Perindopril treatment prevents the loss of endothelial nitric oxide function and development of neo-intima in rabbits

Abstract

An atheroma-like neo-intima was produced by positioning a flexible collar around the common carotid arteries of normocholesterolaemic rabbits. Vessel segments taken from the mid-region of the collared and control region of the same artery were studied 7 days after surgery. Placebo rabbits were provided ab libitum with regular tap water, and treated animals were supplied with water containing perindopril (0.3 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Perindopril treatment reduced plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity by 88%, but did not significantly alter arterial blood pressure or heart rate. In control rings from placebo rabbits, perindoprilat in vitro (0.1-1.0 μM) reduced the sensitivity to a..