Influence of the renin-angiotensin system on human forearm blood flow

Although angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor agent in all tissues, including the human forearm, equivocal effects on forearm blood flow (FBF) have been found after angiotensin blockade. In 13 healthy Na(+)-depleted subjects FBF was measured by the 133Xe washout technique; subcutaneous and muscle blood flows were determined separately. FBF was measured during supine rest, after the arm was lowered, and during lower body negative pressure (LBNP). The measurements were repeated during intra-arterial saralasin infusion in six subjects and after intravenous administration of enalapril in seven subjects. FBF decreased and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) increased during arm lowering and LBNP, as the result of local and central adrenergic reflexes, respectively. We observed similar FBF and FVR values after both saralasin and enalapril, except for a decrease in FVR at rest after enalapril. It is concluded that, in the human forearm, angiotensin II is not necessary for sympathetic vasoconstrictor reflexes but may, through a central effect, have some influence on arteriolar tone at rest.