Control of renin secretion in vivo and in vitro in rats: arguments in favour of a precursor form of renin and of a role of a microtubular system.

1. The morphology of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, plasma renin activity, plasma renin substrate and renal renin have been studied in rats after maximal stimulation by bilateral adrenalectomy and salt depletion, and also after blocking this stimulation by deoxycorticosterone and salt load. 2. After stimulation the juxtaglomerular apparatus showed a well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum and a low secretory granule content. Plasma renin activity was markedly elevated and plasma renin substrate was low. After blockade numerous specific granules with crystalline structures were seen and the granular endoplasmic reticulum was less developed. Plasma renin activity was now low and plasma renin substrate elevated. 3. After prior acidification of the kidney extract a significant increase of renal renin was observed in both conditions but was greater in the second group at the time when large numbers of young granules containing crystalline material were seen. 4. Kidney slices from the adrenalectomized salt-depleted rats released more renin than control slices. Vincristine did not affect this release, but inhibited release from slices stimulated by isoprenaline.