Renin immunohistochemistry in the adrenal gland of the mouse fetus and neonate

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Abstract
The development of renin-containing cells in fetal and neonatal adrenal glands of the mouse was studied using immunohistochemistry. On days 13–14 of gestation, immunoreactivity for renin was first observed in a few cortical cells of the gland, appearing as small patchy or granular reaction products in the perikaryon. The mitotic configurations of the cells demonstrating immunoreactivity were noted. On day 16 of gestation, a number of intensively immunoreactive cells were distributed in the aortal side of the cortical zone. On day 18 of gestation, and day 1 postparturition, a small number of potent immunoreactive cells were still found in the cortical area. Immunoreactivity of the cytoplasm was observed in the cells, some showing an intensive reaction and other possessing numerous tiny granules just below the cell membrane. On days 3, 5, and 7 after birth, no renincontaining cells were found in the adrenal gland. The ratio of the numbers of renin-positive cells in certain areas to the numbers in the entire cortical area was significantly increased on day 16 of gestation, but there was no sexual difference in the ratios. The ratios were decreased subsequently until day 1 after birth. The possible significance of renin synthesis in specific adrenal cells in fetal life is discussed with respect to an important involvement of angiotensin II in the morphogenesis of the adrenal gland of the mouse.