Site of formation of kinins in the dog nephron

Abstract

The site of formation of kinins in the nephron was determined by stop-flow studies in dogs. Klinin, inulin, sodium, potassium concentrations were measured in the fractions collected during the stop-flow procedures. In addition, in three of the 17 stop-flow experiments, kallikrein activity was also measured. The highest kinin concentration after correction for water reabsorption was found in the fractions that were probably trapped in the distal part of the nephron. Either one or two peak was located either in the fraction overlapping (in one instance) or in the fractions coming prior to the fractions with the highest concentration of potassium. This first peak was present in all but one of the stop-flow experiments and was greater than the second peak. The second peak of kinins was found in 13 of the 17 stop-flow exeriments and was located in the fractions with the lowest sodium concentration. Those fractions with the lowest sodium concentration. Those fractions with the lowest sodium concentration also had the highest kallikrein concentration. No evidence of kinin formation was found in the fractions representing the proximal nephron. We conclude, therefore, that kinins are formed in the distal part of the nephron, with the highest concentration found in the last part of the distal nephron and/or in the renal papilla and pelvis.