Effects of a stable prostaglandin analogue, L-644,122, in healthy and hypertensive men.

L-644,122 is a chemically stable vasodilator prostaglandin analogue. It is a selective renal vasodilator in dogs. The object of the present study was to determine whether it increases effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in man. L-644,122 was administered intravenously to 4 healthy volunteers and by mouth to 4 mild hypertensives. It did not increase ERPF. Instead it acted as a non-specific vasodilator, lowering diastolic blood pressure and increasing heart rate. An unexpected increase in glomerular filtration rate (19% greater than placebo) after low dose intravenous L-644,122 merits further study.