Pressor Factor in Normal Human Urine

¹ From the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina

In consequence of previous studies (Am. J. Physiol. 166: 528, 1951), a hitherto unrecognized ‘pressor’ factor has been sought and found in the urine of normal human beings, rats and dogs. The activity of this factor was demonstrated in partially nephrectomized rats maintained in the normotensive state by feeding a low protein, normal salt diet and in normotensive, bilaterally nephrectomized rats. Excretion of this material is dependent upon adequate protein nutrition, adrenocortical and renal function. Data are presented which are consistent with the hypothesis that renal hypertension may, at least in part, be a consequence of failure to excrete this new factor. Some chemical properties of the active agent in urine and procedure for its concentration and partial purification are described.