Effect of angiotensin on juxtaglomerular cells and vessels of the kidney

Angiotensin II, given subcutaneously in pressor doses to rats three times a day, causes a prompt increase in the size and granulation of the juxtaglomerular cells. After one week of angiotensin injections, there is some loss of granules from these cells. Concurrently, degenerative changes develop in the intrarenal arteries. These changes may result from vasoconstriction in the vessels proximal to the afferent arterioles.

Epinephrine given in an amount similar in pressor effect to angiotensin II did not produce these changes. Vascular lesions were not seen in the heart, lung, brain, aorta, liver, and spleen of animals given angiotensin over the two-week injection period. This study provides additional evidence that the vessels of the kidney are uniquely sensitive to angiotensin.