Abstract 13407: A Mouse Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) due to Chronic Infusion of a Low Subpressor Dose of Angiotensin II

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fracture (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome of HF symptoms associated with impaired diastolic function. Although it represents approximately 50% of all patients with HF, the mechanisms of disease are poorly understood, animal models of HFpEF not due pressure overload are lacking, and therapies for HFpEF are generally ineffective. Hypothesis: A continuous infusion of low dose of angiotensin II (ATII) may be sufficient to induce changes in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function without increasing blood pressure nor induce LV hypertrophy. Methods: Osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously in 8 week-old CD1 male mice randomly assigned to the ATII (200 ng/kg/day) or vehicle (N=8/group). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 4 weeks to measure LV dimensions, systolic and diastolic function. Aortic systolic and diastolic pressures (AoP), LV peak systolic and end-diastolic pressures (LVPSP, LVEDP) were measured at LV catheterization. Fibrosis was measured using Masson’s trichrome stain. The expression of Interleukin (IL)-18 mRNA levels, a cytokine associated with impaired cardiomyocyte relaxation, was measured at 4 weeks. Results: When compared to the baseline values or vehicle group, ATII infusion had no effects on AoP, LVPSP and HR, and had no effects on LV dimensions or mass, nor on LVEF (all P>0.2). ATII induced a significant impairment in LV diastolic function as measured by an increase (worsening) of the myocardial performance index (MPI), the LV isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and of LVEDP (Figure). Cardiac expression of IL-18 mRNA was significantly increased 7-fold after ATII infusion (P<0.001), suggesting a potential mechanistic role of IL-18. Conclusion: Chronic infusion of low dose ATII recapitulates the HFpEF phenotype in the mouse, without increasing blood pressure. The use of this mouse model may help understanding the mechanisms leading to HFpEF syndrome in patients.