Stimulation and inhibition of renal PG biosynthesis: effects on renal blood flow and on plasma renin activity

In the present investigation prostaglandins (PGs) were determined in the renal cortex and the functional effects of the renal PGs on renal hemodynamics and on the renin-angiotensin system were evaluated. The levels of PGs, determined by mass fragmentography, were in the medulla: PGE2 4.36 +/- 1.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 1.6 +/- 0.50 mug/g and in the cortex: PGE2 0.19 +/- 0.04 mug/g and PGF2 alpha 0.21 +/- 0.07 mug/g. The unequivocal demonstration of PGs in the renal cortex forms a biochemical basis for a role of PGs in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and of the renin-angiotensin system.