Effect of prostaglandin A 1 infusion in hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis

Abstract

Clinical data, arteriographic findings, peripheral and renal vein plasma renin activity (PRA) studies and responses to prostaglandin A 1 infusion are presented from observations in seven hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis. PGA 1 infusion caused an increase in PRA and urine sodium excretion but no significant change in blood pressure. Exaggerated increases in PRA were observed in five patients. With cessation of PGA 1 infusion PRA returned toward pre-infusion levels. In two patients bilateral renal and peripheral vein PRA's were determined before and during PGA 1 infusion. PGA 1 caused a greater increase in renal vein PRA than in peripheral vein PRA indicating a direct enhancement of renin secretion. These studies indicate possible relationships between the vasoactive prostaglandins and the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of hypertension due to renal artery stenosis.