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. 1987;23(Suppl 1):27S–41S. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1987.tb03120.x

Evolution of diuretics and ACE inhibitors, their renal and antihypertensive actions—parallels and contrasts

Ariel F Lant
PMCID: PMC1386044  PMID: 3034317

Abstract

1 The emergence of diuretic drugs and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ranks amongst the major therapeutic advances of modern medicine. The discovery of these drug groups arose largely by chance, yet each has dramatically influenced the treatment of congestive cardiac failure and arterial hypertension.

2 The central role which diuretics have had in the management of both oedema and hypertension hinges on their ability to induce a net renal excretion of solute and water by selective interference with either active or passive ion transport processes in different segments of the nephron. Irrespective of sites of action, the continued antihypertensive action of diuretics is characterized by a reduction in plasma volume and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume that lasts for as long as the diuretic is given. The mechanism of this effect remains unclear but may involve autoregulatory reactions that leave cardiac output unaltered but maintain a sustained reduction in total peripheral resistance.

3 ACE inhibitors also lower blood pressure by decreasing total peripheral resistance, leaving cardiac output, plasma volume and ECF volume unchanged. The detailed way these haemodynamic changes are achieved remains unknown but inhibition of converting enzyme present not only in the kidney but also in many extrarenal tissue sites, appears important. In both hypertension and cardiac failure, however, the kidney acts as a key target organ for ACE inhibitors. The increased renal vascular resistance and inappropriate renal salt excretion are reversed with enhanced renal blood flow and saluresis. Both angiotensin II (AII) and vasopressin-mediated contraction of glomerular mesangial cells is inhibited, making glomerular filtration more efficient. Reduced aldosterone secondary to blockade of AII formation contributes to saluresis whilst encouraging positive potassium balance. ACE inhibition also impairs breakdown of kinins which may contribute to intrarenal and peripheral vasodilation either on their own or via release of prostaglandins and other vasoactive substances.

4 The hypotensive actions of diuretics are potentiated by ACE inhibition primarily through blockade of AII formation and prevention of secondary aldosteronism. In combination, these drugs permit low doses to be used because of their synergistic effects.

5 Caution has to be exercised whenever ACE inhibition is used, without and especially with diuretics, in the management of renovascular hypertension and other low-perfusion states. In these circumstances, AII plays an important autoregulatory role in preserving glomerular filtration through an increase in post-glomerular resistance. Suppression of angiotensin formation with an ACE inhibitor can cause a critical reduction in glomerular perfusion. On the other hand, with careful titration, the dual actions of low-dose loop diuretics and an ACE inhibitor may be highly efficacious in treating severe heart failure and totally prevent such serious metabolic sequelae as azotaemia and hyponatraemia.

6 Unlike the experience with many other drugs where continued clinical usage has usually led to greater confidence in employing higher dosages with the passage of time, the opposite has occured with both the thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors. This has come about by the appreciation, albeit at times tardily, of the significance of adverse events of a dose-dependent nature.

Keywords: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics

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Selected References

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