Dose-dependent effect of angiotensin II on human erythropoietin production

Current evidence suggests that angiotensin II may be involved in the regula tion of renal erythropoietin (EPO) production. The present study assessed t he role of angiotensin II (A II) in different doses in the control of EPO p roduction in humans. In a parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled open des ign, 60 healthy male volunteers received a 6-h intravenous infusion of: pla cebo (placebo, electrolyte solution), a presser dose of A II (1-3 mu g/min; A II press), a combination of a presser dose of A II and the selective AT( 1)-receptor blocker losartan, 50 mg (A II press + L), a subpressor dose of A II (0.0375-0.15 mu g/min; A II subpress) and a combination of a subpresso r dose of A II and losartan (A II subpress + L). A II press treatment resul ted in a significant increase of the maximum EPO concentration (C-maxEPO, 4 1% higher versus placebo) and the amount of EPO produced in 24 h (AUC(EPO(0 -24 h)), 61% larger versus placebo), A II subpress treatment increased C-ma xEPO (35% higher versus placebo) and AUC(EPO(0-24 h)) (34% larger versus pl acebo). A II press + L and A II subpress + L treatments did not significant ly increase C-maxEPO and AUC(EPO(0-24 h)) compared to placebo. A II affects EPO production in a dose-dependent manner. The signal seems to be mediated via ATI-receptors. A II appears to be one modulator EPO production in huma ns.