The absence of a catechol estrogen effect on blood pressure in the male rat

Since catechol estrogens are potent competitive inhibitors of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), it has been suggested that they may prolong the half-life of catecholamines which in turn can cause hypertension. Thus, experiments were carried out to study the effect of catechol estrogens on blood pressure in the male rat following chronic administration. Results demonstrate that 2-hydroxyesterone (2,3-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one) and 2-hydroxy-estradiol (estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-2,3,17 beta-triol) even when administered in high doses do not alter blood pressure.