Central pressor actions of angiotensin II

Involvement of the area postrema in experimental hypertension has been investigated. Ablation of the rear apex of the fourth brain ventricle (=the region of the area postrema) elevated blood pressure, heart rate and plasma angiotensin II level. The same characteristic changes were seen in the two kidney Goldblatt rat model of hypertension. A possible involvement of the area postrema in this model of hypertension is discussed. Intraventricular perfusion of angiotensin II elevated blood pressure without a significant change in heart rates. This pressor response appeared to be dependent on release of antidiuretic hormone. The results are discussed in relation to the intrinsic brain angiotensinogenase system.