Renin activity in canine acute hepatic necrosis and chronic toxic hepatitis.

Abstract

Hepatic metabolism of renin activity in dogs was investigated in seven normal animals, twelve with acute hepatic allograft rejection, and five with chronic toxic hepatitis. Renin activity (P.R.A.) was measured by radioimmunoassay in hepatic arterial, portal venous, and hepatic venous plasma. In normal dogs the P.R.A. gradient through the hepatic circulation was significant (P < 0.03). Such a gradient was not observed in decompensated acute allograft rejection, and there was also a significant increase of P.R.A. in the inflow and outflow tracts. Fractional hepatic renin extraction (normal, 36.7%) decreased significantly (P < 0.04) to −2.9%. The data in dogs with compensated chronic toxic hepatitis did not differ from normal. A significant difference between portal venous P.R.A. (8.69 ± 1.51 ng/ml/h) and hepatic artery P.R.A. (5.67 ± 1.91) was found. This difference suggests a splanchnic source of renin, confirming previous reports from this and other laboratories.