Effects of frusemide on plasma concentrations of renin and prostaglandins E and A in fetal sheep.

The role of the renin-angiotensin system and prostaglandins in the regulation of fetal vascular homeostasis was investigated by measuring hemodynamic and hormonal responses to fetal administration of frusemide in ten intact and five bilaterally nephrectomised fetal lambs. The increase in fetal arterial pH and the fall in pCO2 following treatment with frusemide suggests that this drug may influence placental exchange of blood gases. The increase in plasma renin activity without accompanying changes in plasma PGE does not support a direct relationship between renin release and renal prostaglandin E production in the fetal lamb.