Flushing and haemodynamic responses to vasopressin peptides in the rhesus monkey

1. The mechanism of the flushing, hypotension and tachycardia associated with i.v. administration of desGlyd(CH2)5D-Tyr(Et)VAVP (SK&F 101926; 25 micrograms kg-1) and the selective V2 antidiuretic agonist, desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP; 3 micrograms kg-1) was studied in ketamine-anaesthetized rhesus monkeys. 2. The flushing associated with SK&F 101926 was reduced by pretreatment with a mast cell stabilizer and by repeated administration of peptide (within 2-4 weeks). A similar desensitization to dDAVP-associated flushing was observed on repeated administration. 3. Treatment with dDAVP also resulted in reduced SK&F 101926-associated flushing. 4. The hypotension associated with SK&F 101926 was not affected by pretreatment with a mast cell stabilizer. A similar degree of hypotension was observed with repeated administration of either SK&F 101926 or dDAVP. 5. The tachycardia associated with SK&F 101926 was reduced by pretreatment with a mast cell stabilizer or repeated administration of SK&F 101926. Repeated administration of dDAVP, however, resulted in an enhanced tachycardia. 6. Indomethacin (5 mg kg-1 i.v.) did not alter the flushing or the hypotension associated with the administration of either SK&F 101926 or dDAVP, but resulted in an enhanced tachycardia to SK&F 101926. 7. Administration of a selective V1 vasopressor antagonist did not result in flushing, hypotension or tachycardia. 8. It was concluded that the flushing response to vasopressin-like peptides in rhesus monkeys may be due to an action on mast cells, whereas the haemodynamic responses are not, but probably involve direct vasodilator actions.