Renin-angiotensin and adrenergic mechanisms in control of blood pressure in fowl.

Many avian species demonstrate atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (BP) that are influenced by age, sex, diet, and environment, but show no arteriosclerosis in small vessels. Thus, we aimed to define neural and humoral control of BP in conscious, 32-wk-old female chickens, Gallus gallus. Mean aortic pressure (determined by chronically implanted catheter) was 137.6 +/- 2.0 mm Hg; heart rate was 295 +/- 4 beats/min. Plasma renin activity (PRA), measured by radioimmunoassay of fowl angiotensin I ([Asp1, Val5, Ser9]AI), and plasma angiotensinogen levels were 3.55 +/- 0.31 ng/ml/hr and 1229 +/- 66 ng/ml respectively. Repeated injection of propranolol (4 to 8 mg/kg/day, i.m.) decreased (p less than 0.01) the BP 19.1 +/- 3.0 mm Hg and heart rate 76 +/- 6 beats/min. Acute infusion of propranolol also markedly reduced BP and heart rate, and increased plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine. SQ 14,225 (20 mg/kg/day) reduced BP (p less than 0.01), but BP returned towards original levels unless a higher dose was given. PRA increased 2- to 6-fold. BP also decreased 31.0 +/- 2.1 mm Hg after reserpine treatment, but not after [Sar1, Ile8]AII. These results suggest that in maintaining BP in fowl the beta-adrenergic function is important, whereas the renin-angiotensin system may not have a primary role.