Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the protective effect of (ACEI) on the cardiac function and structure in excessive alcohol-consumption rats. Methods  30 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, alcohol group and the ACEI group,  10 for each group. They were arranged for intragastric administration of alcohol,  and given ACEI as a protector. Then echocardiography and ultrastructural exam were performed to assess the cardiac dysfunctions.  Results  Left ventricular enddiastolic dimension (LVEDd) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVEDs) were increased  in the alcohol group ［LVEDd(6.86±0.64) mm, LVEDs(3.45±0.32）mm］compared with those in the control group ［LVEDd(6.29±0.28) mm, LVEDs(2.95±0.25）mm］(P<0.05). Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in systolic LV function factors(P>0.05), such as ejection fraction, fractional shortening and stroke volume, but the diastolic function factor Ea/Aa decreased in the alcohol group (0.642±0.126)  compared with control group (1.276±0.083), P<0.05］. However, there was no significant difference between the ACEI group and the control group (P>0.05). It was showed on ultrastructure that cardiac cells in alcohol group presented mitochondrial swelling, hydropic change, and most of the cristae disappeared, while cells in the ACEI group showed less damage in mitochondria. Conclusion  ACEI can protect the cardiac myocyte from the injury of over alcohol consumption.

Key words: Alcohol; Models, animal; Echocardiography; Ultrastructure; Rat, Wistar