Expression of the mouse ren-2 gene in the small intestine is regulated by food intake.

The existence of a local renin/angiotensin system in the intestine of mammals is speculative despite the known importance of angiotensin II for water and electrolyte homeostasis. We demonstrate the presence of ren-2 transcripts in the small intestine of DBA/2 mice. The marked expression of the ren-2 gene is blunted tissue-specifically by starvation, corroborating a local renin/angiotensin system in this organ.