Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade in Syrian Hamster (T0-2) Cardiomyopathy Does Not Affect Microscopic Cardiac Material Properties: Implications for Mechanisms of Tissue Remodeling

This study delineates the role of angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor in the remodeling of Syrian cardiomyopathic hamsters. Twelve cardiomyopathic (T0-2) hamsters received L-158,809 treatment ad libitum in their drinking water (27 µg/ml) and 9 cardiomyopathic and 9 normal F1-B hamsters received tap water from 1 to 4 months of age. Although pharmacologically effective with regard to complete suppression of the blood pressure response to angiotensin II infusion, L-158,809 did not diminish the progression or severity of cardiomyopathy. Heart weight/100 g body weight and left ventricular wall thickness adjusted for body weight of both L-158,809 and cardiomyopathic control hamsters did not differ and exceeded those of F1-B controls (p < 0.05). Myocardial material properties (e.g., stiffness and density) of cardiomyopathic hamsters treated with L-158,809 were not affected. Thus, the progression of fibrosis, calcification, and necrosis in T0-2 cardiomyopathic hamsters was not sensitive to AT1 receptor blockade.