Hypotensive and renovascular actions of 6-keto-prostaglandin E1, a metabolite of prostacyclin.

Either intra-aortic or intravenous injections of a stable prostaglandin metabolite, 6-keto-prostaglandin E1 (6-keto-PGE1), caused similar dose-dependent falls in blood pressure and reductions in renovascular resistance in the anesthetized rat. The threshold dose was 0.3 microgram/kg. A maximum hypotensive effect occured at 10 micrograms/kg, but renal blood flow was further reduced by a dose of 30 microgram/kg. 6-keto-PGE1, like prostacyclin, could be a circulating hormone.