Effects of Changes in Sodium Balance and of Experimental Renal Hypertension on Plasma Ang iotensin I Converting Enzyme Activity of Rabbits

Abstract

Plasma angiotension I converting enzyme activity (PCEA), plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma renin substrate (PRS) were measured in rabbits with experimental renal hypertension and under various sodium intakes. Hypertension was produced by constriction of one renal artery, with or without contralateral nephrectomy. PCEA remained unchanged up to 6 to 7 weeks after clipping. High PRA and hematocrit were observed in rabbits with a clipped renal artery and an intact contralateral kidney, but not in those with a clipped renal artery and contralateral kidney removed. PCEA was independent of the sodium intake or depletion. From these results, it seems that there is no significant role of PCEA in the pathogenesis of experimental renal hypertension in rabbits, and PCEA does not appear to be affected by the same stimuli which are known for the control of PRA.