The effects of respiratory acidosis on plasma renin activity in the dog

The effects of arterial PCO2 on plasma activity was studied in chloralose anesthetized dogs undergoing carefully controlled respiratory acidosis. Plasma renin activity, measured by radioimmunoassay, was enhanced (P less than 0.001) during inhalation of CO2 despite insignificant changes in renal blood flow and arterial pressure. Although underlying mechanism remained to be investigated, activation of sympathetic nervous system and intrarenal effects of CO2 seemed to be involved in this enchancement.