This study was designed to compare the cardiovascular influences of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) in young (5-6 weeks) spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. SH and WKY groups had similar pressor and depressor responses to microinjection of l-glutamate into the RVLM and the CVLM, respectively. In addition the results of this study indicate a reduced tonic sympathoinhibitory function of the CVLM in young SH rats, which may contribute to the development of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. © 1990.
