Studies on intraarenal prostaglandins. Influence of unilateral ureteral obstruction on prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha in the rabbit kidney.

Prostaglandins (PGs) E2 and F2 alpha in the rabbit kidney were determined by radioimmunoassay to study the effects of unilateral ureteral obstruction on intrarenal PGs. An increase of PGE2 in the inner medulla was observed in the hydronephrotic kidney. When isotonic glucose solution was infused after the release of ureteral obstruction, an elevation of PGE2 in the outer medulla occurred in the hydronephrotic kidney. Under water diuresis immediately following the release of obstruction, PGE2 in the inner medulla showed significant correlations to urinary flow rate, urinary osmolar concentration and free water clearance. The present study indicates that PGE2 in the inner medulla is enhanced by ureteral obstruction and may have a close relation to renal functional damage in mild hydronephrosis.