The response of the renal vasculature to prostaglandin E in man

Fifty micrograms of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) dissolved in 10 ml of physiologic saline solution were injected into the renal artery of 33 hematuria patients. The serial films obtained before and after the injection of PGE1 were compared. The administration of PGE1 promoted the entry of the contrast medium into the renal artery as early as 0.5 sec after its injection. There were cases in which the time of the appearance of maximum arterial phase was shortned, even observed at the 0.5-sec interval. The maximum nephrogram appeared earlier after the administration of PGE1, and enlargement of the major axis of the nephrogram was observed. The time of appearance of the maximum venous phase was also shortened by the administration of PGE1. Thus, the increase of the renal blood flow with PGE1 was suggested roentgenologically. The mechanism of action and the clinical applicability of prostaglandin are discussed.