Effect of Renin on Adrenocortical Sensitivity to ACTH and Angiotensin II in Dogs

Abstract

In dogs injected for 5 days with dog renin, then hypophysectomized and nephrectomized, the increments in aldosterone output produced by ACTH and angiotensin II were found to be greater than in noninjected control dogs. This increase resembles that seen in dogs fed a low sodium diet, which also increases renin secretion. The increments in 17-hydroxycorticoid secretion produced by angiotensin II and ACTH were unchanged by the renin treatment There was no adrenocorttcal hypertrophy, sodium diuresis, or change in plasma sodium in the renintreated dogs, although plasma potassium fell significantly. The results support the hypothesis that the increase in the aldosterone-stimulating activity of ACTH and angiotensin II seen in dogs fed a low sodium diet is produced by the increase in circulating renin levels.