Effect of verapamil on cadmium induced hypertension in rats

The effect of cadmium acetate (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) alone and following verapamil (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.), in male Sprague Dawley (S-D) rats on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were examined. Cadmium acetate produced dose dependent effect on BP and HR. Cadmium injected intravenously in different doses produced initial transient fall followed by a persistent rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Verapamil pretreatment attenuated the BP and HR responses in rats. These findings indicate that two blockers of calcium channels produce different effects on BP and HR in rats.