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

Abstract

Urinary prostaglandin (PGE₂) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined in 3 groups of hypertensive patients before and following 5 days of treatment withdifferent 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.

In view of these findings it seems therefore as if renal production of PGE₂ (at least with regard to propranolol, a β-blocking agent), is not related to the hypotensive effect of the drug.