Neurohormonal antagonism in heart failure; beneficial effects of vasopressin V1a and V2 receptor blockade and ACE inhibition

In CHF, blockade of vasopressin V(1a) and V(2) receptors was associated with increased water excretion, and the combination of conivaptan with ACE inhibition was the only treatment to reduce blood pressure, natriuretic peptide and pulmonary congestion.

Abstract

In CHF, blockade of vasopressin V(1a) and V(2) receptors was associated with increased water excretion, and the combination of conivaptan with ACE inhibition was the only treatment to reduce blood pressure, natriuretic peptide and pulmonary congestion. These results suggest conivaptan may be a useful addition to ACE inhibitors in the management of vasoconstriction and fluid retention that characterizes CHF.