[Endocrine structures of the kidney in hypertension]

Comparative morphometric study of the juxtaglomerular complex and interstitial cells of the corticomedullary zone of the kidney was performed on the autopsy material in benign (26 cases) and malignant hypertension; for control, 15 cases were examined. The state of intrarenal arteries, arterioles and the degree of medulla interstitium sclerosis were taken into consideration. No activation of the renin-producing system was observed morphometrically in "benign" hypertension while it was pronounced in malignant hypertension. The hypothesis is put forward on the reserve renin secretion by mesangial cells in malignant hypertension. It is assumed that the prostaglandine-synthesizing function of the interstitial cells is not damaged in benign hypertension, but it is significantly lower in malignant course of the disease. Relationship is shown between the alterations of intrarenal arteries and arterioles and the degree of the medulla sclerosis in malignant hypertension.