Formation and action of prostaglandins in the kidney

The kidney has a high capacity to produce a spectrum of different acting prostaglandins (PG). In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that renal formation of PG's, possibly in the vasculature of the cortex represents an essential step in the mechanisms regulating the secretion of renin. PG's formed in the cortex seem to participate also in the control of renal vascular resistance and glomerular filtration rate. PGE2 formed in the medulla modulates the hydroosmotic action of antidiuretic hormone and influences the kidney's capacity for urine concentration. Renal PG formation is reduced by high NaCl intake and enhanced by low NaCl intake and in hypokalemic states. These findings make renal PG's good candidates for participation in the regulation of salt and water balance and in the control of blood pressure. Due to the close connection with the renin angiotensin system, alterations in renal PG formation might be involved in the etiology of high and low renin states. Thus, an impairment in the renal cortical production of vasodilating and renin-stimulating PG's could constitute the common denominator for both the reduced renin secretion and the increased vascular resistance which have been reported to be associated in essential hypertension.