Renin release and the sympathetic nervous system

This review describes the pharmacological aspects of renin release with special emphasis on the role of sympathetic nervous system, catecholamines, adrenoceptor blocking drugs, humoral agents, adrenalectomy and chemical sympathectomy. The effect of antihypertensive drugs and other pharmacological agents on plasma renin activity and the role of renin levels in their antihypertensive effects are also discussed. The role of renin inhibitors as a possible therapeutic class of antihypertensive agents, which could eventually expand the spectrum of antihypertensive therapy and improve our understanding of the role of the renin angiotensin system, is also addressed.