Prostacyclin stimulates the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in man

The effect of prostacyclin (PGI2) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAA) has been examined in 6 normal male volunteers infused with 3 incremental doses of PGI2. Diastolic blood pressure fell significantly during the infusion of the highest dose of 8 ng/kg/min. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma angiotensin II (AII) increased to 271% and 342% respectively from baseline values. Plasma cortisol (PC), plasma noradrenaline (PNA) and plasma adrenaline (PAD) did not change significantly. Plasma aldosterone (PA) increased slightly 15 minutes after stopping the infusion. These results suggest aht PGI2 stimulates the release of renin in man.