Reduction of blood pressure and vascular collagen in hypertensive rats by beta-aminopropionitrile.

beta-Aminopropionitrile, a specific inhibitor of lysyl oxidase prevented the rise in blood pressure induced by deoxycorticosterone-salt in rats. In addition, after the onset of hypertension, administration of beta-aminopropionitrile lowered the blood pressure. Concomitant with the lowering of blood pressure, there was a reduction in the more highly crosslinked form of vascular collagen. These findings would indicate that increases in vascular connective tissue are not only sequelae of hypertension, but may also contribute to the maintenance of elevated blood pressure.