Methylxanthines Augment the Renin Response to Suprarenal-aortic Constriction

In a previous study we discovered that the adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, increases plasma renin activity and blood pressure in renin-dependent renovascular hypertension. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether methylxanthines augment the increase in renin secretion induced by a reduction in renal perfusion pressure and, if so, whether this effect is mediated by a direct action on juxtaglomerular cells. Accordingly, we examined the effects of infusions of caffeine and theophylline directly into the renal artery on the increase in renin secretion induced by suprarenal aortic constriction. All studies were conducted in dogs receiving an intravenous infusion of propranolol to prevent changes in renin secretion mediated indirectly via the sympathetic nervous system. Caffeine (5 mg/min) increased the renin response to suprarenal aortic constriction about 10-fold without significantly affecting renal hemodynamics or excretory function. Theophylline (5 mg/kg), on the other hand, did not significantly increase the renin response to a reduction in renal perfusion pressure, but did increase urine flow and sodium excretion about 10-fold. However, in the non-filtering, beta-adrenoceptor blocked, canine kidney, theophylline markedly increased the renin response to suprarenal aortic constriction. These results indicate that methylxanthines can potentiate the renin response to a reduction in renal perfusion pressure most likely by directly affecting the juxtaglomerular cells; however, since increased sodium delivery to the macula densa inhibits renin release, the extent to which methylxanthines affect the renin response to renal artery hypotension depends on how vigorous the diuretic response is to a given methylxanthine.