Abstract
Large molecular weight (M.W.) renin (prorenin) has been isolated from human and animal blood, kidneys, brain, and amniotic fluid. The purpose of this study is to define the biological effects of prorenin. Prorenin (M.W. 56,000) was purified from human cord or newborn blood by four chromatographic methods: 1) ammonium sulfate fractionation 2) gel filtration 3) ion exchange chromatography and 4) affinity chromatography. In vitro trypsin activation of prorenin producing PRA did not decrease the M.W. to renin (44,000). One ug of prorenin was infused as an I.V. bolus in 6 newborn puppies 1-2 wks. old. Mean aortic blood pressure (B.P.) was monitored continuously. Blood samples for PRA, plasma aldosterone (pA), Na, and creatinine were measured at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min post-infusion; 30 min urine collections were measured for creatinine, Na, and K. PRA increased from a baseline of 23.7 ± 3.8 ng/ml/hr to 36.9 ± 4.3 (M and SEM), p<.05, at 15 min and remained high; pA levels increased from 48.0 ± 7.3 ng/dl to 67.8 ± 14.6 and 73.9 ± 14.2 (M and SEM) at 90 and 120 min, but it was not statistically significant. B.P. decreased initially 8-12 mmHg for 3-6 min and then increased 8-16 mmHg between 30 and 60 min in 4/6 puppies. There was no change in Ccr, urinary Na or K excretion. Summary and Conclusion: 1) Large M.W. prorenin can cleave renin substrate in vitro and in vivo to produce angiotensin 1. 2) Big renin (prorenin) may regulate B.P. and RAAS levels.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Siegel, S., Parkhill, T. EFFECTS OF PRORENIN ON NEWBORN BLOOD PRESSURE AND THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM (RAAS). Pediatr Res 14, 1009 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00218
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00218