title: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, body composition, and physical performance in aged rats.
abstract: This study was designed to test the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on body composition and physical performance in aged rats. Male Brown Norway x F344 rats were randomized to receive daily injections of enalapril (40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg) or saline from 24 to 30 months of age. Body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and physical performance was assessed using the grip strength and inclined plane procedures. Performance measures were assessed at baseline and monthly thereafter. DXA was performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up. Compared with the enalapril groups, the saline group experienced a greater 6-month decline in the physical performance measures. Lean body mass declined in both groups; however, the enalapril groups also experienced a significant loss of fat mass. These results suggest that ACE inhibition may prevent age-related declines in physical performance, which may be mediated by a reduction in body fat mass.
authors.affiliation: Sticht Center on Aging, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. chrcarte@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: Christy S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cesari
authors.forename: Walter T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Ambrosius
authors.forename: Nan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Diz
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oden
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Sonntag
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pahor
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004656:Enalapril / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004656:Enalapril