Effect of aldosterone antagonist canrenone on plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity, and on the excretion of aldosterone and electrolytes by man.

Canrenone was administered in doses of 2 x 82 mg and 2 x 164 mg per day over a period of 10 days to diabetic patients without cardiovascular, liver or kidney involvement. Aldosterone excretion and plasma aldosterone increased only slightly during both regimes. There was a clear-cut increase in aldosterone excretion only after discontinuation of canrenone. Excretion of sodium, potassium and fluid was not significantly changed either during or after treatment. The lack of effect of canrenone on the kidney was in contrast to the significant decrease in serum sodium and increase in serum potassium, and the significant, dose-dependent rise in plasma renin activity following canrenone administration. The increased plasma renin activity persisted for some days after discontinuation of canrenone. It is suggested that canrenone primarily exerted its effect in the distal part of the large intestine where ionic movements are most affected by aldosterone. The disproportionately slight increase in plasma aldosterone concentration and aldosterone excretion, in spite of the greatly elevated plasma renin activity and serum potassium level, is considered to be due to a direct inhibitory effect of canrenone on aldosterone production in the adrenals.