Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity by lisinopril after myocardial infarction in hamsters.

We measured angiotensin-converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activities after myocardial infarction in hamsters and compared the effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril with those of an angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil after myocardial infarction. Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity was significantly increased 3 and 7 days, but not 1 day after myocardial infarction. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity was significantly increased 1 day after myocardial infarction. Lisinopril significantly inhibited both angiotensin-converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activities, but candesartan cilexetil did not. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors might directly inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity.