Estimation of Renin Activity in Human Amniotic Fluid of Normal and Toxemic Pregnant Women

High concentrations of pressor enzyme have been found in amniotic fluid collected from normal and toxemic pregnant women at delivery. The enzyme activity was significantly increased in toxemia as compared with that in normal pregnancy. Physico-and pharmaco-chemically this pressor enzyme was similar to human renin and its reaction product with human plasma was similar to angiotensin. Probable sources of amniotic renin were discussed.