[Role of the renin-angiotensin system on the sympathetic response induced by the cold pressor test in humans].

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AT1 angiotensin II receptor on the sympathetic response to the cold pressor test (CPT) in normotensive healthy volunteers. Eighty-two healthy volunteers were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Blood pressure and heart rate were determined before and one hundred and seventy five minutes after oral administration of placebo, losartan (50 mg), valsartan (80 mg) or eprosartan (600 mg). Immediately, the subjects underwent CPT and then the same hemodynamic parameters were measured. CPT increased arterial blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) and HR in placebo-treated group. Pretreatment with a single dose of losartan, valsartan or eprosartan blunted CPT-induced pressor response, but not the rise in heart rate. Our results demonstrate that endogenous angiotensin II, through stimulation of AT1 receptor, supports sympathetic mediated stress-response in humans.