Endothelin Mediates the Altered Renal Hemodynamics Associated with Experimental Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is commonly associated with renal dysfunction. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the role of endothelin in the renal dysfunction of experimental CHF by using tezosentan, a potent dual endothelin receptor antagonist. Rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation. Cardiac and renal hemodynamics were assessed after 3-5 weeks, when CHF had developed. Compared with control rats, CHF rats had significantly higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lower mean arterial pressure, and reduced dP/dtmax. CHF rats had severe renal vasoconstriction, as assessed by increased renal vascular resistance (RVR, p