Renal Metabolism in Mice of Exogenously Administered 125I Labelled Renin

Abstract

125I labelled mouse submaxillary renin was administered intravenously to anaesthetized male Institute of Cancer Research, USA (ICR) mice in an attempt to determine the organ-related degradation of circulating renin. A specific antirenin antiserum was used for identification. The disappearance rate of labelled renin from plasma was estimated on the basis of a two-compartmental model. The mean half-time of clearance of labelled renin from plasma in intact control and 70% hepatectomized mice was 13.3 +/- 0.8 and 12.0 +/- 0.9 min respectively; these values were not significantly different. The mean half-time of clearance of labelled renin from plasma in nephrectomized mice was 40.0 +/- 2.4 min; this was significantly longer than intact controls and 70% hepatectomized mice. Fifty per cent of the administered renin accumulated in the kidney and 9% in the liver. A small amount of 125I labelled renin was identified in urine, and a large amount of 125I liberated from labelled renin was detected. Since the high performance liquid chromatography profiles showed that plasma renin rapidly moves into the kidney, clearance of circulating renin may take place mainly in this organ.