[Effect of 12-week treatment with amlodipine on plasma renin activity and adrenal cortex function in patients with...

The present study aimed to assess the influence of 12-week treatment with Amlodipine (Am) on plasma renin activity (PRA), baseline and ACTH stimulated secretion of cortisol (C) and aldosterone (A). 21 patients with mild or moderately severe essential hypertension (EH) were examined. PRA was assessed under baseline and stimulatory conditions, C and A were estimated in blood samples withdrawn before (0') and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 minutes after i.v. administration of 0.25 mg of Synacthen. All parameters were performed twice: before and after 12-week treatment with 5-10 mg/d of Am. The control group (not treated with Am) consisted of 15 healthy volunteers. In EH patients PRA was significantly higher after 12 weeks of Am administration. Patients with EH before Am treatment showed a reduced response of C and A secretion to Synacthen as compared with controls, which became normalized after Am treatment.

1. Patients with EH are characterized by reduced response of C and A secretion to ACTH. 2. 12-week treatment with Am exerts a stimulatory effect on Synacthen induced C and A secretion and PRA in EH patients.