RENAL MEDULLA AND BRADYKININ DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN SHR

Abstract

1. The long‐term reduction in blood pressure following ACE inhibitor treatment in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) appears to depend on both the kidney and brady‐kinin. 2. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effects of ACE inhibition and bradykinin on renal morphology and blood pressure in SHR. 3. Between 6 and 10 weeks of age male SHR received one of four treatments: water (n = 26), ramipril (1 mg/kg per day; n = 24), ramipril (1 mg/kg per day) plus Hoe 140 (0.5 mg/kg per day; n = 25) or Hoe 140 (0.5 mg/kg per day; n= 25). 4. Renal medullary and cortical volumes were determined stereologically at 10 and 20 weeks of age. 5. After 4 weeks of treatment, ramipril reduced th..