Hemodynamic effects of the arteriolar vasodilators hydralazine, dihydralazine and endralazine in the conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The hemodynamic effects of the vasodilators hydralazine, dihydralazine and endralazine were studied in conscious, unrestrained spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) equipped for chronic hemodynamic measurements. The arteriolar vasodilators hydralazine (0.3 mg/kg i.a.) and dihydralazine (0.3 mg/kg i.a.) caused a rapid fall in blood pressure and peripheral resistance, lasting up to 24 h in the case of dihydralazine. Immediately after injection, the cardiac output and heart rate were increased significantly. These effects only lasted for 1-2 h. The hemodynamic pattern of the new vasodilator endralazine (0.1-1 mg/kg i.a.) was very similar, with a duration of action similar to that of dihydralazine. The role of baroreceptor reflexes in the early hemodynamic effects of vasodilators was studied by comparing the effects of 0.3 mg/kg hydralazine in baroreflex-denervated and non-denervated SHR. The decrease in blood pressure and peripheral resistance was significantly larger in the denervated SHR, whereas increases in cardiac output and heart rate were almost completely absent in these animals. These data suggest that baroreceptor reflexes oppose the early fall in blood pressure and peripheral resistance induced by vasodilators. However, the activity of the baroreflex seems of very short duration, suggesting a rapid adaptation to the prevailing blood pressure. Moreover, the data show that endralazine is an effective arteriolar vasodilator in conscious SHR.