Tissue edema and arterial lesions produced by pure submaxillary gland renin of mouse

In order to identify the nature of the substance(s) that causes pancreatic edema, pleural effusion, hematolcrit increase, and vascular lesion upon administration of renal extracts, effects of a pure preparation of submaxillary gland renin of mouse on blood vessels were studied. This enzyme was administered intraperitoneally to conscious anehpric rats. Blood pressure elevation recorded under unrestricted conditions was proportional to pancreatic edema, pleural effusion, hematocrit increase, and vascular lesions in small arteries and arterioles. Since the renin administered does not contain any substances and since the function of this enzyme is quite analogous to renal renin, these results have been interpreted to indicate that renin possesses both pressor and permeability activities and that the action of renin alone can account for the vascular lesions and the increased vascular permeability.