Role of baroreflex activation in the regional hemodynamic effects of the beta-blockers tertatolol and propranolol in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effects of the beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs tertatolol and propranolol on regional hemodynamics were compared in intact and sinoaortic denervated (SAD) conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Miniaturized Doppler flow probes were used for the continuous determination of changes in flows and resistances in the renal, mesenteric, and hindquarter vascular beds. In intact animals 5 mg/kg propranolol i.v. caused an initial increase and a later gradual fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and an early rise in all three resistances. In SAD rats the reduction in MAP occurred more readily and no increases in RR and MR were observed. RR even decreased significantly. 0.5 mg/kg tertatolol i.v. caused a similar change in MAP as did propranolol. In contrast, tertatolol increased resistance only in the hindquarter vascular bed, both in intact and SAD animals. These data show an important role of sinoaortic baroreflex activation in the early peripheral vasoconstriction caused by propranolol in conscious SHR. Moreover, the data suggest that tertatolol inhibits the sympathetic nervous system-mediated reflex vasoconstriction.