Effect of captopril on the renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive children

Nine patients with refractory hypertension, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years, were given captopril. The underlying cause of hypertension varied widely, but in all patients captopril produced a marked decrease in blood pressure. After treatment with captopril, patients showed an increase in plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensin I levels, with a concomitant fall in plasma angiotensin II and plasma aldosterone concentrations. Our data are similar to those reported in adults, and support the view that one mode of action of captopril is mediated via a decrease in plasma angiotensin II concentration.