Could the pharmacological differences observed between angiotensin II antagonists and inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme be clinically beneficial?
Over the past several years, angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, compounds that block the formation of angiotensin II (ANG II), have become widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Recently, a new class of orally active, non-peptide inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, the ANG II receptor antagonists have also become available. Since both classes of compounds block the renin-angiotensin system, although at different sites, it remains to be determined whether blockade of ANG II receptors will have any specific advantage over inhibition of ACE. The following review assesses the actions of ANG II antagonists and suggests ways in which blockade of ANG II receptors may differ both pharmacologically and clinically from inhibition of ACE.
Levens
N R
NR
Ciba-Geigy Limited, Basel, Switzerland.
de Gasparo
M
M
Wood
J M
JM
Bottari
S P
SP
D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003371:Cough / Q000139:chemically induced; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006977:Hypertension, Renal / Q000188:drug therapy; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control
D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000804:Angiotensin II