Plasma renin activity (PRA) measures the enzymatic activity of renin, an enzyme secreted by the kidneys that initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Renin catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, a precursor to angiotensin II, which regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis. PRA reflects the overall activity of the RAAS, providing insight into how the body controls vascular resistance and sodium balance in response to various physiological conditions.
In clinical and research settings, PRA is a critical biomarker for diagnosing and managing hypertension and related disorders. It is particularly valuable in evaluating patients with suspected primary aldosteronism or other forms of secondary hypertension, where abnormal PRA levels help distinguish between different causes of elevated blood pressure. PRA measurement is also used to monitor the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatments, especially those targeting the RAAS, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. In research, PRA serves as a tool to study the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and renal diseases and to develop novel therapies targeting RAAS dysregulation.
This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.