Renal and adrenal responsiveness to angiotensin II: influence of beta adrenergic blockade

The increase in aldosterone secretion that occurs in response to Angiotensin II (AII) is enhanced when normal humans are in external balance on a low salt diet. The responsible mechanism has not been identified. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition reduces blood levels of AII and aldosterone, but does not decrease PRA or AI and does not modify adrenal responsiveness to AII in the sodium-depleted state. This study was designed to assess the possibility that the enhanced adrenal response reflects plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma AI concentration, or catecholamines acting via a beta adrenergic receptor. Nine healthy males were studied when in balance on a high sodium intake (200 mmol Na/day), a low sodium diet (10 mmol Na) and after 4 days of beta adrenergic blockade with either nadolol or propranolol. The adequacy of beta adrenergic blockade was assessed with a postural stimulus and significant blockade was achieved, somewhat more with nadolol (40 mg/day) than with propranolol (Inderal LA, 80 mg every 12 hrs). Beta blockade enhanced the renal vascular and pressor response to AII but did not modify the adrenal response to posture or to AII. This study confirms the role for AII levels in the modulation of renal vascular and pressor responses to AII and rules out a role for PRA, AI, or catecholamines acting via a beta adrenergic receptor in the modulation of adrenal responsiveness to AII.