Combined inhibition of neutral endopeptidase with angiotensin converting enzyme or endothelin converting enzyme in experimental diabetes

Abstract

Objective: The effects of combined inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) with either angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), or endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) on blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion and heart weight were explored in experimental diabetes. Design: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with vehicle, the NEP/ACE inhibitor S 21402, the NEP/ECE inhibitor CGS 26303, the NEP inhibitor SCH 42495, the ACE inhibitor captopril or the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan for 4 weeks. Methods: Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff method and radiotelemetry. Albuminuria, plasma renin activity and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were deter..