Effects of Lacidipine, Ramipril and Valsartan on Serum BNP Levels in Acute and Chronic Periods Following Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial infarction (MI) as a result of cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an important marker of cardiac failure. Cardioprotective activities of the antihypertensive drugs lacidipine (LAC), ramipril (RAM) and valsartan (VAL), against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI, have been determined. However, the levels of BNP, an indicator of left ventricular failure, have not been evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the effects of LAC, RAM and VAL on serum BNP levels in acute and chronic periods after ISO-induced MI in rats.

RESULTS

Serum BNP was found to be significantly increased in the acute MI model, but not in the chronic MI model. RAM and VAL application decreased BNP levels that had been increased after acute MI induction. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in chronic MI+drug groups compared with both intact and chronically infarcted control groups.

CONCLUSION

The acute MI model, but not the chronic MI model, was associated with increased serum BNP levels. Pre-treatment with RAM and VAL, but not LAC, prevented the acute MI-induced increase in serum BNP levels, suggesting that inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system has prophylactic effects in the acute MI model. Therefore, both RAM and VAL may become first-line drugs for the treatment of hyper-tensive patients who are at high risk for cardiovascular failure.