Relation of Renin and Angiotensin II to the Control of Aldosterone Secretion

Evidence is presented to show that the renin-angiotensin system leads to increased aldosterone secretion following acute blood loss, during experimental heart failure, during thoracic inferior vena cava constriction, during chronic sodium depletion and in malignant experimental renal hypertension. Since alterations in sodium intake constitute one of the most important factors in the daily regulation of aldosterone secretion, studies of sodium-depleted animals suggest that the renin-angiotensin system is important in the physiological regulation of aldosterone secretion. 2. Renin appears to be secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney. Some hemodynamic alteration secondary to a decrease in pressure and flow through the kidney leads to release of renin by the juxtaglomerular cells. Available data indicate that angiotensin II acts on the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex to promote aldosterone production.