Vasoconstricting effect of vasopressin on regional vascular beds in conscious rats after ganglionic blockade

We analyzed the vasoconstrictor effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on regional arteries before and after ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium. Simultaneous measurements of mean arterial pressure and regional flows were obtained in conscious rats, using chronically implanted electromagnetic flow probes. Regional vascular resistance was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by regional flow. AVP was applied intravenously as a bolus, at doses ranging from 5 x 10(-11) to 5 x 10(-8) g/kg. AVP increased mean arterial pressure, decreased superior mesenteric, renal and terminal aortic flows (supplied mainly for the hindquarter vascular area), and increased superior mesenteric, renal and terminal aortic (hindquarter) resistances in a dose-dependent manner. Ganglionic blockade decreased mean arterial pressure and renal resistance significantly, whereas there were no significant differences between changes in resistance before and after ganglionic blockade in superior mesenteric or terminal aortic areas. This suggested the presence of basal sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone in the renal area. After ganglionic blockade, the pressor effect of AVP was enhanced significantly. The increase in renal resistance induced by AVP was augmented after ganglionic blockade, whereas increases in superior mesenteric or terminal aortic resistance remained unchanged following ganglionic blockade. Our data suggest that the vasoconstrictor effect of AVP on renal vascular area is reduced by a mechanism which inhibits renal sympathetic basal tone.