Serial studies of the renin system in rats with glycerol-induced renal failure

Serial changes in plasma of renin concentration (PRC), renin-substrate concentration (PSC) and renin activity (PRA) were followed in rats during glycerol-induced acute renal failure. There was an early but transient increase in PRC and a more delayed and prolonged rise in PSC. PRA began to rise a few hours after glycerol administration at the expense of increases in renin, but by 24 h the high activity was maintained largely by increases in renin-substrate. No correlations between PSC, PRC, or PRA changes and severity of renal failure could be demonstrated. These results suggest that these changes are not causally related to the development of kidney failure.