title: Evolution of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
abstract: The renin-angiotensin system is perhaps the most important hormonal system in the regulation of blood pressure. Its influence on blood pressure is mediated by the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Since angiotensin-converting enzyme performs the last step in the biosynthesis of angiotensin II, inhibition of this enzyme has attracted the attention of many researchers as a novel approach in the control of high blood pressure. The evolution of inhibitors of this enzyme will be traced from the early snake venom peptide inhibitors to the drugs currently available for the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
authors.affiliation: Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, N.J.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wyvratt
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002216:Captopril / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D004656:Enalapril / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000804:Angiotensin II; D004656:Enalapril; D002216:Captopril