Cardiovascular effects of acetaldehyde in pithed rats

The influence of acetaldehyde (30 mg/kg i.v.) on blood pressure and heart rate in anesthetized and pithed rats was studied. In anesthetized rats we observed a small increase, and a subsequent considerable decrease in mean blood pressure. The latter did not occur in pithed rats. Stimulation of the circulatory system in anesthetized and in pithed rats was completely abolished by administration of phentolamine or reserpine. Both in anesthetized and in pithed rats acetaldehyde caused an increase in heart rate which was inhibited in animals treated earlier with propranolol or reserpine. Our results demonstrated that besides its peripheral action, acetaldehyde exerts central effects which cause severe hypotension.