Reflex suppression of renin release by ventricular receptors with vagal afferents

Intracoronary injection of veratrum alkaloids is known to stimulate ventricular receptors with vagal afferents resulting in bradycardia and hypotension. This study examined the role of veratrum-sensitive ventricular receptors in the control of renin secretion in eight chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Hemorrhage of 10% caused renin release to increase significantly from a control of 778 to 1,971 ng/min. Arterial pressure and renal blood flow did not change significantly. The augmented release of renin during volume depletion was virtually abolished by injection of cryptenamine (2 microgram/kg) into the main left coronary artery, falling from 1,971 to 269 ng/min by 4 min after the cryptenamine injection. Blood pressure decreased significantly from 130 mmHg before to 111 mmHg after injection. Renal blood flow did not change significantly. This reflex suppression of renin release by excitation of ventricular receptors was abolished by vagotomy. These data indicate that ventricular receptors with vagal afferents participate in the reflex control of renin release.