Renin-like activity of the rat submaxillary gland: characterization and the effect of several drugs and stimuli.

1. Renin-like activity was found in rat submaxillary glands.2. This activity was destroyed by boiling, was non-dialyzable and showed an optimum at approximately 50 degrees C.3. Renin-like activity in the submaxillary gland was not diminished 24 h after nephrectomy but was considerably reduced after ligature of the submaxillary duct.4. Renin-like activity in the submaxillary gland was reduced following food-deprivation, water-deprivation or hypovolemia.5. Renin-like activity in the rat submaxillary gland was increased after isoproterenol administration but not following pilocarpine.6. Renin-like activity in the rat submaxillary gland was increased considerably by administration of NaCl or KCl, as well as following adrenalectomy.7. Chlorothiazide and ouabain increased submaxillary renin-like activity but diazoxide did not affect this activity.