A recently discovered isosterically-modified prostaglandin analog, 4-(3-[3-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]-4-oxo-2-thiazolidinyl ] propyl) benzoic acid, was studied in conscious Na-deficient dogs to determine if this compound could reverse the deleterious renal effects induced by inhibition of renal cyclooxygenase. Indomethacin (2 mg/kg i.v.) reduced renal function significantly in all dogs studied: GFR decreased from 38 +/- 3 to 26 +/- 1 ml/min (P less than 0.01) and ERPF from 124 +/- 15 to 79 +/- 8 ml/min (P less than 0.01). On separate occasions, the six dogs used in this study were treated with a saline placebo intravenously or with the PG analog (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) 60 min after receiving indomethacin. After placebo treatments renal function remained suppressed for the duration of observation (2 hours). After treatment with PG analog, GFR was restored to pre-indomethacin levels within 1 hour (36 +/- 3 ml/min) and remained at this level or higher for the duration of the experiment. ERPF was restored to pre-indomethacin levels within 30 min of PG analog injection (140 +/- 7 ml/min) and subsequently rose ml/min) for the duration of the experiment. Urinary electrolyte excretion was suppressed by indomethacin and despite the large increase in ERPF, Na excretion was not augmented by PG analog. This study demonstrates that a synthetic, isosterically-modified prostaglandin analog can effectively reverse the hemodynamic effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug treatment on renal function while not affecting renal Na excretion.