Renal effects of converting enzyme inhibitors in hypertension and diabetes.

Recent studies in animal models suggest that glomerular capillary hyperperfusion and hypertension, rather than ischemia, cause renal injury. Interventions that control glomerular capillary hypertension may protect against progressive injury, even in the presence of continued systemic hypertension. In the absence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus is a prominent clinical example of glomerular hypertension. Animal studies have shown that glomerular hemodynamic abnormalities, especially elevations in glomerular pressure, play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerulopathy. A number of clinical observations suggest that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy by their effects on renal hemodynamics. In experimental animals, comparisons between calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors have shown the latter to be more effective in protecting the kidneys. Preliminary clinical studies indicate that ACE inhibitors may have advantages in preserving renal function in hypertensive and diabetic patients with renal failure.