Role of endothelin in stress-induced hypertension

In this study we investigated the role of endogenous endothelin in the cardiovascular response to acute stress, ie mild footshocks in conscious rats. Footshock-stress significantly increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate (P < 0.05). Peripheral or intracerebroventricular (IVT) administration of BQ 788, a selective antagonist of ET(B) receptor, did not alter pressor response to footshocks. Intraperitoneal injections of BQ 123 (1 mg/kg), a selective antagonist of the ET(A)-receptor, had a tendency to decrease, while BQ 123 (203 ng/5 microl) IVT administration significantly reduced the pressor response to footshocks (-12 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Neither ET(A) nor ET(B) antagonists, when injected centrally or peripherally, altered basal blood pressure or heart rate. Our results may indicate a role of brain endothelin in the sympathetic mediated cardiovascular response to stress, via stimulation of ET(A) receptor.