Effects of Progesterone and Estrogen on the Sensitivity to Angiotensin II

Abstract

Inulin and PAH clearances and the excretory rates of water, sodium and chloride and their responses to infusions of angiotensin were measured in nonpregnant women before and after loading with either progesterone or estrogen. Progesterone in sesame oil, given intramuscularly twice a day in doses of 300 mg/day for 3½ days, reduced significantly the renal responses to angiotensin but did not alter the pressor response. Progesterone also increased the control inulin and PAH clearances. Ethinyl estradiol, given orally in divided doses of 0.45 mg/day for 3½ days, had no discernible effect on renal function or the renal and pressor responses to angiotensin. Conclusion: Nonpregnant women, injected with progesterone in doses comparable to its rate of secretion in late gestation, resemble pregnant women in their blunted renal responses to angiotensin. Progesterone did not, however, reduce the pressor response.