Renin Activity in Human Uterus 1

Abstract

Summary

Renin activity was determined in uterine samples obtained from nonpregnant women undergoing hysterectomy and from pregnant women during cesarean section. All samples were full-thickness biopsy specimens from the lower uterine segment. In women having normal menstrual cycles, there was no significant difference between the mean renin activities of uteri in the proliferative and secretory phases. Uterine renin was significantly reduced in women receiving oral contraceptives. Pregnancy was associated with a significant increase in uterine renin. The lowest values of this group were for two women with a present or past history of dysfunctional labor. Uterine renin was extremely elevated in a woman with a hydatidiform mole. In women undergoing menopause renin was significantly elevated. However, in women at least 2 years postmenopausal the mean renin value was not different from that of normally menstruating women, regardless of whether or not estrogen was being administered. Renin was extremely low after cobalt irradiation. The locus, function, and control of uterine renin are discussed.