The Presence of Renin Activity in Blood Vessel Walls

The preparation, of an extract of hog blood vessels and organs containing renin activity has been described. The extract hydrolyzes natural or synthetic renin substrate to form a vasopressor material. This reaction could not be distinguished from the hydrolysis of renin substrates by kidney renin. The activation energy, effect of substrate concentration on velocity, inhibition by antirenin, and pH optimum of the extract and of kidney renin are the same. Renin activity is found in the adventitia and media of the aorta, the liver and, to a lesser extent, in other vascular organs.