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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
A Rat Model of Pressure Overload Induced Moderate Remodeling and Systolic Dysfunction as Opposed to Overt Systolic Heart Failure
Published on: April 30, 2020
MgSO4 prevents left ventricular dysfunction in an animal model of preeclampsia
Brian J Coates1, Tom L Broderick, Lyn M Batia
1Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA.
Objective:
We hypothesized that cardiac function would be reduced in a pregnant rat model of preeclampsia induced by L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor, and be reversed with magnesium sulfate prophylaxis.
Study Design:
Female Sprague-Dawley rats were bred in-house. On gestational day 17, rats were anesthetized and osmotic minipumps were implanted to continuously deliver saline, L-NAME, or L-NAME and MgSO4. On gestational day 21, hearts were isolated and perfused in the working mode using Krebs Henseleit buffer.
Results:
Pregnant rats treated with L-NAME displayed significant hypertension compared to the saline-treated controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, cardiac output and cardiac work were significantly reduced in the L-NAME-treated rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). In the L-NAME-treated rats given MgSO4, cardiac function remained normal.
Conclusion:
Cardiac function is depressed in an animal model of preeclampsia induced by L-NAME infusion. MgSO4 prevented the reduction in cardiac function and is clearly beneficial in preserving normal heart function in preeclampsia.
