Effect of atenolol treatment on urinary prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha in essential hypertension.

The urinary excretion of prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2 alpha was measured by radioimmunoassay in 15 patients with essential hypertension, before and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment with the selective beta 1-adrenergic blocker, atenolol. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and plasma renin activity decreased significantly during the treatment. No change was observed in renal function and electrolyte balance. The 24-hour excretion of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha was also unaffected by the antihypertensive treatment. The above findings, in contrast with those previously observed with another beta-blocker, propranolol, suggest that tubular beta-receptors are not involved in the synthesis of PGs. The different hemodynamic effects of the two drugs are the most likely explanation for the different responses in prostaglandin excretion.