Structural changes and ability to release renin in auto- and allo-transplants of mouse submaxillary glands

In mice having a high renin content in the submaxillary glands allo- and autotransplantation of the gland showed identical histological changes of the tissue, comprising disappearance of acini and intercalated ducts as well as a reduction in the number and size of granules in the granulated ducts. No structural signs of rejection were found. Adenomas, possibly originating in the granulated ducts, were frequently present in the transplanted glands. The renin content of autotransplanted glands was invariably much higher than in allotransplants, and after noradrenaline injection renin was released only from autotransplants, never from allotransplants. Blockade of the renin system was accordingly followed by a decrease in blood pressure only in mice with autotransplants.