Abstract
We studied coronary circulation in pressure overload-induced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Wistar male rats (n=6/group) were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction or to sham-operation. At 1, 2 and 3 weeks after surgery, we measured blood pressure in the carotid artery in vivo. The hearts were isolated and subjected to Langendorf perfusion. After 15min of global ischemia, hearts were perfused for 45 min. LV developing pressure (LVDP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), coronary vascular resistance (mmHg/ml/min) and heart weight were determined. Aortic constriction resulted in a significant increase in blood pressure at 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. LV weight, and coronary vascular resistance significantly increased at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after surgery. LVDP and LVEDP did not change significantly throughout study period. These results suggest that LV pressure overload deteriorates coronary circulation quickly and that early stage anti-hypertensive treatment may be important for maintenance of coronary circulation.
