The adrenal renin/angiotensin system in the rat

The tissue renin angiotensin systems (RAS) may have specific roles that complement those of the systemic RAS. In the adrenal, the tissue RAS has been implicated in the regulation of glomerulosa tissue growth and function, and in mediating the response of the tissue to stimulation. Using in situ hybridisation methods, it was demonstrated that transcription of the (pro)renin gene is regulated by sodium status, and is increased specifically in the zona glomerulosa by a low sodium diet. When captopril was added to incubations of capsule/glomerulosa fractions, stimulation of aldosterone by angiotensin II was enhanced. The data suggest that the rat adrenal cortex, and specifically the zona glomerulosa, may be chronically stimulated by angiotensin II generated within the tissue itself.