Vascular reactivity in spontaneously hypertensive normotensive and hypotensive rats

1 Three strains of rats spontaneously hypertensive (HRS), normotensive (NS) and hypotensive (HOS), were selected by repeated inbreeding.2 In order to explain the different blood pressure levels observed, we have studied their vascular reactivity to noradrenaline and angiotensin II. Experiments were performed in anaesthetized ganglion-blocked, vagotomized rats.3 The reactivity to noradrenaline was significantly higher in HRS than in NS and HOS rats.4 The reactivity to angiotensin II appeared identical in the three strains used.