Endothelin stimulates the renal production of prostaglandin E2 and I2 in anesthetized dogs.

The infusion of endothelin into the renal artery of anesthetized dogs (5 ng/kg per min) decreased the renal blood flow without changing the blood pressure, indicating that endothelin caused renal vasoconstriction. The renal secretion rate of prostaglandin E2 and I2 markedly increased and these increases were abolished by pretreatment with aspirin. Furthermore, the renal vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin was potentiated by aspirin, suggesting a role of prostaglandins in the renal action of endothelin.