[Tobacco and arterial pressure (II.). The acute effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme]

The effects of the inhalation of 2.2 mg of nicotine in 20 persons with normal blood pressure and heavy smokers were studied. Blood pressure, heart rate, plasmatic renin activity, aldosterone and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) changes were registered 10 and 20 minutes after the inhalation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly, as well as heart rate. Although the plasmatic renin activity did not alter during the study, aldosterone and the ACE activity increased significantly, being undoubtedly correlated. part from the adrenergic response and the possible effects of ACTH on aldosterone, secondary to nicotine, the results showed a possible modification of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, directly related to tobacco inhalation.