The effects of deprivation of prostaglandin precursors on vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II and on the kidney in the pregnant rabbit.

1 Pregnant rabbits were deprived of essential fatty acids from day ten of pregnancy, and results compared with a control group on a normal diet. 2 At term, cannulation of jugular and carotid vessels was performed under anaesthesia, to study the vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II and basal blood pressure. 3 Plasma renin levels, urinary electrolytes and protein were measured. 4 Placental and renal tissue was examined histologically. 5 Though no changes were found in tissues, blood or urine, a markedly significant increase in response to angiotensin II was found in the group deprived of essential fatty acids. This parallels the findings in vascular response in human pre-eclampsia.