[Immunological effects of captopril and ramipril in patients with hypertension].

Fifteen patients with essential hypertension underwent treatment with captopril (7 patients) and ramipril (8 patients). The drugs belong to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Pretreatment immunological examination and that after a 10-15-week course of the above therapy involved measurements of IgG, IgA, IgE and beta 2-microglobulin. The analysis of the trend in the immunological indices demonstrated that captopril, distinct from ramipril by the presence of a sulfhydryl group, caused a decrease in immunological parameters suggesting a potential role of culfhydryl groups in mediating ACE inhibitor action on the immune system. The immunological properties of captopril may appear useful in various systemic diseases.