Effect of captopril on the expression levels of serum TNF-α in rats with pressure overload

Objective To observe the effect of captopril on the expression levels of serum TNF-αin rats with pressure overload. Methods The animal models with pressure overload myocardial fibrosis were established by abdominal aorta constriction in Sprague-Dawley( SD) rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group,model group and captopril group. After 4 weeks,the models were successfully established and the rats were given drugs,with a treatment course of 4 weeks. After 8 weeks the heart mass index and left ventricular mass index were measured,left ventricular myocardial pathological changes were observed by means of HE staining,left ventricular myocardial collagen forms were observed by means of Masson staining,and image analysis collagen volume fraction( CVF) and perivascular collagen area( PVCA) were measured by image analysis,and the levels of serum TNF-α were detected by ELISA. Results As compared with those in sham-operation group,the heart mass index and left ventricular mass index were significantly increased in model group( P 0. 01); as compared with those in model group,which in captopril group were significantly decreased( P 0. 01). As compared with those in sham-operation group,CVF and PVCA in model group were significantly increased( P 0. 01); as compared with those in model group,which in captopril group were significantly decreased( P 0. 01). As compared with those in sham-operation group,the serum levels of TNF-αwere obviously increased in model group( P 0. 01); as compared with those in model group,which in captopril group were significantly decreased( P 0. 01). Conclusion The captopril has the effect of regressing myocardial fibrosis.