title: Neuropeptide action in nucleus tractus solitarius: angiotensin specificity and hypertensive rats.
abstract: We have reported that microinjection of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the nucleus tractus solitarius of urethan-anesthetized normotensive rats produces an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) over the dose range 50-500 pmol. The effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is now reported. Over the range 100-500 pmol SHR exhibit increases in MAP and heart rate greater than Wistar-Kyoto or Sprague-Dawley rats. SHR did not exhibit exaggerated responses to intravenous phenylephrine, suggesting a central site of increased responsiveness to ANG II. We also found depressor effects in Sprague-Dawley at lower doses (0.1 and 1 pmol). The decreases in MAP were extremely variable and not dose related. A selected dose of additional neuropeptides identified in the NTS was tested. Somatostatin, bradykinin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (0.5 nmol) were without cardiovascular effects. Oxytocin and vasopressin, however, produced significant increases in MAP. Substance P produced a very small but significant increase in heart rate and MAP. Interaction between the vasopressin and ANG II pressor effects was studied, and each proved to be independent.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casto
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000809:Angiotensins / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010656:Phenylephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000502:physiology; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D013045:Species Specificity; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000809:Angiotensins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D014667:Vasopressins; D000804:Angiotensin II; D010656:Phenylephrine