Comparison of the effects of the ace inhibitors trandolapril and enalapril on phlogogen induced foot pad oedema in the rat.

Two angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, trandolapril and enalapril, were compared for their effects on rat food-pad oedema induced by carrageenin, bradykinin, dextran and platelet activating factor (PAF). Trandolapril (0.03-30.0 mg/kg, per os) potentiated carrageenin-induced oedemas. Enalapril produced the same effect at 3-10 fold higher doses (0.3-30.0 mg/kg per os). Both ACE inhibitors were equiactive in potentiating bradykinin-induced oedema. Neither compound affected dextran-induced oedema. In marked contrast PAF-induced oedema was reduced by both ACE inhibitors, trandolapril being approximately 10 fold more active than enalapril. The observed differences in potency between the two ACE inhibitors corresponded with their previously described actions on inhibition of plasma and tissue ACE and in inducing hypotension. The results suggest a crucial role of kinins in the oedemagenic response to carrageenin. The reason why the ACE inhibitors reduced PAF-induced oedema is not clear, but could involve peripheral vasodilation.