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ACE inhibition: postsynaptic adrenergic sympatholytic action in men
1Clinical Age Research Unit, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK. d.lyons@kcl.ac.uk
Circulation
|August 5, 1997
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like perindoprilat reduce sympathetic vasoconstriction in the forearm. This study shows ACE inhibition has a postsynaptic sympatholytic effect in men, impacting blood flow regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The precise mechanisms behind the sustained clinical benefits of ACE inhibitors are not fully understood.
- The sympathetic nervous system may play a role in mediating these benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of an ACE inhibitor, perindoprilat, on sympathetic vasoconstriction.
- To compare the impact of perindoprilat with a placebo on both endogenously and exogenously mediated sympathetic responses.
Main Methods:
- Local brachial artery infusions of perindoprilat or placebo were administered to healthy male volunteers.
- Sympathetic vasoconstriction was assessed using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and norepinephrine infusions.
- Forearm blood flow (FABF) was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography.
Main Results:
- Perindoprilat did not affect baseline FABF or FABF when infused alone.
- Perindoprilat significantly attenuated the forearm blood flow response to LBNP compared to placebo.
- The forearm blood flow response to norepinephrine was also significantly reduced by perindoprilat.
Conclusions:
- ACE inhibition demonstrates a significant postsynaptic sympatholytic effect in the forearm circulation of men.
- This finding contributes to understanding how ACE inhibitors influence vascular tone and sympathetic activity.