BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF STEROIDS AS DETERMINED BY ASSAY OF RENIN-SUBSTRATE (HYPERTENSINOGEN)

Abstract

A test for the biol. activity of steroids based on the detn. of the renin-substrate content of rat plasma is presented. Of the better known compounds assayed, assigning DCA the value of 100, Compound A = 40, Compound E = 24, 21-acetoxy-pregnenolene = 4, A 5 pregnene 3 B -21-diol-20-one, diacetate = 1.6, Compound S = 1.5, Compound G = 0, and pregnenolene = 0. DCA and Compound E, which will raise the plasma renin-substrate level of adrenalectomized rats to normal or near normal values, do not elevate the renin-substrate of normal rats. ACTH increases the renin-substrate content of the plasma of normal and hypophysectomized rats. The renin substrate content of the plasma of untreated hypophysectomized rats is lower than normal.