Hemodynamic effects of vasopressin antagonism and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibition during halothane anesthesia in sheep.

The hemodynamic effects of separate and combined intravenous administration of the vasopressin (AVP) V1-receptor antagonist SK&F 100273 (10 micrograms/kg) and the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (20 mg + 1 mg/h) were studied in 12 sheep during stable halothane anesthesia (1.5% end-tidal conc.). The separate blockade of either V1-receptors or angiotensin II (ANG II) synthesis induced a small (7-10%), but significant, fall in mean systemic arterial pressure (MSAP), whereas the combined treatment caused a 30% reduction in blood pressure. The changes in systemic vascular resistance paralleled those of the MSAP. Consequently, the cardiac output was largely unaffected by the interference with AVP effects and/or ANG II synthesis. The halothane anesthesia effectively increased the plasma levels of AVP and ANG II, and plasma renin activity without any relation to changes in MSAP. When either the AVP effects or ANG II synthesis were blocked separately, there was a slight tendency for a compensatory increase of the unimpeded hormonal system. It is concluded that halothane anesthesia increases the plasma levels of AVP and ANG II in sheep, and that the maintenance of the arterial pressure is dependent on the concurrent vasopressor effects of the two hormones in this situation.