Neurohormonal antagonism in heart failure;: beneficial effects of vasopressin V1a and V2 receptor blockade and ACE inhibition

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy of vasopressin (AVP) V(1a) and V(2) receptor blockade with conivaptan, alone and in combination with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on blood pressure, metabolic and neurohormonal parameters, and cardiovascular structure in a rat model of congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation. CHF rats received conivaptan (1 mg/kg/day), ACE inhibition (captopril, 50 mg/kg/day), conivaptan and captopril (Combination) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was measured weekly, metabolic caging studies performed at 25 days, and rats killed and blood and tissue collected after 4 weeks treatment. RESULTS..