Ramipril retards development of aortic valve stenosis in a rabbit model: Mechanistic considerations

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To date, no therapeutic modality has been shown to be effective in retarding AVS progression. We evaluated the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with ramipril on disease progression in a recently developed rabbit model of AVS. Experimental Approach: The effects of 8 weeks of treatment with either vitamin D 2 at 25 000 IU for 4 days a week alone or in combination with ramipril (0.5 mg•kg -1) on aortic valve structure and function were examined in New Zealand white rabbits. Echocardiographic aortic valve backscatter (AV BS) and aortic valve : outflow tract..