title: Blocking the tissue renin-angiotensin system: the future cornerstone of therapy.
abstract: The development of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and selective angiotensin type 1 (AT1)-receptor antagonists has provided new insights into understanding the mechanism of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. There is good evidence from meta-analyses that shows that inhibition of the RAS achieves organ protection features that go beyond blood pressure control. Candesartan cilexetil, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is characterised by its tight binding to and slow dissociation from the AT1 receptor, and high antagonistic potency, resulting in long-lasting antagonistic effects. It is anticipated that these pharmacological characteristics may bring additional benefits to patients, not only for the management of essential hypertension but also for the management of end-organ damage.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pharmacology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Unger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Azizi
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Belz
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011355:Prodrugs; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013777:Tetrazoles; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D011355:Prodrugs; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D013777:Tetrazoles; D000804:Angiotensin II; C077793:candesartan cilexetil