[Prostaglandins in renovascular arterial hypertension]

Prostaglandins (PG) A1, B1, E2, F2 alpha and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured by radioimmunoassay in 8 patients with unilateral artery stenosis, 7 hypertensive patients with unilateral renal atrophy without stenosis ans 20 controls. The measurement of the PG and PRA in the hypertensive group was performed in the infra-renal inferior vena cava and in the two renal veins. PRA and PGA1 were significantly raised in the renovascular hypertensive patients but no significant change was observed in the group with unilateral renal atrophy. On the other hand, the PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were raised in both groups, especially in the renal veins on the stenosed or atrophic side. There was a positive significant correlation between PRA and PGA1 and PGB, but none with PGE2 or PGF2 alpha. This study suggests that the increase in PGA1 and PGE2 represents a secondary hypertensive mechanism which is diuretic and natiuretic. The increase of PGF2 alpha represents a direct mechanism of hypertension. Simultaneous measurement of the vasopressor (PRA and PGF2 alpha) and vasodepressor (PGA and PGE) systems may give a better diagnostic and prognostic approach to renovascular hypertension.