Abstract
Low basal and stimulated plasma renin activity (PRA) levels have been reported in patients witn diabetic nephropathy (DN). We have measured PRA before and after stimulation with captopril in 28 patients with DN and in 25 control patients. Renal function impairment was similar in both groups. Most patients were treated with furosemide. In 19 patients with DN the PRA-response to dihydralazine was also studied. PRA before and after captopril were higher in the DN than in the control group (P < 0.001). PRA increased from 4.6 ± 3.6 to 6.3 ± 5.3 in the DN, and from 1.8 ± 2.7 to 2.7 ± 3.4 in the control patients. The increases in PRA, caused by decreased angiotensin II feed-back inhibition, were comparable. PRA did not increase after dihydralazine despite a pronounced blood-pressure reduction. The difference in response to these stimuli indicate selective lesions involving both the sympathetic innervation and the renal baroreceptor function in DN. Overhydration is a plausible explanation to the low PRA earlier reported in DN. The results thus indicate that a preserved renin secretion capacity is present in DN. Differences in PRA between the both groups can only partly be explained by other factors than DN. Our findings indicate a role for the reninangiotensin-system in hypertension in DN.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
