Effects of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-induced hypotension and potentiated allergen-evoked inflammatory skin responses.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been demonstrated to possess proinflammatory properties. Persistent cough and increased broncho-obstruction have been reported frequently in hypertensive subjects on ACE inhibitor therapy. We have studied the effect of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, on MK 422 (active parent diacid of enalapril)-induced hypotension and potentiated inflammatory skin responses in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. Clonidine was found to abolish dose-dependently MK 422-potentiated ovalbumin-evoked inflammatory dermal responses and it possesses additive hypotensive effects when combined with the ACE inhibitor. It would therefore be interesting to evaluate further alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists and ACE inhibitors in a combination therapy in humans when single drug antihypertensive therapy of the drugs is insufficient.
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D003000:Clonidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004656:Enalapril / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D015773:Enalaprilat; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012882:Skin Tests
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000485:Allergens; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004656:Enalapril; D015773:Enalaprilat; D003000:Clonidine