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. 1989;28(Suppl 2):95S–103S. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb03585.x

Why are converting enzyme inhibitors vasodilators?

P M Vanhoutte, W Auch-Schwelk, M L Biondi, R R Lorenz, V B Schini, M J Vidal
PMCID: PMC1379847  PMID: 2690910

Abstract

1 The primary action of the converting enzyme inhibitors to prevent the formation of angiotensin II can explain a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance in patients with elevated, but not in those with normal or reduced plasma renin levels.

2 The inhibition of the breakdown of bradykinin will potentiate the vasodilator properties of the endogenously produced peptide. These include direct relaxation of certain vascular smooth muscle, production of vasodilator prostanoids and release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s). The greater release of the latter in the kidney could exert a negative feedback on the release of renin.

3 In addition, converting enzyme inhibitors may directly (by a prejunctional effect) and indirectly (by curtailing the production of angiotensin II) reduce the release of noradrenaline in the blood vessel wall.

4 Converting enzyme inhibitors may also directly reduce the responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle to vasoconstrictor stimuli (e.g. α-adrenoceptor activation).

5 The different effects of these therapeutic agents may concur to induce peripheral vasodilatation.

Keywords: adrenergic neurotransmission, bradykinin, endothelium-derived contracting factor, endothelium-derived relaxing factor, prostacyclin, shear stress

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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