An opposing role for the adrenals in the hypotensive effects of propranolol in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Abstract

d,l-Propranolol (1 and 5 mg/kg s.c.) did not cause a fall in blood pressure and induced only a limited decrease in heart rate in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In contrast, after bilateral adrenalectomy, d,l-propranolol induced a rapid and profound decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Decreases in heart rate and blood pressure in the individual animals were not correlated. The effects were mainly caused by l-propranolol but an additional effect of d-propranolol cannot be excluded. The decrease in blood pressure was not observed after removal of the adrenal medulla. Heart rate decreased only slightly in these animals. After treatment of adrenalectomized SHR with corticosterone (1 mg/kg b.w./h) the decrease in blood pressure due to d,l-propranolol was completely abolished. The fall in heart rate was diminished. Central injection of d,l-propranolol into the lateral brain ventricle of adrenalectomized SHR caused cardiovascular changes which were less pronounced than those following peripheral injection of comparable doses. The inhibitory effects of d,l-propranolol also occurred in adrenalectomized normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. However, no significant changes in blood pressure and only a limited fall in heart rate were observed in adrenalectomized normotensive and renal hypertensive Wistar rats. It is concluded that the presence of the adrenal cortex, but not of the adrenal medulla prevents acute hypotension and bradycardia after propranolol in the conscious SHR.