[Effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on remodeling of myocardial collagen network in pressure-overloaded rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on remodeling of myocardial collagen network in pressure-overloaded rats. METHODS: A rat model of pressure-overloaded heart was induced by constriction of abdominal aorta. Seventy-five male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to sham-operated group, model control group and angiotensin-(1-7) group. The rats of the latter two groups were treated with intravenous infusion of either angiotensin-(1-7) (25 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) or saline after operation. Ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) and myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) were determined at 1 and 4 weeks after operation. And types I and III collagen mRNA expressions were assessed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: At 1 week after the operation, types I and III collagen mRNA expressions of the left ventricular myocardium in model group and angiotensin-(1-7) group were increased significantly compared with those in sham-operated group. But those in angiotensin-(1-7) group were significantly lower than that in model group. At 4 weeks after the operation, LVW/BW and CVF were increased significantly in model group and angiotension-(1-7) group compared with those in sham-operated group, but those in angiotension-(1-7) group were significantly lower than that of model group. CONCLUSION: Angiotensin -(1-7) can attenuate remodeling of myocardial collagen network in pressure-overloaded rats.