Arterial hypotension induced by horseradish peroxidase in various rat strains

The influence of various commercial preparations of horseradish peroxidase upon the arterial pressure has been investigated using direct intra-arterial pressure recordings in Nembutal anesthetized rats of different strains. A marked hypotension was noted in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats when sufficiently high doses (5-10 mg/100 g body weight) were injected intravenously. This effect was observed with both highly purified (Sigma type VI, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad I) as well as less pure preparations (Sigma type II, Boehringer Reinheitsgrad II). Prior injection of promethazin, an antihistamine, prevented the drop in arterial pressure. Wistar/Furth rats appeared almost resistant to the hypotensive effect of Sigma preparations but developed moderate to marked hypotension with both types of Boehringer horseradish peroxidase. When instead of Nembutal, ether anesthesia was used only a transient mild hypotension developed and the animals recovered within 7-10 min. No effect was noted in Syrian hamsters receiving injections with the same doses of horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoresis revealed marked variations in the isozyme composition of different horseradish peroxidase preparations. Since the exact nature of the hypotensive agent remains unknown, it is suggested that the arterial pressure be monitored before extensive systematic application of this tracer in vascular permeability studies in rats.