Renin‐like activity of the rat submaxillary gland: characterization and the effect of several drugs and stimuli

Renin‐like activity was found in rat submaxillary glands. This activity was destroyed by boiling, was non‐dialyzable and showed an optimum at approximately 50° C. Renin‐like activity in the submaxillary gland was not diminished 24 h after nephrectomy but was considerably reduced after ligature of the submaxillary duct. Renin‐like activity in the submaxillary gland was reduced following food‐deprivation, water‐deprivation or hypovolemia. Renin‐like activity in the rat submaxillary gland was increased after isoproterenol administration but not following pilocarpine. Renin‐like activity in the rat submaxillary gland was increased considerably by administration of NaCl or KCl, as well as following adrenalectomy. Chlorothiazide and ouabain increased submaxillary renin‐like activity but diazoxide did not affect this activity. 1973 British Pharmacological Society