Selective inhibition of angiotensin pressor responses in the pithed rat by tetraethylthiuram disulphide (disulfiram) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC).

1. Pressor responses to sympathetic outflow stimulation, noradrenaline and angiotensin have been recorded in pithed rats.2. Disulfiram (50 mg/kg) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) (5-100 mg/kg) both caused an initial increase in the pressor response to all three procedures followed by a selective inhibition of the angiotensin responses.3. Penicillamine (1-100 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid (1-500 mg/kg) increased the pressor responses to all three procedures without any subsequent blocking action.4. Reserpine (5 mg/kg daily for 3 days) abolished responses to sympathetic outflow stimulation but did not impair angiotensin or noradrenaline responses.5. In reserpinized rats, the initial enhancement of angiotensin responses after disulfiram and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was absent or reduced and the onset of the subsequent block was accelerated.6. Possible mechanisms for the angiotensin-blocking action of disulfiram and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate are discussed.