The effect of angiotensin II on in vivo albumin transport in normal rabbit aortic tissue.

Angiotensin II and other vasoactive amines may have a direct effect on the permeability of the arterial wall. We have investigated the effect of angiotensin II in vivo albumin transport across the aortic wall in rabbits following intravenous injection of [125I]albumin. Transmural concentration profiles of 125I-labeled albumin across the intima and media of the aorta, generated during 25 min of either angiotensin or saline infusion, were measured by a serial-sectioning technique. The uptake of labeled albumin through the aortic wall was found to be dependent on position and to increase from the descending thoracic up to the arch. Angiotensin infusion increased albumin uptake in the region of the aorta proximal to the first pair of intercostal arteries and magnified the position dependence. Angiotensin infusion did not change the uptake of albumin in the descending thoracic aorta between intercostal arteries. The arterial blood pressure elevation associated with angiotensin infusion was not of prime importance in producing the uptake patterns described above.