THE RENIN—ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM IN A MARSUPIAL (TRICHOSURUS VULPECULA)

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Using an enzyme kinetic technique, a substance with the properties of renin was assayed in extracts of kidney and peripheral blood from the Australian marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula. The renin concentration in peripheral venous plasma varied from 10 to 855 units/ml. and plasma renin activity from 1·0 to 3·6 ng. angiotensin/ml./hr. High plasma renin concentration and plasma renin activity was associated with an appetite for salt and were significantly reduced by ingestion of 0·9% NaCl solution. Animals with low renin levels did not have a salt appetite. Sodium deficiency caused by mercurial and non-mercurial diuretics increased plasma renin concentration and plasma renin activity, and induced an appetite for salt. Plasma renin concentration and plasma renin activity also increased after haemorrhage. Granulation of juxtaglomerular cells, demonstrated with Bowie's stain, increased considerably during sodium deficiency. It is concluded that T. vulpecula has the eutherian type of renin—angiotensin system.

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