Polkissen cells and their possible role in renin secretion

An electron microscopic study of the renal polkissen cells revealed evidence of their participation in the renin angiotensin system. An unusual feature of the cell is the presence of polar nuclear bags (vacuolization) with attached ribosomes. Significantly, a good correlation was observed between vacuolization and plasma renin activity. The latter was created by differing experimental settings, namely restricted sodium intake, hemorrhage, or reduced renal perfusion pressure. These data, plus the finding of secretory granules in these cells, are interpreted as evidence that the polkissen cells are in some way concerned with the regulation of secretion of renin.