FETAL KIDNEY AS A SOURCE OF RENIN IN PREGNANT DOG

In a study involving anephric dogs, plasma renin values in the nonpregnant dogs essentially fell to nondetectable levels within 48 hours, while in the pregnant animals detectable renin values were observed through 72 hours. Also, high renin concentrations were found in renal extracts of the fetuses of the nephrectomized dogs. These data suggested that under the stress of maternal bilateral nephrectomy renin from the uteroplacentofetal complex does augment and perhaps compensate for maternal renin deprivation. Whether or not other maternal pathologic states of pregnancy can provoke a similar response cannot be determined from this work. If the source of renin from the uteroplacentofetal complex can be proved to come mainly from the fetal kidney, the question will still remain as to whether or not there is a direct relationship between degrees of fetal maturity, total fetal renal mass, and renin production. © 1968.