Beta-adrenoceptor activation stimulates, and phosphodiesterase inhibition potentiates, placental prorenin synthesis and release.

This study evaluated activation of beta-adrenoceptors and the cAMP pathway on prorenin secretion from human placental explants. For comparative purposes, hCG secretion was also measured. Treatment with selective beta-adrenergic agonists (beta 1-dobutamine and beta 2-terbutaline) produced dose-dependent increases in prorenin secretion, with dobutamine yielding a greater response (10- vs. 6-fold). In contrast, hCG secretion was stimulated only by terbutaline (5-fold). Prorenin and hCG secretory responses were inhibited by corresponding selective receptor antagonists (beta 1-metoprolol and beta 2-ICI 118,551). Selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors were used to evaluate the role of cAMP in mediating these responses. Marked potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor-dependent prorenin secretion was observed with the type III inhibitor, cilostamide (63-76%), and the type IV inhibitor, Ro-201724 (32-43%). Type I (8-methoxymethyl-3-isobutylmethylxanthine) and type V inhibitors (dipyridamole and M&B 22,948) showed no potentiation. These studies demonstrate that activation of both beta 1- and beta 2-receptors stimulates placental prorenin release. The potentiation of beta-adrenergically activated prorenin release by selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase indicates a coupling of beta-adrenoceptor and adenylate cyclase. The contrast in secretion of prorenin and hCG by selective beta-adrenergic agonists suggests differences in cellular localization. The results indicate that clinically used adrenergic agonists can affect the placental renin-angiotensin system. The role of endogenous activators of beta-adrenoceptors in this system remains to be determined.