STUDIES CONCERNING THE SITE OF RENIN FORMATION IN THE KIDNEY

Abstract

1. Renin was found in both the mesonephric and metanephric kidneys of the smallest hog fetuses examined. These were from 17 to 24 mm. in length in the case of the former, and 25 to 49 mm. in that of the latter. 2. No evidence was found in either type of kidney of juxtaglomerular cells described by Goormaghtigh as the probable site of renin formation. 3. The renin content in both the mesonephros and the metanephros was found to be independent of its arteriologlomerular component but directly dependent upon the number, size, and functional state of the tubular component. It increased in amount with increasing tubular proliferation during the course of embryonic development, and decreased with the progressive tubular atrophy and degeneration incident thereto. 4. The site of renin formation is discussed.