Renin activity during supine exercise in normotensives and hypertensives

Abstract

Renin activity and renin substrate were studied at rest and during exhaustive supine exercise in 12 normotensives and 17 patients with mild-to-moderate systemic hypertension. Of 12 normotensives, 11 showed an increase in renin activity with exercise and 4 showed a further elevation 20 min. after exercise. Though some hypertensives showed an increase, the majority of these showed no activity or a decrease with exercise. Renin activity showed greater suppression in Negro compared to white hypertensives, possibly related to genetic and dietary factors. Renin substrate was significantly higher in hypertensives. These data indicate that renin release plays a role in the normal homeostatic mechanism geared to physical activity and position.