Antihypertensive effects of captopril without adverse effects on glucose tolerance in hyperinsulinemic rhesus monkeys

The rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), which has been found to develop spontaneous obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM; Type 2), and hypertension, was used to evaluate the potential blood pressure-lowering effects of captopril as well as the specific effects, if any, on the prediabetic state. Intravenous and oral glucose tolerance testing was carried out with oral captopril dosing. Results showed that captopril significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all monkeys and significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose levels. Based on these preliminary studies in monkeys, we conclude that captopril exerted antihypertensive effects without adverse effects on glucose metabolism.