Prostaglandins and renin release: III. Effects of PGE1, E2 F2 alpha and D2 on renin release from rabbit renal cortical slices.

We have investigated the direct effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, F2 alpha and D2 on renin release from rabbit renal cortical slices. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was the most potent stimulant of renin release, while PGE2 was 20-30 fold less active. PGF2 alpha was found not to be an inhibitor of renin release as reported by others, but rather a weak agonist. PGD2 up to a concentration of 10 microgram/ml had no activity in this system. That the stimulation of renin release by PGE1 is a direct effect is supported by the finding that PGE1-induced release is not blocked by L-propranolol or by delta 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. The fatty acid precursor of PGE1, delta 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, also stimulated renin release, an effect which was blocked by ETYA. In addition to the above findings, ethanol, a compound frequently used to dissolve prostaglandins, was shown to inhibit renin release.