Renin is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys to regulate the body's balance of fluids and electrolytes. This enzyme is part of the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure. Variations in renin levels can be caused by a variety of factors, from a high-salt diet to conditions such as Cushing's Disease. It is possible to determine the amount of renin in the blood with a simple test, which may be administered when a doctor wants to explore the causes for a patient's blood pressure problems.
Renin should not be confused with rennin. Rennin is an enzyme generated in the stomachs of young mammals to help them digest milk. It is also the active component in rennet, a substance which is used to make cheeses and other dairy products such as junket. Although these two enzymes have similar names, they have very different functions, and they originate in different parts of the body. Rennin with two “Ns” is related to the stomach, while one “N” renin is involved with the kidneys.
The kidneys produce renin in response to exercise, stress, or a fall in blood pressure. When the enzyme enters the bloodstream, it interacts with angiotensinogen, producing two results. The first is the contraction of the arterioles, which causes the blood pressure the rise. The second result is an increase in aldosterone production, which leads to increased retention of sodium. When the blood pressure has been stabilized, the renin and aldosterone are metabolized, and the body stops producing them.
In some cases, renin production can increase beyond the level necessary, which causes the patient's blood pressure to rise. Sometimes making a dietary change like cutting back on sodium can address the problem, and in other instances, it may be necessary to take medications to manage blood pressure levels. When a patient presents with high blood pressure, the doctor may request bloodwork to get an idea of the levels of the enzyme.
When a renin test is ordered, a patient typically needs a few days or weeks to prepare. The doctor may ask that the patient reduce sodium intake and avoid certain medications, as these can throw the reading off, and the patient is also asked to rest for at least two hours before the test, to get a resting level. Then, the patient may be asked to engage in activity for a short period of time so that the test can be repeated to see how exercise impacts enzyme levels.