Increase in plasma renin in aggressive mice originates from kidneys, submaxillary and other salivary glands, and bites.

Aggressive behavior in mice caused a vast release of renin into the plasma. The present data support previous findings that the main sources were the submaxillary gland and kidney. In addition, unidentified salivary glands capable of releasing renin into the saliva were demonstrated by alpha-adrenergic stimulation. The role of these glands in generating plasma renin is unknown. Experiments were performed that strongly support the possibility that aggression-provoked salivary renin may be transferred by bites from one animal to another.