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Prostaglandin E2, plasma renin activity, and renal function throughout rabbit pregnancy
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases precede the rise in plasma renin activity (PRA) during rabbit pregnancy. This suggests PGE2 may mediate altered renal hemodynamics, with PRA elevation possibly resulting from enhanced PGE2 synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Physiology
- Renal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Circulating prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and plasma renin activity (PRA) increase in late-stage human and rabbit pregnancy.
- The temporal relationship between PGE2 and PRA increases during pregnancy is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequence and relationship between serum and urinary PGE2 and PRA during rabbit pregnancy.
- To explore the role of PGE2 in mediating renal hemodynamic changes in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Serum and urinary PGE2, PRA, and creatinine clearance were measured across five 6-day periods during rabbit gestation.
- Indomethacin was administered to assess the impact on PGE2 and PRA levels.
Main Results:
- Serum PGE2 increased by days 13-18 of pregnancy, followed by a rise in PRA on days 19-24.
- Urinary PGE2 and creatinine clearance increased by days 19-24.
- Indomethacin reduced urinary PGE2 and PRA but not serum PGE2 or creatinine clearance.
Conclusions:
- The timing of serum PGE2 increase supports its role in altered renal hemodynamics during pregnancy.
- Elevated PRA appears to be a consequence of increased PGE2 synthesis.
- Renal PGE2 production is not the primary driver of enhanced kidney function in pregnancy.