Conscious Renal Hypertensive Dogs Research Articles

KRN4884, a novel K channel opener: antihypertensive effects in conscious renal hypertensive dogs.

We examined the antihypertensive effects of KRN4884, 5-amino-N-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-N'-cyano-3-pyridinecarbocamidine+ ++, in normotensive dogs, a high-renin model acute renal hypertensive dog (RHD), and a low-renin model chronic RHD in the conscious state, compared with levcromakalim and nilvadipine. KRN4884 decreased mean blood pressure (MBP) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg p.o. in normotensive dogs and both RHDs. The decrease in MBP was greater in both RHDs than in normotensive dogs, and there were no significant differences between the two RHDs. A transient increase in heart rate (HR) accompanied the increase in MBP in all three types of dogs. In the chronic RHD, KRN4884 at doses of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent decrease in MBP. The antihypertensive effect of KRN4884 (0.1 mg/kg) was similar to those of levcromakalim (0.05 mg/kg) and nilvadipine (1.0 mg/kg) in magnitude and more prolonged than those of the compounds. The tachycardia induced by KRN4884 was similar to that induced by levcromakalim and was stronger than that induced by nilvadipine. In the 15-day repeated oral-administration study, KRN4884 (0.1 mg/kg) induced sustained hypotensive effects and transient increases in HR and plasma renin activity. No tolerance to the antihypertensive effect of KRN4884 was observed during a 15-day repeated dosing period. After withdrawal of KRN4884, no rebound phenomena in MBP and HR were observed. Neither the maximal concentration nor area under the curve (AUC) of KRN4884 in plasma were changed at days 1, 8, and 15. These data indicate that KRN4884 produces a strong and persistent antihypertensive response in both low-renin and high-renin models of RHD in a conscious state, which suggests that KRN4884 may be useful as an antihypertensive agent.

Pharmacological Studies on a New Antihypertensive Agent, S-2150, a Benzothiazepine Derivative: 3. Hypotensive and Antimyocardial-Stunning Effects in Dogs

The hypotensive and antimyocardial-stunning effects of a new 1,5-benzothiazepine antihypertensive agent, S-2150, were investigated in dogs. S-2150 (30 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the blood pressure in conscious renal hypertensive dogs. Although the maximal hypotensive effect of S-2150 was observed at 5-9 h after administration, the effect of diltiazem was seen at 2.0 h. Arrhythmia was not observed as a hypotensive effects of S-2150 but was markedly induced by diltiazem. In anesthetized open-chest dogs, S-2150 (20 micrograms/kg/min, i.v.) caused by hypotensive effect similar to that of diltiazem but decreased myocardial work (double product) by much less than did diltiazem. S-2150 more promptly improved the local myocardial stunning caused by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and its reperfusion. This effect did not accompany the energy-sparing action in ischemic/reperfused myocardium, which was different from the case of diltiazem. In isolated dog mesenteric arteries, S-2150 relaxed KCl and phenylephrine contracture. These results suggest that S-2150 is a favorable hypotensive agent for hypertensive patients with ischemic heart disease. Blockage of both Ca2+ channels and alpha 1-adrenoceptors by S-2150 seems to lead to cardiovascular effects different from those of diltiazem.

Hypotensive effects of YM430, a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, in spontaneously hypertensive rats and renal hypertensive dogs.

The hypotensive effects of YM430 (4(((S)-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino)butyl methyl 2,6-dimethyl-((S)-4-(m-nitrophenyl))-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxyla te) were evaluated in hypertensive animals. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), single oral administration of YM430 (10-100 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in mean blood pressure (MBP) with slight reflex tachycardia. The hypotensive effect of YM430 reached its maximum about 2 hr after dosing and lasted for over 10 hr. Importantly, the beta 1-adrenoceptor blocking activity of YM430 had a similar time course to that of its calcium entry blocking activity. In conscious normotensive dogs (NTD: 1-10 mg/kg, p.o.), YM430 decreased MBP without reflex tachycardia, and inhibited isoproterenol (ISO)-induced tachycardia in a dose-dependent manner. In conscious renal hypertensive dogs (RHD: 0.3-3 mg/kg, p.o.), YM430 also produced a sustained hypotensive effect. Furthermore, on repeated oral administration to conscious SHR and NTD, YM430 caused a long-lasting hypotensive effect. This hypotensive activity and inhibition of ISO-induced tachycardia showed neither tolerance, augmentation nor rebound. In conclusion, YM430 has a long-lasting hypotensive effect and behaves as a hybrid compound, combining calcium entry blocking and beta 1-adrenoceptor blocking activities in vivo. In addition, the degree of the blocking activities of YM430 remains nearly constant in the long-term after oral administration.

Hypotensive Effects of YM430, a 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivative, in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Renal Hypertensive Dogs

The hypotensive effects of YM430 (4(((S)-2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino)butyl methyl 2,6-dimethyl-((S)-4-(m-nitrophenyl))-l,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate) were evaluated in hypertensive animals. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), single oral administration of YM430 (10-100 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in mean blood pressure (MBP) with slight reflex tachycardia. The hypotensive effect of YM430 reached its maximum about 2 hr after dosing and lasted for over 10 hr. Importantly, the β1-adrenoceptor blocking activity of YM430 had a similar time course to that of its calcium entry blocking activity. In conscious normotensive dogs (NTD: 1-10mg/kg, p.o.), YM430 decreased MBP without reflex tachycardia, and inhibited isoproterenol (ISO)-induced tachycardia in a dose-dependent manner. In conscious renal hypertensive dogs (RHD: 0.3-3 mg/kg, p.o.), YM430 also produced a sustained hypotensive effect. Furthermore, on repeated oral administration to conscious SHR and NTD, YM430 caused a long-lasting hypotensive effect. This hypotensive activity and inhibition of ISO-induced tachycardia showed neither tolerance, augmentation nor rebound. In conclusion, YM430 has a long-lasting hypotensive effect and behaves as a hybrid compound, combining calcium entry blocking and β1-adrenoceptor blocking activities in vivo. In addition, the degree of the blocking activities of YM430 remains nearly constant in the long-term after oral administration.

O-391 - Antihypertensive and renal hemodynamic effects of a novel non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, TCV-116 in conscious renal hypertensive dogs.

O-391 - Antihypertensive and renal hemodynamic effects of a novel non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, TCV-116 in conscious renal hypertensive dogs.

New NO-donors with antithrombotic and vasodilating activities, II: 3-alkyl-N-nitroso-5-sydnone imines.

Fifteen 3-alkyl-, four 3-cycloalkyl-N-nitroso-5-sydnone imines and five 3-alkyl-N-nitro-5-sydnone imines were synthesized and their ability to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by collagen (Born-test) was studied in vitro. Dependent on the chemical structure, the IC50-values for the inhibition of platelet aggregation were in the range of 0.2-140 mumol/L. It is suggested that this scale reflects different binding properties of the nitrosimines with respect to the platelet membrane. Highest activities were observed for the 3-hexyl (2f) and the 3-cyclohexyl (2p) derivative. Three nitrimines (3e, 3f, 3i) also showed IC50 values below 10 mumol/L. For the nitrosimines 2a, 2f, and 2m antithrombotic activity was demonstrated in vivo. They inhibited laser induced arterial thrombosis in anesthetized rats up to 70% two h after oral administration. In conscious renal-hypertensive dogs, the decrease in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular enddiastolic pressure suggests an antianginal activity of the compound 2a similar to that of molsidomine (M). The smoother onset and the longer duration of action of the new compound as compared to M could be a significant advantage of 2a in the therapy of angina pectoris.

Antihypertensive Effects of MPC-1304, a Novel Calcium Antagonist, in Experimental Hypertensive Rats and Dogs

Summary: Antihypertensive effects of a novel calcium antagonist, MPC-1304, (±)-methyl 2-oxopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate and its active metabolites were investigated in experimental hypertensive rats and dogs and compared with those of other dihydropyridine derivatives (nifedipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, and nitrendipine). MPC-1304 had a dose-related antihypertensive effect with a slight increase in heart rate (HR) in rats. The antihypertensive effects of MPC-1304 were more potent than those of other dihydropyridines, and its active metabolites had antihypertensive effects comparable to those of other dihydropyridines. The hypotensive effects of MPC-1304 were stronger in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. During repeated oral administration of MPC-1304 to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, once daily for 4 weeks, 0.3-3 mg/kg), dose-response curves of the antihypertensive effect did not change and body weight gain was equal to that of the vehicle-treated group. When given orally to conscious renal hypertensive dogs, MPC-1304 0.1-0.3 mg/kg had a potency and duration of antihypertensive action comparable to that of nitrendipine (1-3 mg/kg). MPC-1304 increased coronary blood flow (CBF) and aortic blood flow (ABF) in conscious normotensive dogs. In conclusion, MPC-1304 and its active metabolites have potent antihypertensive effects and cause slight tachycardia, and they may be useful in treating hypertension

Cardiovascular effects of the new nitric oxide donor, pirsidomine. Hemodynamic profile and tolerance studies in anesthetized and conscious dogs

The hemodynamic profile of pirsidomine, a new donor of NO (nitric oxide), was evaluated in dogs. In anesthetized dogs, the intravenous or intraduodenal administration of pirsidomine (0.3–10 mg/kg) decreased dose relatedly the preload and afterload of the heart, total peripheral resistance, cardiac output, left ventricular work and myocardial oxygen consumption. In conscious renal-hypertensive dogs, oral administration of pirsidomine (1.0–10 mg/kg) caused a marked and sustained decrease in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, which was accompanied by a slight and transient increase in heart rate and contractility. The diastolic blood pressure was affected less than in anesthetized dogs. Similar hemodynamic effects were obtained with M1 (3-(1-(2,6-dimethylpiperidino))-sydnonimine; 0.3–1 mg/kg), the main metabolite of pirisidomine, and with the known NO donor, isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN; 2–10 mg/kg). Tolerance development after repeated administration of pirsidomine and IS-5-MN was also investigated. In anesthetized dogs, repeated intraduodenal administrations of pirsidomine did not attenuate the response whereas tolerance occurred with hemodynamically equieffective doses of IS-5-MN. In conscious dogs, long term oral treatment, three times daily every 8th h for 5 days, revealed tolerance to IS-5-MN, slight or no tolerance to pirsidomine, and no cross-tolerance between the two agents. The results indicate that pirsidomine possesses an antianginal hemodynamic profile similar to that of its main metabolite, M1, and of IS-5-MN. This suggests a common mode of action via the release of NO. Furthermore, the results of the tolerance studies are consistent with the hypothesis of a different mechanism for the release of NO with the sydnonimines and the organic nitrates.

Antihypertensive Effects of MPC-1304, a Novel Calcium Antagonist, in Experimental Hypertensive Rats and Dogs

Antihypertensive effects of a novel calcium antagonist, MPC-1304, (+-)-methyl 2-oxopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5- pyridine-dicarboxylate and its active metabolites were investigated in experimental hypertensive rats and dogs and compared with those of other dihydropyridine derivatives (nifedipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, and nitrendipine). MPC-1304 had a dose-related antihypertensive effect with a slight increase in heart rate (HR) in rats. The antihypertensive effects of MPC-1304 were more potent than those of other dihydropyridines, and its active metabolites had antihypertensive effects comparable to those of other dihydropyridines. The hypotensive effects of MPC-1304 were stronger in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats. During repeated oral administration of MPC-1304 to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, once daily for 4 weeks, 0.3-3 mg/kg), dose-response curves of the antihypertensive effect did not change and body weight gain was equal to that of the vehicle-treated group. When given orally to conscious renal hypertensive dogs, MPC-1304 0.1-0.3 mg/kg had a potency and duration of antihypertensive action comparable to that of nitrendipine (1-3 mg/kg). MPC-1304 increased coronary blood flow (CBF) and aortic blood flow (ABF) in conscious normotensive dogs. In conclusion, MPC-1304 and its active metabolites have potent antihypertensive effects and cause slight tachycardia, and they may be useful in treating hypertension.

SD-3211, a Novel Benzothiazine Calcium Antagonist, Alone and in Combination with a Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonist, Produces Antihypertensive Effects Without Affecting Heart Rate and Atrioventricular Conduction in Conscious Renal Hypertensive Dogs

We compared the effects of SD-3211, a novel calcium antagonist, on blood pressure, heart rate, and atrioventricular conduction with those of diltiazem using conscious renal hypertensive dogs (one-kidney, one-clip type). We also examined the combined effects of these calcium antagonists with a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol, on these variables. Oral administration of SD-3211 (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure without affecting heart rate. SD-3211 at all three doses significantly decreased systolic blood pressure. At 2.5 and 5 mg/kg the compound elicited significant decreases in mean blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Hypotension obtained with the highest dose of SD-3211 lasted for at least 9 h. No significant alteration in PR interval was observed in electrocardiograms after administration of SD-3211. Diltiazem, given orally at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg but not 1.25 mg/kg, produced significant hypotension with little change in heart rate. The duration of hypotension induced by the highest dose of diltiazem was only 3 h. Diltiazem prolonged PR interval in a dose-dependent manner, causing second-degree atrioventricular block in some dogs. Combined administration of SD-3211 or diltiazem (2.5 mg/kg) with propranolol (30 mg/kg) resulted in enhanced hypotension with no alteration in heart rate. SD-3211 plus propranolol had little effect on the PR interval, whereas diltiazem plus propranolol caused a markedly enhanced prolongation. These results indicate that SD-3211 is an antihypertensive agent with long-lasting action and little effect on heart rate and atrioventricular conduction and, when administered alone or in combination with propranolol, may be useful in the treatment of hypertension.

O-209 - Antihypertensive effects of SD-3211, a novel calcium antagonist in conscious renal hypertensive dogs

O-209 - Antihypertensive effects of SD-3211, a novel calcium antagonist in conscious renal hypertensive dogs

P-360 - Antihypertensive effects of NZ-105, a novel dihydropyrldine calcium antagonist, in conscious renal hypertensive dogs

P-360 - Antihypertensive effects of NZ-105, a novel dihydropyrldine calcium antagonist, in conscious renal hypertensive dogs

5-(1-piperazinyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amines as antihypertensive agents.

A series of 5-(1-piperazinyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amines was synthesized and screened for antihypertensive and diuretic activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). One compound, 5-[4-[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1-piperazinyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-am ine (8), was selected to define the mechanism of its antihypertensive activity. Studies in SHR suggest ganglionic blocking activity. Short-lived antihypertensive activity was observed in conscious renal hypertensive dogs.

Cardiovascular effects of the novel arteriovenous dilator agent, flosequinan in conscious dogs and cats.

1. Flosequinan (BTS 49 465, 7-fluoro-1-methyl-3-methylsulphinyl-4-quinolone) a novel arteriovenous dilator agent was orally effective in conscious renal hypertensive dogs and normotensive cats. The hypotensive potency of flosequinan was approximately ten times less than that of hydralazine in renal hypertensive dogs, 10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1 flosequinan causing similar falls in mean blood pressure to 1 mg kg-1 and 3 mg kg-1 hydralazine respectively. In normotensive cats, 5 mg kg-1 flosequinan caused similar falls to 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1 hydralazine. The onset of hypotensive effect after flosequinan appeared to be slightly slower than after hydralazine in the dog and slightly faster than hydralazine in the cat. 2. The degree of tachycardia and increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) for equivalent falls in mean blood pressure in both species was significantly less for flosequinan than for hydralazine (P less than 0.05). 3. In normotensive dogs, flosequinan, 10 and 20 mg kg-1 orally, caused a small but non-significant increase in sodium and chloride excretion and had little effect on urine volume whereas hydralazine, 1 and 3 mg kg-1 orally, caused a marked retention of sodium and chloride ions and a reduction in urine volume (P less than 0.01). 4. Neither flosequinan, 10 mg kg-1 orally, nor hydralazine 1 mg kg-1 orally, affected either glomerular filtration rate measured as creatinine clearance or effective renal plasma flow measured as p-aminohippuric acid clearance in normotensive dogs. 5. The lesser degree of tachycardia and increase in plasma renin activity together with a lack of sodium retaining activity associated with flosequinan suggest that this agent may have potential advantages over existing therapy as an antihypertensive in man.

MDL 72567, a Dihydropyridine Calcium-Antagonist, That Causes Vasodilation and Direct Sinus Bradycardia

MDL 72567 (2,6 dimethyl,3 methoxycarbonyl,4-(2-nitrophenyl), 5-(2-furoyl)1,4 dihydropyridine) was a potent antagonist of Ca2+-induced contractions in K+-depolarized taenia preparations from the guinea pig caecum (pA2 8.8 +/- 0.1). MDL 72567 was a potent displacer of [3H]nitrendipine binding from rat cortical membrane preparations (Ki 3.99 nM), indicating an effect at the dihydropyridine binding site, which is consistent with the finding that the inhibitory effects of MDL 72567 in smooth muscle were prevented by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644. MDL 72567 slowed spontaneously beating rat atria preparations to a greater extent than did nifedipine, however, for a given negative inotropic effect. Furthermore, in pithed rat preparations infused with angiotensin II to elevate blood pressure, the hypotensive effects of MDL 72567 (3 nmol/kg-3 mumol/kg, intravenously, i.v.) were accompanied by bradycardia, whereas nifedipine, PY 108-068, and nicardipine lowered blood pressure without affecting heart rate. When compared with nifedipine, MDL 72567 caused less reflex tachycardia for a given fall in blood pressure, in anesthetized beagles and in conscious renal hypertensive dogs. In anesthetized dogs, MDL 72567 increased cardiac contractility at all hypotensive doses tested (30-3,000 nmol/kg, i.v.), whereas nifedipine caused profound myocardial depression at higher doses (1,000-3,000 nmol/kg, i.v.) even though the compounds had equivalent vasodilator effects. Thus, although MDL 72567 appears to cause a direct myocardial slowing that can partially offset reflex tachycardia, the compound has negligible negative inotropic effects and may therefore be useful in angina pectoris or even in congestive heart failure.

Cardiovascular Effects of the New Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Inhibitor, Cilazapril, in Anesthetized and Conscious Dogs

Cilazapril is a new angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. In conscious renal-hypertensive dogs, cilazapril (2 X 10 mg/kg/day p.o.) caused a long-lasting (greater than 24 h) decrease in systolic arterial blood pressure, the magnitude of which was potentiated by pretreatment with furosemide. A maximal fall in systolic blood pressure of 39 +/- 6 mm Hg (from 145 +/- 5 to 106 +/- 7 mm Hg) was recorded. The antihypertensive effect did not decline with repeated administration and was accompanied by only a slight increase in heart rate. Cilazapril also reduced systolic blood pressure in furosemide-pretreated normotensive dogs. Hemodynamic studies in anesthetized dogs revealed that cilazapril (0.03-1 mg/kg i.v.) caused a fall in mean arterial and left ventricular systolic pressures. At the highest dose of 1 mg/kg i.v., the blood-pressure-lowering effect (-27%) was due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance (-12%) and cardiac output (-16%). Intravenous administration of cilazapril to anesthetized dogs resulted in a rise in plasma renin activity and a significant fall in plasma angiotensin II levels. In conscious normotensive dogs, cilazapril (0.3-10 mg/kg p.o.) exerted diuretic and saluretic effects, which were accompanied by a significant increase in renal plasma flow (46%), but only a slight rise in the glomerular filtration rate. These results characterize cilazapril as an effective and long-lasting antihypertensive drug, with diuretic activity and, possibly, preload- as well as afterload-reducing properties.

ChemInform Abstract: SYNTHESIS, IN VITRO (3H)PRAZOSIN DISPLACEMENT, AND IN VIVO ACTIVITY OF 3‐ARYL‐4,5,6,7‐TETRAHYDROPYRAZOLO(4,3‐C)PYRIDINES, A NEW CLASS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS

AbstractVerbindungen wie (II)‐(V) werden synthetisiert und auf Antiherpes‐ Aktivität geprüft.

Cardiovascular pharmacology of nicardipine in animals.

The haemodynamic, antianginal and antihypertensive effects of nicardipine, a vascular selective calcium antagonist, were studied in experimental animals. In the canine isolated coronary artery, nicardipine relaxed potassium-induced contraction and suppressed 3,4-diaminopyridine-induced rhythmic contractions more effectively than nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem. In anaesthetised rats, nicardipine prevented the elevation of ST segment induced by intracoronary injection of methacholine. In anaesthetised dogs, nicardipine produced a greater vasodilatation in vertebral, carotid, and coronary vessels than in mesenteric, femoral, and renal vessels and did not affect myocardial oxygen consumption. In conscious monkeys, nicardipine given intravenously lowered blood pressure and gave rise to reflex tachycardia but did not prolong the A-V conduction time. Nicardipine given orally lowered blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), renal hypertensive rats (RHR), and deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt hypertensive rats (DOCA/Salt), as well as in normotensive rats. Long-term treatment with nicardipine given orally for 12 weeks effectively lowered high blood pressure in the three types of hypertensive rats, reduced cardiac hypertrophy in SHR and DOCA/Salt rats, and prevented mortality from stroke in DOCA/Salt rats. Combined treatment with nicardipine and a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent (indenolol) showed an antihypertensive effect similar to that obtained with nicardipine alone. Conscious renal hypertensive dogs given repeated oral administration of nicardipine for 14 days did not develop tolerance to the hypotensive activity of nicardipine. Under the same conditions, tolerance to hydralazine developed within 4 days.

Cardiovascular effects of methamphetamine in dogs treated chronically with the amine.

Methamphetamine is one of a group of sympathomimetic amines that lower blood pressure upon chronic administration to hypertensive dogs. To determine whether tolerance to the cardiovascular effects of these drugs could play a role in their antihypertensive action, acute blood pressure responses to oral d-methamphetamine were determined in trained conscious renal hypertensive dogs at weekly intervals during treatment with the drug for 2 months. Responses were also obtained in similarly treated normotensive dogs and in normotensive and hypertensive animals receiving l-methamphetamine. Pressor responses to d-methamphetamine in hypertensive dogs remained unchanged throughout treatment, while in all other cases they diminished gradually. Only the dextro isomer reduced blood pressure chronically in the hypertensive group. It was concluded that tolerance is not involved in the antihypertensive effect of methamphetamine and that, considering the stereo specificity of this effect, residual lowering of blood pressure might involve formation of a false mediator metabolite of the amine.

Baroreflex control of heart interval in conscious renal hypertensive dogs.

The purpose of this study is to determine if baroreflex control of heart interval is abnormal in conscious dogs with renal hypertension. Changes in heart interval in response to transient nitroglycerin-induced decreases in arterial pressure and transient phenylephrine-induced increases in arterial pressure were determined in nine normotensive [mean arterial pressure 92 +/- 4 (SE) mmHg] and nine renal hypertensive conscious dogs (mean arterial pressure 139 +/- 10 mmHg). Data were acquired before and after beta-adrenergic blockade with 2 mg/kg iv propranolol and before and after parasympathetic blockade with 0.5 mg/kg iv atropine. Control heart rates for the normotensive and hypertensive dogs were not different (91 +/- 4 and 93 +/- 7 beats/min, respectively). Before autonomic blockade, the responses of normotensive and hypertensive dogs to nitroglycerin were not different. However, prolongation of the heart interval in response to phenylephrine in hypertensive dogs was significantly less than in normotensive dogs. In both groups, atropine nearly abolished the decrease in heart interval in response to nitroglycerin and the increase in heart interval in response to phenylephrine, although there were small but significant residual responses. Propranolol was without significant effect on heart interval responses to nitroglycerin and phenylephrine. We conclude that the baroreflex control of heart interval during transient decreases in arterial pressure is preserved in hypertensive dogs and is mediated mainly by decreases in parasympathetic outflow to the heart. In contrast, baroreflex control of heart interval during transient increases in arterial pressure is impaired in hypertension and is mediated mainly by activation of parasympathetic cholinergic mechanisms.