Stimulatory effects of neuronally released norepinephrine on renin release from rat kidney cortical slices

Stimulatory effects of extracellular high K+ in the presence of nifedipine (NIF) on renin release (RR) from kidney cortical slices were investigated. The stimulation was suppressed either by propranolol or by metoprolol but not by prazosin. High K+ plus NIF-induced increase in RR was attenuated by renal denervation. The enhancing effect was not observed when the slices were incubated in Ca2+-free buffer or in medium containing divalent cations such as Cd2+, Co2+ and Mn2+. These alterations in RR correlated with 3H-efflux from the slices preloaded with 3H-norepinephrine. We conclude that the high K+ plus NIF-induced increase in RR from the slices is mediated by norepinephrine (NE) derived from renal sympathetic nerves and that this neuronally released NE stimulates RR via the activation of beta-adrenoceptors.