In the present studies it was found that the administration of Doca and salt to pregnant rabbits had no effect on uterine "renin" whereas plasma and renal renin were markedly reduced. Nephrectomy for as long as 72 hr. did not diminish uterine renin. Though renin derived from the kidney appears to be the source of plasma renin activity in the pregnant rabbit, uterine renin can contribute to the plasma renin activity when the kidneys are removed. The findings of this study suggest the uterus as a site of renin synthesis.