Cardiovascular hemodynamics and vasopressin blockade in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

Hypertension in mice with transgenic activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system is vasopressin dependent

An indispensable role for the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been documented in most experimental animal models of hypertension. To identify the specific efferent pathway activated by the brain RAS that mediates hypertension, we examined the hypothesis that elevated arginine vasopressin (AVP) release is necessary for hypertension in a double-transgenic model of brain-specific RAS hyperactivity (the "sRA" mouse model). sRA mice experience elevated brain RAS activity due to human angiotensinogen expression plus neuron-specific human renin expression. Total daily loss of the 4-kDa AVP prosegment (copeptin) into urine was grossly elevated (≥8-fold). Immunohistochemical staining for AVP was increased in the supraoptic nucleus of sRA mice (~2-fold), but no quantitative difference in the paraventricular nucleus was observed. Chronic subcutaneous infusion of a nonselective AVP receptor antagonist conivaptan (YM-087, Vaprisol, 22 ng/h) or the V(2)-selective antagonist tolvaptan (OPC-41061, 22 ng/h) resulted in normalization of the baseline (~15 mmHg) hypertension in sRA mice. Abdominal aortas and second-order mesenteric arteries displayed AVP-specific desensitization, with minor or no changes in responses to phenylephrine and endothelin-1. Mesenteric arteries exhibited substantial reductions in V(1A) receptor mRNA, but no significant changes in V(2) receptor expression in kidney were observed. Chronic tolvaptan infusion also normalized the (5 mmol/l) hyponatremia of sRA mice. Together, these data support a major role for vasopressin in the hypertension of mice with brain-specific hyperactivity of the RAS and suggest a primary role of V(2) receptors.

Splanchnic sympathetic nerves in the development of mild DOCA-salt hypertension

We previously reported that mild deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension develops in the absence of generalized sympathoexcitation. However, sympathetic nervous system activity (SNA) is regionally heterogeneous, so we began to investigate the role of sympathetic nerves to specific regions. Our first study on that possibility revealed no contribution of renal nerves to hypertension development. The splanchnic sympathetic nerves are implicated in blood pressure (BP) regulation because splanchnic denervation effectively lowers BP in human hypertension. Here we tested the hypothesis that splanchnic SNA contributes to the development of mild DOCA-salt hypertension. Splanchnic denervation was achieved by celiac ganglionectomy (CGX) in one group of rats while another group underwent sham surgery (SHAM-GX). After DOCA treatment (50 mg/kg) in rats with both kidneys intact, CGX rats exhibited a significantly attenuated increase in BP compared with SHAM-GX rats (15.6 ± 2.2 vs. 25.6 ± 2.2 mmHg, day 28 after DOCA treatment). In other rats, whole body norepinephrine (NE) spillover, measured to determine if CGX attenuated hypertension development by reducing global SNA, was not found to be different between SHAM-GX and CGX rats. In a third group, nonhepatic splanchnic NE spillover was measured as an index of splanchnic SNA, but this was not different between SHAM (non-DOCA-treated) and DOCA rats during hypertension development. In a final group, CGX effectively abolished nonhepatic splanchnic NE spillover. These data suggest that an intact splanchnic innervation is necessary for mild DOCA-salt hypertension development but not increased splanchnic SNA or NE release. Increased splanchnic vascular reactivity to NE during DOCA-salt treatment is one possible explanation.

Neurohumoral mechanisms in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension in rats

This brief review describes the role of neural and non-neural mechanisms during different phases of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. There are contradictory data for and against a role of the sympathetic nervous system and neurohumoral agents, including endothelin and vasopressin. Elucidating the factors responsible for DOCA-salt hypertension will be helpful in understanding the causes of hypertension resulting from hypervolaemia, hyperaldosteronism and high salt intake.

Time course of synergistic interaction between DOCA and salt on blood pressure: roles of vasopressin and hepatic osmoreceptors

In DOCA-salt rats, the time course of the synergistic interaction between osmolality and DOCA to produce hypertension is unknown. Therefore, in rats 2 wk after implantation of subcutaneous silicone pellets containing DOCA (65 mg) or no drug (sham), we determined blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses, using telemetric pressure transducers, during 2 wk of excess salt ingestion (1% NaCl in drinking water). BP was unaltered in sham rats after increased salt, but in DOCA rats BP increased within 4 h. The initial hypertension of 30–35 mmHg stabilized within 2 days, followed ∼5 days later by a further increment of ∼30 mmHg. HR first decreased during the dark phase; the second phase was linked to an abrupt increase in HR and BP variability and decreased HR variability. Pressor responses to acute intravenous hypertonic saline infusion were doubled in DOCA-treated rats via vasopressin and nonvasopressin mechanisms. Only in DOCA-treated rats, portal vein hypertonic saline infusion increased BP, which was prevented by V1 vasopressin blockade. After 2 wk of DOCA-salt, oral ingestion of water rapidly decreased BP. Intraportal infusion of water did not lower BP in DOCA-salt rats, suggesting that hepatic osmoreceptors were not involved. In summary, the hypertension of DOCA-treated rats consuming excess salt exhibits multiple phases and can be rapidly reversed. Hypertonicity-induced vasopressin and nonvasopressin pressor mechanisms that are augmented by DOCA, and hepatic osmoreceptors may contribute to the initial developmental phase. With time, combined DOCA-salt induces marked changes in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which may favor hypertension development.

Endothelin in the splanchnic vascular bed of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

Vascular capacitance is reduced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) in deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. This may contribute to hypertension development. Because the splanchnic blood vessels (especially veins) are important in determining vascular capacitance, we tested the hypothesis that ET-1 levels in the splanchnic vasculature are elevated in hypertensive DOCA-salt compared with normotensive rats. Tissue ET-1 content was measured by ELISA in aorta, vena cava, superior mesenteric artery and vein, and small mesenteric arteries and veins from normotensive sham-operated (sham) and 4-wk DOCA-salt rats. We also determined ET-1 concentration in aortic and portal venous blood (draining the nonhepatic splanchnic organs) in anesthetized and conscious sham and DOCA-salt rats before and after acute blockade of ETB receptor-mediated plasma clearance of ET-1. Results showed a higher ET-1 content in veins than in arteries of similar size. However, ET-1 content was similar in vessels from sham and DOCA-salt rats, except in aorta and superior mesenteric artery, where ET-1 content was greater in DOCA-salt rats. ET-1 concentration was significantly higher in portal venous than in aortic blood, indicating net nonhepatic splanchnic release (nNHSR) of ET-1. However, nNHSR of ET-1 was similar in sham and DOCA-salt rats. Although nNHSR of ET-1 increased significantly after ETB receptor blockade in sham rats, it was completely unchanged in DOCA-salt rats. These data suggest that, despite the absence of ETB receptor-mediated plasma clearance of ET-1, neither the venous peptide content nor the net release of ET-1 is increased in the splanchnic vasculature of DOCA-salt rats. These results argue against the hypothesis that increased venomotor tone in DOCA-salt hypertension is caused by increased ET-1 concentration around splanchnic venous smooth muscle cells.

Are sodium-dependent V1 receptors and sympathetic nerve activations involved in regulation of blood pressure in borderline-hypertensive Hiroshima rats?

Sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) was estimated by the magnitude of depressor response after ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium bromide (C6; 25 mg/kg weight). The depressor effects of C6 were significantly less in borderline-hypertensive Hiroshima rats (BHR) than in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (DOCA rats) or in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), but they were not different in BHR and normotensive control Wistar rats (NCR). After sympatho-inhibition, the depressor effects of a selective vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist (V1A; 10 microg/kg: [d(CH2)5(1), O-Me-Tyr2, Arg8]-vasopressin) were significantly greater in BHR than in DOCA rats, SHR or NCR. In a previous study, we reported that the depressor effects of C6 were significantly less in BHR than in SHR, but after sympatho-inhibition, the depressor effects of V1A were significantly greater in BHR than in SHR (Hypertens Res 2002; 25: 241-248). After high-salt diet loading in the present study (8% salt-containing diet for 10 weeks), the magnitudes of increase in mean arterial pressure in BHR and NCR were almost the same. There was almost no difference in the depressor effects of V1A after sympatho-inhibition between BHR with high-salt intake and BHR without high-salt intake. The depressor effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril (1 mg/kg), were almost the same between BHR and NCR both before and after sympatho-inhibition. However, these effects were completely inhibited after the high-salt diet. The results show that SNA was within the normal range in BHR and that no further accelerated responsiveness of endogenous vasopressin was observed in BHR after high-salt intake.

Differential regional hemodynamic effects of corticotropin in conscious sheep

The regional hemodynamic effects of 5 days of intravenous infusion of corticotropin (ACTH) (5 micrograms/kg per day) were examined in conscious sheep (n = 8). Mean arterial pressure increased from 81 +/- 2 to 93 +/- 3 mm Hg (P < .001) on day 2 of ACTH and remained at this level during the infusion. Cardiac output increased from 5.13 +/- 0.19 to 6.06 +/- 0.33 L/min (P < .01) because of an increase in stroke volume from 65 +/- 4 to 79 +/- 8 mL per beat (P < .01); heart rate remained unchanged. ACTH did not alter total peripheral conductance but had differential effects on regional conductances. Mesenteric conductance fell from 5.8 +/- 0.2 to a minimum of 4.9 +/- 0.3 (mL/min)/mm Hg (P < .05), and renal conductance increased from 3.5 +/- 0.3 to 4.6 +/- 0.3 (mL/min)/mm Hg (P < .001). There was a small increase in iliac conductance (P < .05) and no change in coronary conductance. Mesenteric and iliac conductances fell progressively over 24 to 48 hours, whereas renal conductance increased rapidly after 3 hours of ACTH, reaching a maximum after 6 hours. Renal blood flow was increased during ACTH infusion from 278 +/- 18 to 403 +/- 23 mL/min (P < .001); mesenteric blood flow was unchanged; there was a small increase in iliac blood flow (P < .01); and coronary blood flow increased (P < .05), paralleling the change in cardiac output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Systemic and regional haemodynamic responses elicited by microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartate into the lateral periaqueductal gray matter in anaesthetized rats

The haemodynamic defence responses were studied by chemically stimulating the lateral periaqueductal gray matter in 27 anaesthetized, artificially ventilated, and paralysed rats. Blood flow was measured by the radiolabelled microsphere method. Microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (1 nmol as 100 nl of a 10-mM solution, delivered over 10 s) into the brain region elicited a distinctive pattern of haemodynamic defence responses. Vasodilation of the hindlimb skeletal muscle tended to be provoked from the caudal third of the periaqueductal gray, whereas vasoconstriction was elicited from the intermediate third. Whichever stimulation was made, however, increases in arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance were consistently provoked. The blood flow was redistributed away from the abdominal viscera. One new finding was that the brain and heart also had their blood flow increased consistently, the former with and the latter without a significant decrease in vascular resistance. As suggested for the classic pattern of haemodynamic defence responses, we consider that the cerebral and coronary circulations may also be involved in coping with the emergency that threatens the animal. The increased cerebral blood flow should be beneficial for ensuring adequate achievement of central processing and organization of the well-coordinated defence reactions. The increased coronary blood flow should help to ensure maintenance of an increased cardiac output striving against the increased total peripheral resistance.

Potentiation by aldosterone of vasopressin-induced calcium kinetics in vascular smooth muscle cells

1. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of aldosterone on arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced Ca2+ kinetics in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The pre-incubation of cells with 1 x 10(-6) mol/L aldosterone for 24 h did not affect the basal cytosolic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) but enhanced the AVP-induced mobilization of [Ca2+]i (1 x 10(-8) mol/L AVP; 287 vs 401, 1 x 10(-6) mol/L AVP; 430 vs 714 nmol/L). 2. The pre-incubation of cells with 1 x 10(-7) mol/L aldosterone for 24 h did not show this enhancing effect on the AVP-induced mobilization of [Ca2+]i. Without the preincubation, aldosterone did not change the basal [Ca2+]i or the AVP-induced mobilization of [Ca2+]i. This enhancement was still observed in the Ca2+-free solution containing 0.1 mmol/L EGTA (1 x 10(-8) mol/L AVP; 169 vs 341 nmol/L). 3. The enhancement by aldosterone of the AVP-mobilized [Ca2+]i was completely blocked by the simultaneous administration of 1 x 10(-4) mol/L spironolactone (1 x 10(-8) mol/L AVP; 258 vs 265 nmol/L). The treatment with aldosterone also stimulated the AVP-produced [45Ca2+] efflux during a 3 min period (1 x 10(-8) mol/L AVP; 32 vs 49, 1 x 10(-6) mol/L AVP; 50 vs 58% released from the resting intracellular [45Ca2+]-contents). 4. The present results indicate that aldosterone enhances the vascular action of AVP mediated through the stimulation of Ca2+ kinetics which may be dependent on the changes in the cellular signal transduction systems.

Intrapulmonary bronchial circulation during hemorrhage

Experiments were conducted on 119 anesthetized and artificially ventilated rats to evaluate effects of a physiological stimulus (hemorrhage) to the sympothoadrenal system on the bronchial circulation. In the presence of a sufficient dose of a vasopressin V1-receptor antagonist, moderate (81 mmHg on average, 33 rats) or severe hypotension (69 mmHg, 28 rats) was produced by controlled hemorrhage (11 or 9 rats, respectively), or by treatment with phenoxybenzamine (0.1 mg/kg, i.v., 12 rats, or 1.0 mg/kg, 10 rats), or the highly selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, bunazosin (0.01 mg/kg i.v., 10 rats, or 0.1 mg/kg, 9 rats). During hypotension, the intrapulmonary bronchial blood flow (microsphere method) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the two antagonist-treated groups. However, these decreases were only of a moderate degree compared to the severe decrease in the hemorrhage group. Although the bronchovascular resistance was not significantly changed after treatment with either antagonist, this variable was greatly elevated during severe hemorrhagic hypotension, reaching 240 +/- 51% (P less than 0.001 with either antagonist study) of its baseline level. Changes in the pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures, plasma vasopressin concentration, and renin activity were found to be less influential on these responses in 58 rats. Overall, we concluded that the sympathoadrenal mechanism powerfully increased the resistance and decreased the blood flow of the intrapulmonary bronchial circulation.

Role of atrial natriuretic peptide in the diuresis of a newborn infant with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

A fullterm infant had fetal distress and stained amnion. He underwent an exchange blood transfusion at 12 hours after birth because of hyperbilirubinemia. He developed oliguria combined with high urine osmolality during the first 27 hours of life despite normal creatinine clearance. The diagnosis of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was made on the basis of high urine osmolality, low plasma osmolality and elevated plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration. We determined the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration for the first 4 days of life. After 27 hours after birth, urine volume increased while plasma AVP concentration remained high. On the other hand, plasma ANP concentration gradually increased after 27 hours of life. We speculate that ANP may play an important role in producing the spontaneous diuresis in the newborn infant with SIADH.

Characterization of human platelet vasopressin receptor and the relation between vasopressin-induced platelet aggregation and vasopressin binding to platelets

Immunoreactive AVP was found to be much higher in platelets than in platelet-free plasma (PFP) in normal subjects (12.8 +/- 6.3 versus 1.7 +/- 0.8 fmol/ml). AVP levels in PFP were appreciably elevated in parallel with the elevation of plasma osmolality induced by the acute osmotic stimulation, while the AVP levels in platelets did not change before and after the stimulation. Binding studies on intact platelets demonstrated specific binding sites for [3H]AVP. The specific binding was time, temperature and concentration-dependent, saturable and reversible, with the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 169.9 +/- 14.4 sites/platelet and affinity of 4.84 +/- 1.15 x 10(8)M-1. The affinity constants for unlabelled AVP, lysine vasopressin (LVP), oxytocin (OT) and dDAVP were 9.0, 8.5, 7.4 and 6.6, respectively, and the inhibition constant for d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (V1-antagonist) was 7.7. There was a highly significant correlation between the affinity constants of AVP analogues and their relative vasopressor activities in vivo, whereas no such correlation was found between the affinity constants and antidiuretic activities. AVP caused platelet aggregation with the maximal aggregation of 48.0 +/- 25.1% at 230 nM of AVP. A significant correlation was observed between the maximal percentage aggregation and Bmax of [3H]AVP to intact platelets. These results suggest that the platelet vasopressin receptor belongs to the V1 vascular subtype and mediates platelet aggregation.

Hemodynamic and neurohormonal changes in the development of DOC hypertension in the dog

In this article we summarize studies of the hemodynamic and endocrine effects of desoxycorticosterone (DOC)-induced hypertension in dogs and also review new data of the action of this steroid on baroreceptors. The hemodynamic effect of subcutaneous injections of DOC to dogs, without supplementation of salt in their diet, consisted of increases in arterial pressure that were sustained for a 28-day observation period and associated with augmented cardiac output. At the early stage of the hypertensive response there was a rise in plasma Na+ concentration accompanied by increases in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of vasopressin. The activity of the peripheral renin angiotensin system, as evaluated by the longitudinal changes in plasma renin activity and plasma immunoreactive angiotensin II (irAng-II), was markedly depressed in the hypertensive dogs. In contrast, the concentration of irAngII in the CSF did not change. Additional studies of the carotid occlusion reflex in anesthetized dogs revealed an enhanced buffering baroreceptor capacity in the early (less than day 10), but not the late (greater than day 28), stages of the hypertension. The abnormality in baroreflex function may be mediated by an effect of the steroid on an activity of brain angiotensin II that influences the inhibitory interaction between high and low pressure baroreceptors. The data acquired in these studies agree with the notion that excess mineralocorticoid production causes hypertension by mechanisms that influence the neurohormonal control of blood pressure by the central nervous system.

Vasopressin and sympathetic nervous functions both contribute to development and maintenance of hypertension in DOCA-salt rats

We evaluated the time course of changes in the relative contribution of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) during the development of DOCA-salt hypertension in rats. Intravenous administrations of an AVP antagonist (d(CH2)5Tyr(Me) AVP; AVPA) and hexamethonium (C6) were given at 3 and 7 days, and 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment with DOCA-salt to conscious and unrestrained rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher and heart rate (HR) tended to be rapid in the rats on DOCA-salt treatment for over 1 week, compared with those of the control groups. The hypotensive effect of AVPA in the DOCA-salt treated rats was gradually enhanced with the development of hypertension and was significantly greater than in the control rats, at all stages of hypertension, including the prehypertensive phase. The depressor response to intravenous C6 following AVPA also resulted in a gradual enhancement, with time, after DOCA treatment. This decrease in MAP was greater at the hypertensive stage than that in the control rats, although the response was not significantly different among three groups on the 3rd treatment day. It was concluded that the pressor systems AVP and SNS may contribute to the initiation and development as well as maintenance of DOCA-salt hypertension in rats.

Role of atrial natriuretic polypeptides for exaggerated natriuresis in essential hypertension

Eighteen patients with essential hypertension were separated into 2 groups, renin-unresponsive and renin-responsive, on the basis of their plasma renin response when challenged by furosemide and upright posture. The response to acute infusion of hypertonic saline solution (1.4% saline solution at a rate of 0.3 ml/min/kg over 60 minutes) was then studied. In the renin-unresponsive group, peak rate of fractional excretion of sodium and peak urine flow after saline loading were 7.6 +/- 0.7% and 476 +/- 34 ml/hour, respectively, and peak value of atrial natriuretic polypeptides (ANP) was 784 +/- 140 pg/ml. In the renin-responsive group, the values were 3.1 +/- 0.4%, 194 +/- 29 ml/hour and 115 +/- 33 pg/ml. Both fractional excretion of sodium, urine flow and ANP response were significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in the renin-unresponsive group. Moreover, a highly significant relation (r = 0.82, p less than 0.01) was observed between fractional excretion of sodium and ANP levels in all hypertensive patients. The degree of saline-induced natriuresis was not related to blood pressure, heart rate, endogenous creatinine clearance, antidiuretic hormone or preexisting level of aldosterone. Plasma renin activity changed little in either group during saline infusion, but tended to be higher at all times in the renin-responsive patients. The present findings suggest that the enhanced secretion of ANP is an important determinant for exaggerated natriuresis observed in patients with renin-unresponsive hypertension.

Dietary suppression of prostaglandin synthesis does not accelerate DOCA/salt hypertension in rats

1. This study investigated the effects of dietary modification of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis on blood pressure regulation in DOCA/salt-treated rats. 2. After an initial 4 week period on either a 2-series PG 'inhibitory' diet of fish oil (Max EPA), A 'stimulatory' diet of safflower oil or a control diet of saturated fat, three groups of rats were placed on a DOCA/salt regimen for a further 4 weeks. Another group on the saturated fat diet continued their diet without DOCA/salt administration. 3. All the DOCA-treated groups showed a marked increase in blood pressure. However, both polyunsaturated fat (PUFA)-fed groups had blood pressures significantly lower then the saturated fat control. 4. Rats on the Max EPA showed impaired ability to generate prostanoids in vitro (serum, aorta and kidney) and in vivo (urinary PG excretion). DOCA administration increased urinary PGE2 excretion. 5. Thus, dietary suppression of 2-series PG is not accompanied by accelerated DOCA/salt hypertension. The reduction in blood pressure observed in both the safflower and Max EPA-fed groups may be due to PUFA-induced changes in cell membrane fluidity.

Acute systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats

The acute hemodynamic effect of the selective alpha1-antagonist, 2-[4-(n-butyryl)-homopiperazine-1-y1]-4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline (bunazosin; E-643), was studied by the microsphere technique in 62 conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. We found that a large fall in total peripheral resistance with a moderate increase in cardiac output accounted for the moderate decrease in arterial pressure; the heart rate did not change; the skeletal muscle, brain, heart, and gastrointestinal tract sensitively dilated, and kidney less sensitively dilated, their resistance vessels, with little change in their blood flow.

Effects of taurine on stress-evoked hemodynamic and plasma catecholamine changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Cardiovascular hemodynamics (microspheres) and plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels at rest and during short-term shaker stress were investigated in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats, with or without oral taurine (1.5%) treatment for 8 weeks. Taurine effects were evaluated by comparing data on the taurine-treated and untreated rats. Taurine affected neither the resting hemodynamics nor the resting plasma catecholamine levels in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats. Taurine slightly but significantly reduced the left ventricular/body weight ratio in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (p less than 0.05) and caused an insignificant 10 mm Hg decrease in the resting mean arterial pressure. Spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats responded in a qualitatively similar manner to stress, as evidenced by resistance-dominated increases in mean arterial pressure and increases in heart rate, with a blood flow redistribution from splanchnic, cutaneous, and testicular to skeletal muscle and cerebral circulations and by increases in plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels. These changes were more marked in the spontaneously hypertensive rats. Taurine significantly reduced the stress values of mean arterial pressure (untreated, 189 +/- 4 (SE) mm Hg; treated, 166 +/- 4 mm Hg in the spontaneously hypertensive rats; p less than 0.05), while it significantly reduced stress values of heart rate in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats (p less than 0.05). Taurine also blunted the stress values of splanchnic, testicular, and cutaneous vascular resistance in the spontaneously hypertensive rats. There were no or only slight regional effects in the Wistar-Kyoto rats. Taurine substantially decreased plasma levels of norepinephrine (untreated, 615 +/- 76 pg/ml; treated, 383 +/- 49 pg/ml) and epinephrine (untreated, 892 +/- 187 pg/ml; treated, 232 +/- 59 pg/ml) during stress in the spontaneously hypertensive rats. These results indicate that chronic taurine treatment attenuates short-term shaker stress-induced hemodynamic and plasma catecholamine changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Cardiac contractile and coronary flow reserves in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats

Cardiac contractility and coronary flow were compared in conscious rats with established deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension and in those with sham treatment. The hypertensive rats showed a 32% increase in left ventricular/body weight ratio at 9 weeks of treatment and 42% at 18 weeks of treatment. Resting peak rate of change of pressure (dp/dt) was unchanged at 9 weeks and increased at 18 weeks in hypertensive rats, while isoproterenol-stimulated maximal, propranolol-induced minimal, and Ca2+-stimulated maximal peak dp/dt were greater at 18 weeks. These data indicate the preservation of contractile function. At 18 weeks, the beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated contractile reserve, estimated from isoproterenol-stimulated maximal and resting peak dp/dt, was reduced but the propranolol-induced decrease in peak dp/dt was increased in hypertensive rats compared with sham-treated rats. Thus, at this stage, a greater portion of the total contractile capacity appeared to be mobilized with prolongation of hypertension and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy. No differences were observed in left ventricular and right ventricular coronary flow (microspheres) and left ventricular inner/outer flow ratio at rest and with dipyridamole-induced maximal coronary dilatation, at 9 and 18 weeks. There were no alterations in left or right ventricular coronary flow reserves, as estimated from resting and dipyridamole-induced values. The minimal coronary vascular resistance (normalized for gram of tissue) of both the left and right ventricles was increased at either stage, which suggests the occurrence of structural coronary vascular changes. Thus, basal coronary flow and a coronary flow reserve were uncompromised despite evidence of structural coronary vascular alterations in these hypertensive rats.