Mitochondrial a-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase Activity of Juxtaglomerular Cells in Experimental Hypertension and Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract

Using a histochemical method, non-coenzyme linked a-glycero-phosphate dehydrogenase activity has been demonstrated in juxta-glomerular cells of rat kidney. The activity increased in the same direction as renin content both in ischemic kidneys from renal hypertensive rats and in kidneys from adrenal insufficient animals. Decrease in activity of juxtaglomerular cells was noted both in untouched kidneys from animals bearing a unilateral Goldblatt clamp and in kidneys of rats overdosed with desoxycorticosterone acetate and NaCl. In accordance with in vitro experiments, it was found that, in tissue sections, a quinone (2-methyl-l,4-naphthoquinone, menadione) was required for an optimal electron transfer from substrate to tetrazolium (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) acting as the final H-acceptor.