Comparison of the haemodynamic actions of neuropeptide Y, angiotensin II and noradrenaline in anaesthetised cats

Abstract

Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, renal flow and femoral flow were recorded in open-chested anaesthetised cats. Dose-response curves were constructed for neuropeptide Y, angiotensin II and noradrenaline after pretreatment with atropine sulphate. Neuropeptide Y, on a molar basis, was 7 and 120 times less potent than noradrenaline and angiotensin, respectively, in producing a 50 mm Hg rise in mean arterial blood pressure. The pressor effect of neuropeptide Y was characterised by dose-dependent increases in total peripheral, renal and femoral resistance with little change in cardiac output. Neuropeptide Y had a similar potency to noradrenaline in causing these resistance changes. However, the pressor response to noradrenaline was associated with a dose-dependent increase in cardiac output. The pressor action of neuropeptide Y was not attenuated by adrenoceptor blockade by phenoxybenzamine (5 mg kg-1) and propranolol (1 mg kg-1).