[New mechanisms of a positive effect of curantyl in chronic nephritis]

The effects of curantyl (dipiridamole) on the excretion of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha and PGF2 alpha) and renal hemodynamics (RHD) were studied in patients with hypertensive nephritis in an acute test and during prolonged (up to 21 mos) single-agent therapy. In the acute test curantyl increased PG excretion in 15 out of 18 patients by 86.8 +/- 17.6%, mainly at the expense of PGE2 (133.2 +/- 33.1%), and renal blood flow in 11 out of 12 patients by 32.1 +/- 7.7%. During prolonged therapy curantyl also raised PGE2 excretion and improved RHD (raised renal blood flow, glomerular filtration and decreased renal vascular resistance). Besides, during prolonged single-agent therapy curantyl reduced renin plasma activity, increased circulating blood volume, insignificantly reduced BP, and possessed an antiproteinuric and antihematuric effect. It is concluded that curantyl can stimulate PG renal biosynthesis improving RHD in hypertensive nephritis that can have a beneficial effect on a course of this disease.