This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Regulation (renin release)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Renin release is controlled by:

  • intrarenal response:
    • blood pressure is sensed by an unknown mechanism in the afferent arteriole of the JGA. An increased blood pressure leads to reduced renin secretion, and vice-versa.
    • sodium concentration detected at the macula densa; an elevated sodium concentration associated with increased glomerular filtration leads to reduced renin secretion and vice-versa. This mechanism underlies the pathophysiology of renal artery hypertension.
    • prostaglandins, particularly PGI2, may be involved in one or both mechanisms

  • sympathetic response:
    • the JGA is in close proximity to renal sympathetic nerve afferents; there are beta-adrenergic receptors on its surface which may be a drug target
    • increased renin release occurs in response to increased sympathetic nerve signals directly on renin-containing cells, and possibly by the intrarenal response (described above) due to reduced renal perfusion
    • increased sympathetic output may be secondary to:
      • decreased stimulation of low pressure receptors in the atria and great veins
      • decreased stiumlation of high pressure arterial baroreceptors within the carotid sinus

  • hormonal response:
    • adrenaline and noradrenaline act directly on the beta-receptors of cells containing renin to increase its release; hence, beta-blocker drugs may diminish renin release
    • renin release may be inhibited directly by:
      • angiotensin II - negative feedback loop
      • aldosterone - negative feedback loop
      • atrial natriuretic peptide

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.