Comparison of chronic neutral endopeptidase inhibition and furosemide in an ovine model of heart failure.

The hemodynamic, hormonal, and metabolic effects of chronic neutral endopeptidase (NEP) 24.11 inhibition and furosemide were compared in the pacing model of ovine heart failure (HF). Intravenous SCH 39370 induced a dose-related inhibition of NEP activity during 4-days treatment, in association with a transient increase in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and, at the higher dose, an increased mean level of plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate. There was a significant and persistent decrease in left atrial pressure, a brief increase in cardiac output (CO), and a tendency for arterial pressure to be reduced. Significant dose-related diuresis and natriuresis were also observed. Furosemide induced a similar hemodynamic response, associated with greater diuresis and natriuresis. Both agents significantly reduced plasma aldosterone levels. Coinfusion of captopril on day 4 of treatment resulted in similar responses in both the SCH 39370- and furosemide pretreated groups. Chronic NEP inhibition significantly alters circulatory and renal function and appears to be as effective as furosemide in reducing cardiac preload in this model of congestive HF.