Renin

Renin, also known as angiotensinogenase, is a circulating enzyme () released mainly by the kidneys in response to low blood volume or low body NaCl content. The normal concentration in human plasma is 1.0-2.5 mg/ml.

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Renin activates the renin-angiotensin system by cleaving angiotensinogen, in the liver to produce angiotensin I, which is further converted into angiotensin II in specialized lung capillaries, which ultimately constricts blood vessels, increases ADH and aldosterone production, and stimulates the hypothalamus to activate the thirst reflex, leading to increased blood pressure.

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Renin is 340 amino acids large and weighs 37 kD. The gene for renin is located on the first chromosome (1q32).

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Enzyme: An enzyme (from Greek ?nsimo (??????), formed by ?n = at or in and simo = leaven or yeast) is a protein that catalyzes, or speeds up, a chemical reaction....

Kidney: The kidneys are bean-shaped excretory organs in vertebrates. Part of the urinary system, the kidneys filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them, along with water, as urine. The medical field that studies the kidneys and diseases affecting the kidney is called nephrology, from th...

Low blood volume: REDIRECT Hypovolemia...