Effect of angiotensin-II Receptor blockade on experimental portal hypertension in rabbits

In this study, the effect of angiotensin- II receptor antagonist [Candesartan] was evaluated on the portal venous pressure and angiotensin II plasma level in normal and experimentally induced portal venous hypertension in rabbits [PHT] [by partial ligation of portal vein for 3 weeks]. It was found that candesartan administration reduces the portal venous pressure insignificantly from 7.23 +/- 0.47 mmHg in control group to 6.96 +/- 0.32 [P > 0.05] and caused an insignificant increase of angiotensin-II plasma level from 6.98 +/- 0.63 pg/ml in control group to 7.75 +/- 0.39 pg/ml [p> 0.05]. However, after partial ligation of portal veins, the portal venous pressure rises to 13.53 +/- 0.51 mmHg, and decreased significantly by Candesartan to 8.7 +/- 0.86 mmHg [p < 0.001]. Moreover, angiotensin-Il level increased in PHT rabbits to 11. 77 +/- 0.65 pg/ml [P < 0.001] and insignificantly increased by candesartan to 12.66 +/- 0.67 pg/ml. [P > 0.05]. In conclusion, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists may be of great value in treatment of patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices