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Salt deprivation has been shown to cause fluid volume contraction and marked renin release; it is not clear whether angiotensin-induced vasoconstriction adds to low volume in compromising circulatory function or whether there are additional facets to the salt-deprived state. Mature Wistar rats were fed a low-salt diet for 1 mo and then, under pentobarbital anesthesia, compared to normals. Arterial pressure (is congruent to 125 mmHg), cardiac output (is congruent to 200 ml/min per kg), and total peripheral resistance were nearly identical in both groups. The influence of angiotensin was estimated by injecting converting enzyme inhibitor (SQ 20881, 1 mg/kg), and then observing the immediate hemodynamic response. Salt-deprived rats responded with a large (-47 mmHg) fall in pressure and total peripheral resistance indicating that, although total peripheral resistance was normal in salt deprivation, an increased fraction (30% vs. 11%) of the resistance was supported by angiotensin. Cardiac output decreased (-8%) in contrast to the increase that would be expected during marked arterial dilation; elevated angiotensin levels may have caused a moderate, beneficial decrease in venous compliance. These results suggest that circulatory function is adequately maintained during salt deprivation by a combination of normal total peripheral resistance and decreased venous compliance.

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