The evaluation of the combined effects of benazepril and losartan on cardiac function of spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) by echocardiography

Objective To explore the combined effects of benazepril and losartan on configuration and function of the spontaneous hypertension rats' (SHRs) heart by echocardiography. Methods 12 WKY rats were selected as controls,and 48 SHRs aged 55 week-old were randomly divided into SHR-control group, benazepril group (10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), losartan group (30 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and benazepril (10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) +losartan (15 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). SBP, heart rate and body weight was monitored; left ventricular cavity indexes and mitral valve blood folw spectrums were recorded with echocardiography;left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of each group were compared; myocardial pathologic changes were observed with light microscope. Results SBP of drugs intervention groups was lower than that in SHR-control group (P0.01). LVPW and IVS thickness decreased and LVEDD, LVEF and E/A value increased in drugs intervention groups (P0.01), especially for the combination group (P0.01). Otherwise, array, hypertrophy, apoptosis and necrosis of cardiac muscle cells were improved with degrees in turn combination grouplosartan groupbenazepril group. Conclusions The improvement roles of combinative application of benazepril and losartan in cardiac configuration and function should be better than that of monotherapy.