Early prevention of experimental left ventricular hypertrophy in experimental hypertension and angiotensin II levels

Introduction. Angiotensin II levels can be partially inhibited during chron ic administration of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, limiti ng from a clinical point of view its efficacy in the treatment of hypertens ion. There are few studies relating ACE activity directly with early preven tion of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in systemic hypertension during the administration of an ACE inhibitor (ACEI). Aim. To evaluate the effects of early ACE inhibition with perindopril on th e development of hypertension, LVH and levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) in plasma as well as in LV in the rat Goldblatt model (Gb; 2 kidneys-1 clip), 2 weeks after surgery. Results. Systolic blood pressure and relative LV mass increased by 42% and 20% respectively, in the Gb group (p < 0.001). Plasma and LV ACE activities were significantly higher in the Gb rats compared with the control rats. P lasma and LV Ang II levels also increased by 129% and 800%, respectively. P erindorpil prevented hypertension and LVH development by inhibiting plasma ACE (and also LV ACE), and also circulation Ang II in plasma and in the LV. Conclusions. In this experimental model of hypertensive LVH, there is an ea rly activation of plasma and cardiac ACE. Early administration of an ACE in hibitor prevents the development of hypertension and LVH by inhibiting the increases of plasma and LV Ang II.