Increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during the development of hypertension.

Central dopaminergic neuronal activity was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) using an in vivo cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling technique. Increased central dopaminergic activity in the SHR was indicated by a significant (P less than 0.05) elevation in CSF levels of DOPAC relative to both Wistar-Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley control strains. The increased levels of CSF DOPAC were present at 5, 10 and 16 weeks of age. Homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels were significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in SHR than WKY at 16 weeks. The possible role of central dopaminergic neurons in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the SHR was discussed.