The effect of indomethacin on renal function.

The effect of indomethacin on the renal function has been surveyed by the literature and our experimental data. The primary purpose of the present paper is to discuss the various mechanisms of the prostaglandins which participate in the overall operation of the kidney. Prostaglandin has been proposed as a "natriuretic hormone" effecting the natriuresis observed with extracellular fluid volume expansion. Dogs and rabbits were volume expanded under Nembutal anaesthesia. The massive natriuresis associated with expansion ws significantly reduced in dogs by preloading injection of indomethacin (4 mg/kg) to depress prostaglandin synthesis. The indomethacin pretreatment considerably increased the diuretic and natriuretic effect of the volume expansion in the rabbit. The data are consistent with the concept that intrarenal prostaglandins play a role in adjustment of renal vascular resistance and support the concept of a physiological role of intrarenal PG-s in regulating salt and water excretion.