Acute interaction of vasopressin and neurogenic mechanisms in DOC-salt hypertension

Abstract
The relative role of vasopressin and neurogenic factors in the control of vascular resistance was investigated in rats treated with deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and salt and in control rats. DOC-salt-treated rats had elevated hindquarter vascular resistance (P < 0.05). Vasopressin and neurogenic tone contributed significantly (P < 0.05) to increased resistance. Vasodilator responses to a specific vasopressin antagonist, 1-deaminopenicillamine, 4-valine-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dPVDAVP), and lumbar sympathectomy in separate DOC-salt groups accounted for 40 .+-. 5 (SE) and 43 .+-. 6%, respectively, of the total vasodilator capacity. In contrast, corresponding responses to dPVDAVP and lumbar sympathectomy in control rats were smaller (P < 0.01), were significantly different (P < 0.05), and accounted for 8 .+-. 3 and 20 .+-. 3%, respectively, of the total vasodilator capacity. Effects of dPVDAVP compared in innervated hindquarters of DOC-salt-treated and control rats were greater in DOC-salt-treated rats (P < 0.001); in the denervated hindquarters the effects of dPVDAVP were similar in DOC-salt-treated and control rats. Effects of vasopressin on vascular resistance were augmented in DOC-salt-treated hypertensive rats; furthermore this augmented effect was dependent on an intact innervation.