Prostaglandin synthesis inhibition with indomethacin in ACTH-induced hypertension

The short- and long-term effects of indomethacin administration were examined in normotensive and ACTH-induced hypertensive conscious sheep. Indomethacin, 1 mg/kg/h for 60 min, caused a transient rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and calculated total peripheral resistance (CTPR) and a fall in cardiac output in normotensive sheep. In sheep with ACTH hypertension, these haemodynamic effects were prolonged. Indomethacin infusion at 3 mg/kg/day for 3 days had no observable haemodynamic or metabolic effects. Concomitant infusion of ACTH increased MAP and CTPR. These studies suggest prostaglandins play only a minor role in regulation of blood pressure in normal conscious sheep, but modulate the blood pressure rise in ACTH hypertension in sheep.