The effect of prostaglandin E2 on the cardiovascular response to angiotensin II in pregnant rabbits

The rise in arterial blood pressure in response to angiotensin II was studied in the last third of pregnancy in rabbits. The response was compared with that of pregnant rabbits during infusion of prostaglandin E₂ and F_2α. Prostaglandin E₂ significantly diminished the rise in diastolic pressure in response to angiotensin II. Prostaglandin F_2α did not alter the response. Intravenous indomethacin elevated the blood pressure and caused an absolute increase in the pressor response. It did not mediate a change in the percentage rise in blood pressure in response to angiotensin II.