ABSTRACT
Bradykinin and angiotensin occupy a prominent position, among the vasoactive peptides, due to the extensive role played by these hormones in cardiovascular homeostasis and the physiopathology of hypertension. Both peptides act through central and systemic mechanisms to alter blood pressure. The investigation of the central bradykinin pressor response in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) may contribute to the answer of the questions bearing on the role played by this peptide in the physiopathology of hypertension and central control of blood pressure. In order to verify whether the increased sensitivity of the SHR is linked to high blood pressure, the pressor response was studied in different strains of hypertensive rats as well as in normotensive rats with different types of experimental hypertension. The description of pressor responses to intracerebral bradykinin in rats, rabbits, cats and dogs suggests that central kinin receptors play a role in blood pressure regulation in mammals as a group.
