Role of the renin-angiotensin system in neointima formation after injury in rabbits

Abstract

We investigated the role of the renin-angiotensin system in neointima formation in a species in which converting enzyme inhibitors have been so far ineffective in suppressing abnormal vascular repair. The effects of converting enzyme inhibition by perindopril and selective blockade of angiotensin subtype 1 receptor by DuP 753 were assessed on neointima formation after balloon injury of rabbit carotid artery. Myointimal growth was measured by histomorphometric analysis. In rabbits treated 6 days before and for 14 days after injury, perindopril (2 mg/kg per day PO, n=7) significantly reduced neointima formation (-51%, P