Vasopressin contributes to hypertension caused by nucleus tractus solitarius lesions

Lesions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were studied to determine whether they elevate plasma vasopressin levels and, if so, whether these elevated levels of vasopressin contribute to the hypertension caused by NTS lesions. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the NTS caused acute, severe hypertension in rats anesthetized with chloralose and in conscious, freely moving rats. After placement of the NTS lesions there was a greater than tenfold elevation in plasma vasopressin levels. Administration of an antagonist of the vasoconstrictor action of vasopressin markedly diminished the hypertension in both conscious and anesthetized rats. Following ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine, NTS lesions still elicited hypertension, and the magnitude of the hypertension was not different from that observed in rats not treated with chlorisondamine. The hypertension produced by lesions of the NTS in ganglionic-blocked rats was completely abolished by administration of a vasopressin antagonist. These results indicate that (1) NTS lesions elevate plasma vasopressin levels and (2) elevated plasma vasopressin contributes to the hypertension produced by such lesions.