Prostaglandins, angiotension II, and proteinuria.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially indomethacin, have variable effects on proteinuria when used alone, but can dramatically reduce proteinuria if combined with diuretics and sodium restriction. Reduction of angiotensin II concentrations in plasma and kidney following angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition also reduces proteinuria, not only in nephrotic conditions but also in diverse diseases, including diabetes mellitus, glomerulosclerosis following subtotal nephrectomy, and membranous nephropathy. The reduction of proteinuria appears independent of decrements in blood pressure since other hypotensive agents do not alter proteinuria in these conditions.