Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 63, Issue 5 1796-1800, Copyright © 1987 by American Physiological Society
Hormonal and renal responses to converting enzyme inhibition during maximal exercise
C. E. Wade, S. R. Ramee, M. M. Hunt and C. J. White
Department of Medicine, Letterman Army Medical Center, Presidio of San Francisco 94129-6700.
The role of angiotensin II in the hormonal and renal responses to maximal
exercise was investigated by using the angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitor captopril. Nine male subjects performed a standardized maximal
treadmill test with and without acute captopril treatment (25 mg orally).
At rest, captopril elevated plasma renin activity and lowered aldosterone
levels. With maximal exercise, captopril treatment reduced the increase in
mean arterial blood pressure by 8 mmHg and the increase in plasma renin
activity by 3.0 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1. The responses of adrenocorticotropin
(ACTH), cortisol, and vasopressin to maximal exercise were not altered by
captopril treatment. Although aldosterone levels were reduced at rest with
captopril, during maximal exercise no difference was noted between
treatments. Captopril treatment had no effects on the renal handling of
salts or water during exercise. In conclusion, angiotensin II plays a role
in the increase in mean blood pressure during maximal exercise in normal
subjects but has no effect on the exercise responses of ACTH, vasopressin,
and aldosterone or on the renal handling of salts and water.
