Cardiac hypertrophy developing during DOCA-salt treatment is dissociated from systemic and regional hemodynamics.

Systemic and regional hemodynamics were studied in DOCA-treated Sabra hypertensive (SBH) and normotensive (SBN) rats. In SBH rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) increased significantly. In SBN rats, MAP remained stable and TPRI decreased. Cardiac output and heart rate were unchanged. Opposed changes in TPRI were mediated mainly by changes in vascular resistance of the skin, skeletal muscles and splanchnic organs. Both strains developed significant biventricular hypertrophy. We conclude that SBH and SBN rats' susceptibility or resistance to DOCA-salt hypertension are associated with opposed changes in TPRI. The development of biventricular hypertrophy is apparently dissociated from systemic hemodynamic changes.