Does the renin-angiotensin system contribute to the vascular lesions in renal hypertensive rats?

1. Renal hypertensive rats with a normal or suppressed activity of the renin-angiotensin system develop vascular lesions which are similar to those observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats on high sodium diet. 2. Exposure of a vascular bed to high blood pressure results in a rapid damage of the vascular wall, irrespective of the state of the renin-angiotensin system.