[The effect of perindoprilat on the cardiovascular system of rats with heart failure]

The effect of intravenous perindoprilat, 0.5 mg/kg, on regional blood flow (radioactive microspheres, 15 microns), systemic hemodynamics, vein tone and cardiac functions was evaluated in conscious rats with congestive heart failure. Experimental heart failure was induced by embolization of coronary vessels with microspheres 21 days before the experiment. Perindoprilat reduced mean arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, and end-diastolic left ventricular pressure. Perindoprilat induced an increase in cardiac index, stroke volume and heart rate. Blood flow in the renal, small intestinal and skin vascular beds was more profound in the heart failure group than in sham-operated animals. Perindoprilat unchanged the mean circulatory filling pressure in sham-operated animals and decreased it by 15% in rats with heart failure.