Benazepril Inhibits the Formation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Rabbits

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of benazepril on the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in rabbits. Methods: Male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups according to the perfusion solution (saline, elastase, and elastase combined with benazepril intervention) and postoperative observation time (two days and seven days). Morphological changes of the abdominal aorta after perfusion and blood pressure changes were observed. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) were measured. Results: Among the three groups at postoperative day two, there was no significant difference in the mean dilation rate of the abdominal aorta (P=0.055). At postoperative day seven, the mean dilation rates were 7.50% (saline perfusion), 120.62% (elastase perfusion), and 39.20% (benazepril intervention). Blood pressure is not significantly correlated with the mean dilation rates of the abdominal aorta (r=-0.137). Benazepril partially reduce degradation of elastic fibers and inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01). In the benazepril intervention groups, the expression of MMP-9 were decreased in each time group compared with that in the elastase groups (P<0.01), and the intranuclear expression of NF-kappa B p65 was also decreased compared with that in the elastase groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: Benazepril can significantly inhibit AAA formation in rabbit models; the mechanism may be related to inhibition of inflammatory infiltration, multilevel down regulation of degradation of extracellular matrix, and protection of elastic fibers. [Yang Fu, Jianhua Huang, Huihuan Tang, Xiaocheng Li, Qi Zhang. Benazepril Inhibits the Formation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Rabbits. Life Science Journal. 2011;8(2):606-612] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.