[Renin-angiotensin system in sudden cardiac death: biochemical and morphological aspects]

The renin activity of the blood plasma (RAP), renal cortex (RARC), juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) and renal microcirculation were studied in 330 male patients after sudden death. The activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is shown to be increased in sudden cardiac death (SCD) particularly in patients dying in the presence of alcoholic intoxication. The values of RAP and RARC and their correlation depend on the ethanol concentration in the blood. In cases of SCD with chronic alcoholic intoxication the signs of JGA hyperfunction are found (diffuse hypertrophy of the JGA structural elements). The investigation of the kidney microcirculation revealed two main phenomena of the circulation disturbance--juxtamedullary shunting and congestion. The interconnection between the degree of RAS activity and the type of the microcirculatory damage is established. The congestion was more frequently observed at the low and medium RAP values while the juxtamedullary shunting--at the high levels of the renin activity.