EVIDENCE FOR LOCAL RENIN FORMATION IN THE RABBIT OVIDUCT

The uterus, oviduct, vagina, mesometrium and ovary of mature rabbits all contain renin, by far the highest concentrations being found in the uterus and in the isthmic segment of the oviduct. In contrast to the uterine renin the concentration of the oviduct does not increase significantly during maturity or terminal pregnancy, while oestradiol administration results in a marked increase in both uterus and oviduct. Surgical separation of the oviduct from the uterus results in some decrease, but not disappearance of the renin in the oviduct. Intraocular grafts of oviduct in immature, oestradiol treated and in mature, hysterectomized animals contain renin concentrations equal to or higher than those of the oviduct in situ. These findings show that the oviduct contains renin‐producing cells.