Capoten-induced juxtaglomerular hyperplasia in rabbits

The effects of the converting enzyme (CE) inhibitor, captopril, on blood pressure, plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity (PRA), and kidney morphology were studied. Captopril, at a near maximum daily recommended human dose of approximately 5.0 mg/kg, was administered to rabbits over a period of six months. Mean arterial pressure, CE activity, and aldosterone levels were significantly reduced; PRA and renal renin activity were increased. Microscopic examination of the kidney showed marked hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in all of the treated animals.