Protective Effect of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (CEI): Captopril and Perindopril on Vulnerability to Ventricular Fibrillation During Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion in Rat

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two CEI: captopril and perindopril 1) on reperfusion arrhythmias and noradrenaline ³H(NA³H) release in the isolated rat heart 2) on arrhythmias in pentobarbitone anaesthetized rats subject to left coronary artery ligation. In vitro, in control preparations, reperfusion after 10 min of local ischemia produced by coronary ligation was accompanied by a sudden release of NA³H in coronary flow and long lasting ventricular arrhythmias. Reperfusion arrhythmias were prevented by perfusion medium containing a high dose of CEI and CEI did not change the patterns of NA³H release. In vivo, mortality due to ventricular fibrillation was significantly reduced in rats pretreated with captopril or perindopril 15 min prior to coronary ligation. CEI reduced the severity of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF).

Key Words:

• Angiotensin Converting Inhibitors
• Captopril
• Periridopril
• Arrhythmias
• Noradrenaline release
• Protective effects