Antihypertensive actions of the novel nonpeptide endothelin receptor antagonist SB 209670

Indirect evidence has implicated endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the present study we examined such a role directly with SB 209670, a novel nonpeptide endothelin receptor antagonist. The antihypertensive and hemodynamic effects of SB 209670 were examined in conscious, unrestrained spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), and renin-hypertensive rats. Sustained intravenous infusion of SB 209670 (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 6 hours) produced a significant, reversible reduction in mean arterial pressure in SHR but not in WKY rats. The antihypertensive response to 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 SB 209670 (approximately 25 mm Hg reduction in blood pressure) was associated with bradycardia (16% decrease in heart rate) but only a minimal reduction (3%) in cardiac output, because stroke volume was evaluated (by 15%). Therefore, the antihypertensive effect of SB 209670 resulted from a decrease (13%) in total peripheral resistance. A sustained antihypertensive effect could also be observed after intraduodenal administration of SB 209670 (3 mg/kg) in conscious SHR (reduction of approximately 35 mm Hg 5 hours after administration). SB 209670 (3 mg/kg intravenous bolus) did not alter the pressor response or tachycardia observed in pithed SHR after stimulation of thoracolumbar sympathetic outflow. SB 209670 was also antihypertensive in renin-hypertensive rats, lowering blood pressure to an extent similar to that observed in SHR. Thus, the data presented provide evidence to support a role for endothelin-1 in the pathophysiology of two animal models of hypertension.