Plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone during acute left ventricular failure in the dog. Effect of converting enzyme inhibition.

Acute left ventricular failure was induced in anesthetized dogs by left coronary embolization. Treatment with the converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat (MK-422) was then given. Hemodynamic registrations confirmed the development of left ventricular failure. Plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone rose significantly. Treatment with enalaprilat was accompanied by significant reductions in heart preload and afterload and in plasma hormone concentrations.