The overall objective of this research is to provide further understanding of the mechanism controlling renin secretion at the intracellular level. The relevant techniques for initiating this project have been developed and used in Dr. Fray's laboratory. Recent evidence suggests that renin granules and plasma membrane contain key molecules which are regulated in the renin secretory process. The specific aims of this project are: 1) to isolate juxtaglomerular cells and determine their renin content; 2) to isolate renin-containing granules, determine their renin content and compare their renin responsiveness to several factors which stimulate renin secretion; and 3) to isolate plasma membrane vesicles from juxtaglomerular cells and compare their storage, release and transport capabilities in response to several factors known to stimulate renin secretion. These studies will shed light on the cellular mechanism of renin release.//
