The effect of propranolol on urinary prostaglandin E2 after frusemide administration in healthy subjects

We have evaluated the effect of propranolol on urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion after frusemide administration in 8 healthy subjects. Urine was collected for 60 min after frusemide administration (20 mg intravenously) with or without propranolol pretreatment, and urinary excretion of PGE2, frusemide, and sodium were determined. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was also measured before and 60 min after frusemide administration. Urinary PGE2 excretion after frusemide administration and frusemide-stimulated PRA were reduced after propranolol pretreatment. However, urine volume and the urinary excretion of frusemide and sodium were not influenced by propranolol pretreatment. These results suggest that urinary PGE2 excretion after frusemide administration may be reduced by propranolol and that the mechanism responsible for the effect of propranolol on the frusemide-induced renal PGE2 production may be, at least in part, secondary to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system.