Systemic and Regional Hemodynamic Characteristics of Bilateral Cellophane Perinephritis Hypertension in Conscious Rabbits

Using the radioactive microsphere technique, systemic and regional hemodynamic variables were measured in normotensive rabbits and in rabbits with bilateral cellophane perinephritis hypertension. An average decrease in cardiac output of 18 percent was measured in the hypertensive rabbits as a result of a reduction in stroke volume; heart rate remained unchanged. Thus, in the established phase, hypertension was maintained by the elevated total peripheral resistance. A redistribution of cardiac output was observed in the hypertensive rabbits; a significantly higher fraction was received by the brain, small intestine and heart. The weight normalized blood flow to the kidneys, spleen, skeletal muscles, bones and fat was significantly decreased while an increase in vascular resistance was observed in the hypertensive rabbits in all the organs investigated. A negative correlation existed between the weight of the left ventricle and the blood flow to the left ventricle in hypertensive rabbits, suggesting inadequate coronary perfusion as myocardial hypertrophy becomes more pronounced.