Effect of parathyroidectomy on cardiovascular reactivity in rats with mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension.

Previous work has shown that parathyroidectomy protected Sprague-Dawley rats against mineralocorticoid hypertension. 2 In order to explain this protection, we studied vascular reactivity to noradrenaline and angiotensin II in several groups of rats with and without their parathyroid and thyroid glands. Work was performed in vagotomized, anaesthetized rats after ganglionic blockade with pentolinium, and atropine sulphate. 3 The reactivity to noradrenaline was significantly lower in parathyroidectomized rats, especially at the beginning of mineralocorticoid treatment. 4 Autotransplantation of parathyroid glands in thyroparathyroidectomized rats re-established normal cardiovascular reactivity and development of hypertension. 5 Cardiovascular reactivity to angiotensin II was not affected in parathyroidectomized rats and was lowered in thyroparathyroidectomized thyroxine-treated rats.