Experimental Chronic Hypertension in the Rat: Structural Changes in Blood Vessels, Heart and Kidneys

Abstract

Varying degrees of chronic hypertension were produced in 16 rats by application of a figure-of-eight ligature to one or both kidneys. The animals were killed after the blood pressure had been maintained between levels of 150-240 mm. of Hg for periods varying from 1-8 mos. Microscopic examinations disclosed in each animal a marked cardiac hypertrophy particularly of the left ventricle. Renal lesions apparently responsible for the hypertension were observed in every kidney to which a ligature was applied and focal lesions of a slight degree apparently due to the hypertension were observed in the opposite intact kidney. No pertinent changes of any degree were seen in the large or small arteries of the organs examined.