Attenuation of Isoproterenol-Stimulated Plasma Renin Activity by Chronic Estrogen Treatment 1

Abstract

Abstract

Chronic administration of estradiol benzoate to intact female rats for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in unstimulated plasma renin activity. Acute administration of the β-adrenergic agonist, dl-isoproterenol, stimulated plasma renin activity in both control and estrogen-treated animals in a dose-dependent manner. However, chronic administration of estradiol benzoate resulted in a reduced sensitivity to low, but not high, doses of isoproterenol. These results are consistent with those of previous studies in which chronic treatment with an estrogenic agent was shown to reduce the responsiveness of heart rate, tail skin temperature, metabolic rate, and drinking to acute administration of a β-adrenergic agonist.