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.