The Effect of the Converting Enzyme Inhibitor SQ 20.881 on Kinins, Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone and Catecholamines in Relation to Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Sodium replete hypertensive patients (9) with normal or high plasma renin activity (PRA) were given SQ 20.881 [Teprotide] 1 mg/kg i.v. BP [blood pressure] fell significantly within 20 min and reached its lowest level after 60 min. Blood kinins showed a minor but significant decrease after 60 and 105 min. Plasma angiotensin II was markedly reduced after 15 and 60 min. PRA was significantly increased after 15-105 min. Plasma aldosterone was reduced at 60 min in 8 patients and slightly increased in 1. Plasma noradrenaline [norepinephrine] increased after 15 min, whereas adrenaline [epinephrine] decreased after 60 min. Reduction of BP following inhibition of converting enzyme by SQ 20.881, 1 mg/kg, probably is not related to reduced degradation of kinins but rather in decreased formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II appears to be of importance for the maintenance of BP in sodium replete hypertensive patients with normal or high PRA.