Prostaglandin E2 in renal transplant recipients.

The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), sodium, potassium and creatinine were determined in the blood and urine of 50 renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine A or azathioprine, as immunosuppressive agents, for at least one year post transplantation. Fourteen healthy subjects served as control group. The urinary PGE2 excretion was significantly decreased in all treated renal transplant recipients and this reduction was associated with significant decrease in urinary excretion of sodium and potassium. On the other hand, a high elevation in blood PGE2 concentration was observed while no significant changes were seen in sodium and potassium levels in the blood of these renal transplant recipients. The observations suggest an association between urinary PGE2 reduction and immunosuppressive treatments in renal transplant recipients; also, PGE2 may regulate intra-renal haemodynamics and influence the renal tubular electrolyte excretion. Moreover, urinary PGE2 can be used as an indicator of successful renal transplantation.