Decreased vascular reactivity to alpha1 adrenergic stimulation in the presence of hypothyroid state: a part of an adaptive response?

Aim: A hypothyroid state frequently accompanies cardiac illnesses but its physiological significance for the cardiovascular hemodynamics remains largely unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated possible physiological consequences on vascular function in an experimental model of low thyroid hormone state.

Methods: Hypothyroidism was induced in rats by the administration of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil in drinking water (final concentration of 0.