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Renal function, renin activity and endogenous vasoactive substances in cirrhosis

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Abstract

Plasma renin activity (PRA), whole blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 24-hr urinary excretion of catecholamines, metanephrines, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in patients with cirrhosis and various degrees of impairment of renal function. PRA was highest in those with ascites and correlated with glomerular filtration rate (Ccr) and effective renal plasma flow (CPAH). PRA decreased after the renal blood flow was increased by infusion of dopamine, suggesting that increased PRA is the result of renal circulatory impairment in cirrhosis rather than its cause. Further stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system may lead to aggravation of fluid retention in patients with diminished renal blood flow. It is unlikely that increased blood levels of angiotensin, catecholamines, or 5-HT are the cause of the disturbance in renal circulation.

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Author notes

  1. David E. Barnardo MB, MRCP

    Present address: The London Hospital, London E 1

Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Gastroenterology Unit and Section of Medicine; Renal and Electrolyte Laboratory and Section of Medicine; Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Rochester

    David E. Barnardo MB, MRCP, W. H. J. Summerskill DM, FRCP &  William P. Baldus MD, FACP

Authors
  1. David E. Barnardo MB, MRCP
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  2. W. H. J. Summerskill DM, FRCP
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  3. Cameron G. Strong MD, FACP
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  4. William P. Baldus MD, FACP
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Additional information

Supported in part by NIH Research Grants AM-6908 and HE-10681, Public Health Service.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the advice and practical help given to them by Dr. Gertrude M. Tyce, who performed determinations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA, Dr. J. D. Jones, Dr. V. R. Mattox and Dr. F. T. Maher.

Recipient of a Wellcome Research Travel Grant.

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Barnardo, D.E., Summerskill, W.H.J., Strong, C.G. et al. Renal function, renin activity and endogenous vasoactive substances in cirrhosis. Digest Dis Sci 15, 419–425 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02283868

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