[Prostaglandins and arterial pressure]

Renal and vascular prostaglandins, which are vasoactive factors with local action, are implicated in the regulation of arterial blood pressure and might play a role in the genesis of arterial hypertension. By their properties of supervision on intrarenal blood flow, on renin secretion, on excretion of electrolytes and on the antidiuretic action of vasopressin, the prostaglandins E2 and I2 of renal origin indirectly control the blood pressure balance. In patients suffering from essential hypertension the urinary excretion level of renal prostaglandins is normal or diminished. When given to patients in pharmacological doses, prostaglandins exert a marked hypotensive effect. Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs who act through inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins combat the action on blood pressure of several antihypertensive agents and lower natriuresis normally induced by some diuretics. These data show the diversity of action of the prostaglandins. By these properties, prostaglandins take part in control mechanisms on arterial blood pressure and facilitate the therapeutic use in patients suffering from hypertension.