Inhibitory effect of captopril on cell degeneration and growth.

Since the first administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril for the treatment of essential hypertension, it has been recognized that the ACE inhibitor has a positive influence on the cardiovascular system, on both a molecular and a clinical level.Over the past 25 years, the indications for ACE inhibitors have spread into many fields. During this period, interesting effects of ACE inhibitors in noncardiac fields have been reported. The present review outlines two studies regarding the protective effect of captopril on cardiomyopathy and its therapeutic effect on sarcoidosis.