The Existence of Two Forms of Hypertensin

Two types of hypertensin have been demonstrated by means of counter-current distribution. The first type is the product of the action of the enzyme, renin, upon its substrate and has been designated hypertensin I. It can be rapidly converted to a second approximately equally pressor compound, hypertensin II, apparently through the action of an enzyme in the plasma which requires halide or nitrate for activation. A highly purified preparation containing horse hypertensins I and II caused an elevation of blood pressure when injected into human beings.