Apelin receptor expression in ischemic and non- ischemic kidneys and cardiovascular responses to apelin in chronic two‐kidney-one‐clip hypertension in rats

► Chronic 2K1C rats showed hypertension and signs of cardiac failure. ► Apelin reduced BP and increased cardiac contractility indices in chronic 2K1C rats. ► Serum apelin reduced and aldosterone increased in chronic 2K1C hypertension. ► Apelin in medium and high doses induced opposite myocardial inotropic effects. ► Chronic 2K1C decreased apelin receptor mRNA and protein expression in both kidneys.