Effect of antihypertensive drugs on plasma renin activity and urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2.

Urinary prostaglandin (PGE2) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined in 3 groups of hypertensive patients before and following 5 days of treatment with different antihypertensive drugs. In all 3 groups studied a substantial decrease of blood pressure was noted following treatment. However, whereas administration of chlorthalidone and hydralazine initiated a significant rise of PGE2 and PRA excretion, treatment with propranolol was associated with a decrease of these two parameters.

Urinary prostaglandin-E2 in chronic renal disease.

Renal excretion of prostaglandin-E2 was measured by radioimmunoassay in patients with chronic renal diseases. Significantly elevated urinary prostaglandin-E2 amounts were found in patients with moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearances 20-59 ml/min). In mild and severe renal insufficiency, the urinary excretion of PGE2 was within the normal range.