Renin release and the sympathetic nervous system

This review describes the pharmacological aspects of renin release with spe cial emphasis on the role of sympathetic nervous system, catecholamines, ad renoceptor blocking drugs, humoral agents, adrenalectomy and chemical sympa thectomy. The effect of antihypertensive drugs and other pharmacological ag ents on plasma renin activity and the role of renin levels in their antihyp ertensive effects are also discussed. The role of renin inhibitors as a pos sible therapeutic class of antihypertensive agents, which could eventually expand the spectrum of antihypertensive therapy and improve our understandi ng of the role of the renin angiotensin system, is also addressed. (C) 2000 Prous Science. All rights reserved.