Effect of ACE-inhibition on tissue blood flow during acute left ventricular failure in the dog.

Anesthetized dogs in acute left ventricular failure were treated with the ACE-inhibitor enalaprilat (MK-422). ACE-inhibition produced a fall in the mean blood pressure and a redistribution of cardiac output to the brain, right ventricle, upper gastrointestinal tract, and the inner and middle part of the renal cortex. The flow to the spleen, adrenals, skin, muscle, fat, lower gastrointestinal tract, and outer renal cortex did not change significantly. The differential sensitivity of the tissues to ACE-inhibition is most likely due to differences in sensitivity to circulating angiotensin II.