In vivo effect of enalapril on lysosomal compartment isolated from kidney and liver of rats.
BACKGROUND
Angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibitory agents such as angiotensin-converting enyzme (ACE) inhibitors have been used as antihypertensive and anti-proteinuric drugs, attenuating the progression and inducing regression of glomerulosclerosis. The mechanisms related to the renoprotective effects of the ACE-inhibitors, although partly related to the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), are not completely understood. Their effects on many cellular functions and intracellular components have not been directly studied. The aim of the present studies was to investigate the effect of enalapril on lysosomal activity.


METHODS
Two groups of Wistar rats were studied. The experimental group received enalapril, 50 mg/L, in the drinking water; the control group was submitted to the same conditions except for enalapril. After two weeks of treatment, each animal was sacrificed and samples of liver and kidney were individually collected, homogenised and subjected to differential centrifugation. The supernatant was utilised for evaluation of ortophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolase as a marker of lysosome stability and the results expressed as specific units of phosphatase activity.


RESULTS
The mean specific activities of the lysosomal compartment isolated from kidneys of enalapril-treated rats showed a mean specific activity that was 17.6% higher than the control group; no: difference was found in the liver.


CONCLUSIONS
The present studies suggests that the beneficial effect of enalapril is not related to effects on lysosomal membrane.
Martinelli
Reinaldo
R
Renal Service, Federal University of Bahia, Medical School, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. rm@ufba.br
Santos
Claudia V C D
CV
Albuquerque
Marcel L
ML
Silva
Aline M
AM
Rodrigues
Luiz Erlon
LE
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004656:Enalapril / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004656:Enalapril; D000135:Acid Phosphatase