Glucocorticoids potentiate central actions of angiotensin to increase arterial pressure.

Experiments were performed to determine if glucocorticoids potentiate central hypertensive actions of ANG II. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 3 days to 3 wk with corticosterone (Cort). Experiments were performed in conscious rats that had previously been instrumented with arterial and venous catheters and an intracerebroventricular guide cannula in a lateral ventricle. Baseline arterial pressure (AP) was greater in Cort-treated rats than in control rats (119 +/- 2 vs. 107 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.01). Microinjection of ANG II intracerebroventricularly produced a significantly larger increase in AP in Cort-treated rats than in control rats. For example, at 30 ng ANG II, AP increased by 23 +/- 1 and 16 +/- 2 mmHg in Cort-treated and control rats, respectively (P < 0.01). Microinjection of an angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist significantly decreased AP (-6 +/- 2 mmHg) and heart rate (-26 +/- 7 beats/min) in Cort-treated but not control rats. Increases in AP produced by intravenous administration of ANG II were not different between control and Cort-treated rats. Intravenous injections of ANG II antagonist had no significant effects on mean AP or heart rate in control or Cort-treated rats. Therefore, a sustained increase in plasma Cort augments the central pressor effects of ANG II without altering the pressor response to peripheral administration of the hormone.