beta-Adrenergic blockade reduces the severity of acute renal failure in rats.

Propranolol administration in the hypoxic model of acute renal failure (ARF) in rats has reduced plasma renin activity (PRA) and uraemia as compared to untreated controls. P113 has no effect on uraemia but increased PRA in ARF. A combination of both drugs is no more effective in reducing uraemia than propranolol alone. These results support the view that beta-adrenergic blockade by propranolol reduces the severity of ARF by preventing the post-hypoxic release of renin.