Neural Stimulation of Release of Renin

Increased vasomotor discharge induced by bleeding caused renal release of renin in anesthetized dogs whether or not there was measurable change in either arterial pressure or total renal blood flow. Release of renin was prevented by ganglion blockade or local anesthesia of the renal nerves. Hemorrhage-induced release of renin occurred more consistently in dogs fed a low-sodium diet than in those fed a standard kennel diet. Stimulation of sympathetic vasomotor discharge by occlusion of the common carotid arteries, while renal perfusion pressure was kept constant, also caused release of renin, as did infusions of norepinephrine, tyramine, or DMPP. Isoproterenol, angiotensin, vasopressin, serotonin, or acetylcholine infused into the renal artery did not cause release of renin. It is concluded that neural stimuli are capable of causing release of renin in the absence of gross change in renal perfusion pressure or flow.