CAPTOPRIL AND BARORECEPTOR REFLEX RESPONSES TO PRESSOR AND DEPRESSOR STIMULI IN THE RABBIT

Abstract
The reflex effects of i.v. phenylephrine, sodium nitroprusside or acute hemorrhage in rabbits were examined as indices of baroreceptor reflex function. The slope of the linear regression heart period: mean arterial pressure relationship was significantly greater (P < 0.01) when buffering the pressor stimulus than either depressor stress. Captopril (1 mg/kg i.v.) had no effect on the slope of the relationship to either pressor or depressor stimuli. The clinical and experimental observation of hypotension without bradycardia after captopril could not be confirmed as a result of changes in baroreflex sensitivity.