The renin-angiotensin system in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis was studied functionally and morphologically. PRA, PRC and Ang 11 tended to increase in the non-ascitic stage of liver cirrhosis, and in the ascitic stage of liver cirrhosis those levels futher increased, although PRS gradually decreased. Even in chronic hepatitis these values were slightly higher than control levels, but the differences were statistically not significant. There was no significant relationship between serum creatinine levels and PRA. JGI was, however, significantly increased in all 6 patients with liver cirrhosis, in whom JGA was Observed. Even in a cirrhotic patient without ascites, JGI was slightly increased. From these results it is concluded that the renin-angiotensin system is Stimulated even in liver cirrhosis before ascites develops, and that the most parts of the increases in renin and angiotensin depend on renin production in the kidney.