Peripheral inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system by angiotensin

1. The effects of angiotensin II and angiotensin III ([des-1-Asp]-angiotensin II) on the actions of the peripheral vagus were studied in several preparations. 2. In the anaesthetized dog and in the spontaneously beating guinea-pig isolated atrial preparation the decrease in heart rate evoked by stimulation of the peripheral end of the vagus nerve was attenuated in the presence of angiotensin II and angiotensin III. These effects persisted after sympathetic beta-blockade. 3. In the anaesthetized rabbit vagally-stimulated increases in tension in a segment of the gastric wall were also attenuated in the presence of angiotensin II and angiotensin III.