Effect of the Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor Alacepril on Ventricular Function and Beta-Adrenoceptor Number in Rabbits with Aortic Regurgitation.

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Abstract
This study was performed to determine the effects of the angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor alacepril on hemodynamic variables and betaadrenoceptor number in rabbits with heart failure induced by aortic regurgitation. Aortic regurgitation was induced by perforation of the aortic valve in 12 rabbits. Sixty mg/kg of alacepril was administered by gastric tube for 7 days after manifestation of aortic regurgitation to 6 rabbits (group AR+A). The other 6 rabbits with aortic regurgitation were administered vehicle in the same fashion (group AR+C). Seven rabbits underwent sham operation (group S). One week after induction of aortic regurgitation left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was higher and cardiac output was lower in AR+C than in S. Enddiastolic and end-systolic left ventricular diameter were larger and left ventricular weight was also higher in AR+C than in S. For each of these parameters, the opposite findings were obtained from a comparison of AR+A and S. Myocardial beta-adrenoceptor density and norepinephrine content were reduced in AR+C, but were restored in AR+A. These findings indicate that alacepril has beneficial effects on ventricular remodeling and function, and on sympatho-neuronal regulation in the volume-overloaded myocardium.

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