Possible mechanism of regression of myocardial hypertrophy

Structure of the myocardium was studied in rabbits with renovascular hypertension during the development of myocardial hypertrophy and its regression under the effect of β-adrenoceptor antagonist lopressor. Myocardial hypertrophy was associated with ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes, while lopressor therapy led to their regression and normalization of cardiomyocyte ultrastructure. Regression of hypertrophic changes was accompanied by a marked increase in the number of extracellular nuclei, which indicated enhanced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.