EFFECTS OF FOUR ANGIOTENSIN I CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS ON REGIONAL MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW AND ISCHEMIC INJURY DURING CORONARY ARTERY OCCLUSION IN DOGS

The effects of 4 angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), captopril, enalapril, ramipril, and trandolapril, were investigated on regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF, radioactive microspheres) distribution in ischemic and nonischemic zones and on ST-segment elevation in ischemic zones during intermittent coronary artery occlusion in anesthetized dogs. The 4 ACEI inhibited plasma ACE activity to an almost similar extent. All similarly reduced systemic blood pressure, an effect related to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. Heart rate and myocardial contractility were not affected, but myocardial oxygen consumption presumably decreased because of the reduction in afterload. RMBF and their distribution (between epicardial and endocardial layers and between nonischemic and ischemic zones) were not modified by ACEI. Coronary vascular resistance was slightly decreased in nonischemic zones. ACEI had no effect on ST-segment elevation in ischemic zones. Thus, in this experimental model, all ACEI exhibited the same profile, including no change in RMBF and affording no protection against ischemic injury.