Effects of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone on pressor responses in conscious ovariectomized rats

Attenuation of pressor responsiveness to several administered vasoconstrictors is a constant feature of normal gestation in humans and other species, such as the rat. However, the mechanism of this physiological adaptation remains uncertain. Because plasma levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) increase markedly during pregnancy, we tested the hypothesis that these hormones may mediate the reduced pressor responses. Seven days after bilateral ovariectomy and chronic instrumentation of rats, the pressor responses of arginine vasopressin, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine were tested on two occasions > or = 48 h apart. Then E2, P, or a combination of E2 and P was administered by subcutaneous implantation of 21-day-release steroid pellets. Pressor responses were again tested at various times throughout the period of steroid treatment. The plasma concentrations of the steroids were assessed by radio-immunoassay, and doses of the hormones were given that both approximated and exceeded circulating levels found in our laboratory for gravid rats. Despite chronic elevation of plasma E2 and/or P, we did not observe consistent attenuation of pressor responsiveness in any of the steroid-treatment regimens, nor was a decline in mean arterial pressure observed, which is typically found in rats during late gestation. In conclusion, we are unable to support the hypothesis that E2 and/or P contributes to the diminished pressor responsiveness of rat pregnancy.