[The effect of indomethacin on basal and stimulated plasma renin activity in normal subjects (author's transl)].

The influence of indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on basal and stimulated plasma renin activities in normal human subjects was determined. Stimulation of the renin activity was achieved by orthostasis or by furosemide. Indomethacin led to a considerable decrease of both basal and stimulated plasma renin activity in chronic and acute experiments. Our experiments provide no evidence that major changes in the sodium balance are responsible for the effects observed. It is concluded that some antagonistic function of the renin angiotensin system and prostaglandins seems probable. These antagonistic actions might play a role in the regulation of the kidney circulation or the arterial blood pressure.