Adrenergic component of renin release induced by vasodilating antihypertensive drugs in the rat.

The capacity of the vasodilating drugs, minoxidil and hydralazine, for inducing renin release was characterized in rats according to chronology and dose response. Propranolol inhibition of this renin release was also characterized and related to serum levels of propranolol. Minoxidil and hydralazine (1.0 mg/kg) induced sevenfold elevations of serum renin activity. Treatment with propranolol, resulting in plasma propranolol concentrations as low as 50 ng/ml, impaired vasodilatory drug—induced renin release. The propranolol inhibition suggests a beta-adrenergic component to this type of renin release and the potential for a clinically efficacious drug interaction.