Selective inhibition of angiotensin pressor responses in the pithed rat by tetraethylthiuram disulphide (disulfiram) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC)

1 Pressor responses to sympathetic outflow stimulation, noradrenaline and angiotensin have been recorded in pithed rats. 2 Disulfiram (50 mg/kg) and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) (5–100 mg/kg) both caused an initial increase in the pressor response to all three procedures followed by a selective inhibition of the angiotensin responses. 3 Penicillamine (1–100 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid (1–500 mg/kg) increased the pressor responses to all three procedures without any subsequent blocking action. 4 Reserpine (5 mg/kg daily for 3 days) abolished responses to sympathetic outflow stimulation but did not impair angiotensin or noradrenaline responses. 5 In reserpinized rats, the initial enhancement of angiotensin responses after disulfiram and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was absent or reduced and the onset of the subsequent block was accelerated. 6 Possible mechanisms for the angiotensin‐blocking action of disulfiram and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate are discussed.