Renal perfusion changes during treatment of essential hypertension: prazosin versus propranolol

To evaluate renal hemodynamic changes during therapy of essential hypertension, we treated 12 essential hypertensives in crossover fashion, with 1 month each of placebo, prazosin, and propranolol alone. During prazosin treatment, blood pressure was normalized with preservation of glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and renal blood flow. Propranolol, however, normalized blood pressure with an associated significant decline in glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, and renal blood flow. The potential mechanisms are discussed.