Interactions between the renal prostaglandins and the renin--angiotensin system

Although the PGs operate mainly in the renal medulla the demonstration of PG biosynthesis in the renal cortex has provided a biochemical basis for a direct relationship between the PGs and the renin-angiotensin system. The formation of PGs is influenced by circulating levels of A I probably by indirect mechanisms. That the release of renin at least under certain experimental conditions is dependent on the PG system is suggested by the following findings: 1. C20:4 increases PRA in the rabbit and rat. 2. Indomethacin decreases PRA in the rabbit. 3. C20:4 stimulates renin release from slices of rabbit kidney cortex. 4. Reduced renal perfusion pressure and ischemia are accompanied by release of both PGs and renin. 5. The release of PG and renin following renal ischemia is blocked by treatment with indomethacin. The actions of the renin-angiotensin system and the renal PGs are, as far as we know them, antagonistic to each other. PGEs are vasodilator, increase renal blood flow, inhibit adrenergic neurotransmission, and cause excretion of electrolytes and water. Conversely, A II is vasoconstrictor, decreases renal blood flow, stimulates adrenergic neurotransmission, and conserves water and electrolytes. Thus, the interaction between the renal PGs and renin seems to be one in which the two hormonal systems stimulate each other's formation or release, but opposes each other's actions. Further studies are necessary to reconcile this apparent contradiction.