Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in the control of renal haemodynamics and excretory function

The available evidence supporting the importance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the regulation of renal haemodynamics and excretory function is summarized. Cyclooxygenase-2-derived metabolites play a very important role in regulating renal haemodynamics when sodium intake is low whereas it plays a minor role in the control of cortical blood flow when sodium intake is normal or elevated. The importance of COX-2 in the regulation of renal haemodynamics seems to be dependent on the endogenous production of other vasoactive products such as nitric oxide (NO) or noradrenaline. The activation of COX-2 in response to a decrease in NO may represent a mechanism aimed at defending the renal vasculature in the face of a decrease in NO levels.

Contrary to the important role of COX-2 in the long-term regulation of renal haemodynamics, the metabolites derived from COX-2 seem to be only involved in the acute regulation of renal excretory function.