Detection of renin messenger RNA in rat tissues: increased sensitivity using an RNAse protection technique

Total cellular RNA and poly A+ RNA isolated from various tissues of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were screened for renin-specific messenger RNA by Northern blotting and RNAse protection. Northern blot analysis, carried out with a copy DNA (cDNA) probe of mouse submandibular gland renin, demonstrated a single RNA species of 1.8 kb in the kidneys of WKY rats. Other tissues screened by this technique were negative. With the more sensitive RNAse protection technique, our initial results indicate more widespread expression of renin, messenger RNA (mRNA) being detected in aorta, adrenal, heart, lung and spleen.