Forebrain-mediated adaptations to myocardial infarction in the rat

Recent studies suggest that the forebrain contributes to the circulatory derangements leading to heart failure after myocardial injury. We tested that hypothesis by examining the effect of myocardial infarction (MI) or sham MI (MI-s) on neurohumoral regulation in rats with prior anteroventral (AV) third ventricle lesion (AV3V-x) or sham lesion (AV3V-s). AV3V-s/MI rats had higher sodium intake, lower urine volume, and lower urinary sodium excretion than AV3V-s/MI-s rats. AV3V-x/MI rats had lower sodium intake and higher urine volume than AV3V-s/MI or AV3V-s/MI-s rats and urinary sodium excretion comparable to AV3V-s/MI-s rats. AV3V-x had no effect on baseline plasma renin activity (PRA). One week after MI, PRA had increased in AV3V-s but decreased in AV3V-x rats. AV3V-x reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity in MI and MI-s rats. AV3V-x improved baroreflex function in MI rats but diminished it in MI-s rats. Survival beyond 2 wk was lower in the AV3V-x/MI rats than in all other groups. These results confirm a critical role for the forebrain in the neurohumoral adjustments to MI.