The effects of propranolol HCl in hippocampal-lesioned rats.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of propranolol administration in rats lesioned in the hippocampal area. Chronic oral administration of propranolol to intact rats produced a significant decrease in mean systolic blood pressure. No significant changes in blood pressure were produced with propranolol treatment in rats lesioned in the septal or anterior hypothalamic areas, whereas, in rats lesioned in the hippocampal area, a significant elevation of blood pressure was observed. These findings confirm previous results that suggest that the hypotensive effects observed with chronic propranolol administration are mediated via the hippocampus.

Cardiovascular effects of 5-hydroxypropranolol (ORF 12592) in dogs.

ORF 12592, the 5-hydroxy analog of propranolol, produced reductions in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac contractility and hind limb perfusion pressure in the anesthetized normotensive dog. Blood pressure and heart rate were also lowered in the carotid-sinus denervated dog. ORF 12592 blocked heart rate and blood pressure responses induced by isoproterenol. Similar results were observed with propranolol administration except for a transient decrease in blood pressure in the mormotensive dog. These results indicate that ORF 12592 possesses antihypertensive and beta-blocking properties in the anesthetized dog.