title: [Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers].
abstract: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation and fluid homeostasis in people with and without hypertension. The ACE-inhibitors were the first of the RAS blocking agents to have a wide clinical acceptance. Several trials demonstrated their usefulness in the treatment of essential hypertension, congestive heart failure, post myocardial infarction and diabetic renal disease. The recent development of selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor II blockers offers the compelling concept of interfering on the receptor level without disruption of the prostaglandin and bradykinin biosystems. Losartan, the prototype of orally active angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists, has been shown to be safe and effective in control of elevated blood pressure and improvement of the abnormal hemodynamics in the patient with congestive heart failure. These early encouraging results have to be confirmed by studies translating the circulatory benefits into augmented end-organ protection and prolongation of life.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitationszentrum Grossgmain, Medizinischen Universitätsklinik, Graz.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pichler
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pachinger
mesh_terms: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019808:Losartan; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D007093:Imidazoles; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D013777:Tetrazoles; D019808:Losartan