Simvastatin Reduces Hypertensive And Vasoconstrictor Effects Of Angiotensin Ii In Normotensive Rats

Accumulating evidence suggests that beneficial effects of statins may depend on their interaction with angiotensin II (Ang II). We checked whether orally given simvastatin affects hemodynamic and vascular responses to Ang II in rats. We maintained Sprague Dawley rats on either tap water (control) or water containing simvastatin for four weeks. Subsequently, we measured arterial blood pressure and heart rate at baseline and after iv infusions of Ang II. Vascular response to Ang II was studied in vitro in the organ chamber on isolated, pressurized femoral artery branches. We found no significant difference between the groups in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate at baseline. Intravenous infusion of Ang II at the smallest dose causing pressor response in controls failed to affect blood pressure in the simvastatin group. Arteries of simvastatin treated rats showed decreased vasoconstriction to Ang II in comparison to controls. In conclusion, the study shows that simvastatin reduces the hypertensive response to Ang II. This may be mediated by diminished responsiveness of arteries to Ang II. The study was supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Iuventus plus grant.