CARDIOMYOPATHY PRODUCED IN RATS WITH ACUTE RENAL-HYPERTENSION

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 95  (2) , 159-167
Abstract
Acute renal hypertension was produced in Sprague-Dawley female rats by the AL [aortic ligation] between the origins of the renal arteris. These were compared with an LN [aortic ligation plus left nephrectomy] group. A sham group where the ligature was placed but not tied was prepared. MAP [mean arterial pressure] was recorded, and the animals were sacrificed at 1, 2 or 4 days after surgery. The hearts were histologically examined, and the lesions, consisting of focal or confluent necrosis of myocardial fibers with mononuclear cellular infiltrate, were scored. In the AL group the intensity of the lesions increased with time. The score on day 1 was 0.92 .+-. 0.09; on day 2, 1.37 .+-. 0.08; and on day 4, 1.75 .+-. 0.01. Values at comparable intervals in the LN group were 0.14 .+-. 0.04, 0.27 .+-. 0.12 and 0.09 .+-. 0.07, respectively (P < 0.001). No coronary lesions were found. Arterial pressures were significantly elevated in the AL group but not in the LN or sham groups. Ventricular water and K were unchanged with the exception of a significant decrease of [K+] in the AL group 2 days after ligation. Rats with acute renal hypertension develop cardiac necrosis, with a secondary fall in myocardial [K+]. This maybe due to endogenous renin-angiotensin.