Distribution and functional relevance of connexins in renin-producing cells

Renin synthesis and renin secretion at the level of renal juxtaglomerular cells are regulated by neurotransmitters, hormones, paracrine, and mechanical signals. Although morphological evidence has indicated an intense intercellular communication of renin cells via connexins between the cells composing the juxtaglomerlar area, the functional behavior of renin-secreting cells has been considered of that of individual isolated cells for a long time. Findings obtained during recent years shed first light on the functional relevance of connexins for the control of renin secretion and also for the positioning of renin-secreting cells in the kidney. This short review aims to summarize these findings and tries to set them into a functional context.