The arterial length‐densities under preventive angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibiting treatment in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The length density (L_V) of capillaries is known to be increased in the hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after high‐dosed but also after low‐dosed subantihypertensive treatment with the ACE‐inhibitor Ramipril administered in utero and post partum. Under the same conditions in the present study only highdose Zabicipril caused an increase of capillary L_V. Under preventive ACE‐inhibition in both high‐dose groups L_V of myocardial arteries was significantly higher. In the low‐dose groups L_V was not significantly increased. The increased arterial L_V in the high‐dose‐group may result from the avoidance of angiotensin II‐induced overabundant growth of myocardial muscle‐mass. Changes in collagen could not be found in any of the experimental groups. (Basic Res Cardiol) Received: 7 April 1997, Returned for 1. revision: 9 June 1997, 1. Revision received: 12 September 1997, Returned for 2. revision: 29 October 1997, 2. Revision received: 31 October 1997, Accepted: 6 November 1997