Effects of ACE inhibition on renal regulation of salt and water.

CHF may activate the RAS by various mechanisms. Acute CHF is associated with high PRA, whereas chronic, stable disease is combined with normal values. The response to ACEI is affected by blood pressure, degree of activation of the RAS, salt balance and degree of possible renal failure. It may also be affected by concomitant diuretic or, e.g., digoxin therapy. ACEI improves RPF, GFR may remain normal or may increase, if it was previously impaired due to reduced RPF. Severe hypotension in combination with decreased autoregulatory capacity may decrease GFR. Generally, renal excretion of sodium and water increase. These changes in renal handling of salt and water are primarily caused by decreased AII. They are also augmented by inhibited sympathetic tone and thirst and decreased release of ADH and aldosterone. Increased synthesis of vasodilating and natriuretic PGs is probably also of some importance. Dilutional hyponatremia may be corrected by combined ACE inhibitor and furosemide treatment. Water and sodium excretion increase and sodium is redistributed from the intracellular space. Low serum sodium values increase and azotemia may be corrected, if ACE inhibitor doses are carefully titrated to avoid severe hypotension. These effects are ascribed mainly to a decrease of AII, thirst and ADH release. The effect of furosemide is improved since increased amounts of salt are delivered to the loop of Henle and access of furosemide to its site of action is facilitated by increased RPF. ACEI does not cause any obvious negative effects on renal handling of salt and water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)