Renal prostaglandin synthesis in hypertension induced by deoxycorticosterone and sodium chloride in the rat.

1. The role of renal medullary prostaglandin E has been examined in rats with hypertension induced by sodium chloride and deoxycorticosterone (salt-DOC). 2. Synthesis of prostaglandin E was normal in early salt-DOC hypertension. Indomethacin exacerbated the hypertension, and depressed synthesis of prostaglandin E equally in hypertensive and control rats. 3. Synthesis of prostaglandin E was depressed in rats with late salt-DOC hypertension. 4. The results lend support to the concept that prostaglandin E is involved in the regulation of arterial pressure.