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Renin is a protein (enzyme) released by special kidney cells when you have decreased salt (sodium levels) or low blood volume.
Renin also plays a role in the release of aldosterone, a hormone that helps control the body's salt and water balance.
A test can be done to measure the amount of renin in your blood.
Alternative NamesPlasma renin activity; Random plasma renin; PRA
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYour health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results.
Drugs that can affect renin measurements include:
- Birth Control pills
- Blood pressure medications
- Diuretics
- Vasodilators (drugs that enlarge blood vessels; they are usually used to treat high blood pressure or congestive heart failure)
You should eat a normal, balanced diet with low-sodium content (about 3 gm/day) for 3 days before the test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is done as part of the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.
If you have essential hypertension, your doctor may order a renin and aldosterone test to see if you sensitive to salt (which causes low renin with normal aldosterone levels). The test results help to guide your doctor in choosing the correct medication. Salt-sensitive patients with high blood pressure associated with low renin levels respond well to diuretic medications.
Normal ValuesNormal values range from 1.9 to 3.7 ng/mL/hour.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels may indicate:
- Addison's disease
- Cirrhosis
- Dehydration
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- High blood pressure
- Hypokalemia
- Malignant hypertension
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Renin-producing renal tumors
- Renovascular hypertension
Lower than normal levels may indicate:
- ADHtherapy
- Sodium-retaining steroid therapy
- Sodium-sensitive high blood pressure
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Renin measurements are affected by salt intake, pregnancy, time of day, and body position.
ReferencesVictor RG. Arterial hypertension. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 66.
What else can I help you with?
What does high concentration NaCl in the renal tubule at the JGA most likely indicate?
High concentration of NaCl in the renal tubule at the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) is likely to trigger the release of renin, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and kidney function. This response is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body.
Which hormone promotes a decrease in blood pressure and a loss of sodium and water in urine?
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is the hormone that promotes a decrease in blood pressure and a loss of sodium and water in urine. It is released by the atria of the heart in response to increased blood volume and pressure. ANP works by dilating blood vessels, promoting sodium and water excretion by the kidneys, and reducing renin and aldosterone release.
How does the body regulate sodium levels?
The body regulates sodium levels through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps to retain or excrete sodium based on the body's needs. The kidneys play a major role in controlling sodium levels by adjusting reabsorption or excretion. Additionally, hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can also affect sodium balance by impacting water retention.
Besides ridding the body of wastes formed during cell metabolism the kidney adjusts blood chemistry in other ways .What are these three other ways?
The kidney regulates blood pressure by adjusting the volume of blood and levels of sodium and water in the body. It also helps maintain the balance of electrolytes and pH levels in the blood by filtering and excreting excess ions and acids. Finally, the kidney produces hormones like erythropoietin and renin that help regulate blood cell production and blood pressure, respectively.
2 Besides ridding the body of wastes formed during cell metabolism the kidney adjusts blood chemistry in other ways What are these three other ways?
The kidney regulates electrolyte levels in the blood by filtering and reabsorbing key ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. It also helps to regulate blood pressure by controlling the body's fluid balance through processes like reabsorption of water and secretion of hormones like renin. Additionally, the kidney plays a role in maintaining acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate to keep blood pH within a normal range.
What enzyme is released by the juxtaglomerular cells?
Renin is the enzyme released by juxtaglomerular cells. It plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
What substance performs the function of renin to the adults?
Renin.
Is renin a hormone or enzyme?
Renin is an enzyme, not a hormone.
The enzyme that converts angiotensinogen into antiotensin you is?
Renin is the enzyme that converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
The enzyme renin raises blood pressure by activating the?
renin activates angiotensin in the blood
Where is renin synthesized?
Renin is primarily synthesized and secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells in the kidneys. These cells are located in the afferent arterioles of the renal nephrons and play a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Why would someone need to use renin?
Renin is a protein released by cells in your kidneys when you have low sodium levels. Renin increases the amount of angiotensinogenase increasing blood pressure and renin inhibitors are used to prevent increased blood pressure that can lead to a number of problems.
Which enzyme is secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus?
Renin is the enzyme secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
What is a renin stimulation test?
The renin stimulation test is performed to help diagnose and distinguish the two forms of hyperaldosteronism.
The enzyme renin is responsible for the activation of what?
Renin is responsible for the activation of angiotensinogen into angiotensin I in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Is renin a hormone?
by function is enzyme ... by structure is hormone
What results if the kidney produces too much renin?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs in cases of excess renin.
