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Angiotensin II increases erythropoietin production in healthy human volunteers
Author(s) -
Freudenthaler,
Schreeb,
Körner,
Gleiter
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2362.1999.00530.x
Subject(s) - losartan , captopril , angiotensin ii , erythropoietin , angiotensin ii receptor type 1 , medicine , endocrinology , renin–angiotensin system , angiotensin converting enzyme , angiotensin receptor , pharmacology , receptor , blood pressure
Background A number of animal studies and our own clinical trials point towards a possible influence of the renin‐angiotensin‐system (RAS) on erythropoietin (EPO) production. In this study we investigated the role of angiotensin II in the regulation of EPO production in humans. Methods After a hemorrhage of 750 ml as a basic physiological stimulus 72 healthy male volunteers received in a parallel design either placebo (physiologic electrolyte solution) for 6 h, angiotensin II i.v. for 6 h (1–3 μg min −1 , sufficient to increase systolic blood pressure by 20 mmHg), the selective AT 1 ‐receptor antagonist losartan, the ACE‐inhibitor captopril, angiotensin II + losartan, or angiotensin II + captopril. Results Administration of angiotensin II alone and in combination with captopril resulted in a significantly higher C max EPO (67% higher vs. placebo, P < 0.05) and AUC EPO (0–24h) (40% higher vs. placebo, P < 0.05). In the groups receiving losartan or captopril alone or the combination of angiotensin II + losartan no significant difference of C max EPO and AUC EPO(0–24h) compared to placebo could be detected. Conclusions This study shows in a model of controlled, basic physiological stimulation of renal EPO production that angiotensin II is able to increase EPO levels in humans. This effect of angiotensin II can be blocked by the specific AT 1 ‐receptor antagonist losartan but not by the ACE‐inhibitor captopril. The result may be interpreted as a hint that one signal for the control of EPO production in humans may be mediated by angiotensin II (AT 1 )‐receptors.