The role of renal prostaglandin E as a possible modulator of cyclic AMP production in nephrotic syndrome.

Urinary prostaglandin E (PGE) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) excretions were studied by radioimmunoassay in children with nephrotic syndrome and in a control population. In cases with nephrotic syndrome there was a significant elevation in urinary PGE excretion and cAMP excretion was decreased. A positive correlation was found between urinary cAMP excretion and urinary osmolality (Uosm) and the ratio urine to plasma osmolality (Uosm/Posm); and a negative correlation between urinary cAMP excretion and urine volume. A negative correlation was observed between the values of PGE excretion and urinary cAMP. These data confirmed the role of PGE as a modulator of cAMP production, which was inhibited in the nephrotic syndrome.