Effects of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-induced hypotension and potentiated allergen-evoked inflammatory skin responses.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been demonstrated to possess proinflammatory properties. Persistent cough and increased broncho-obstruction have been reported frequently in hypertensive subjects on ACE inhibitor therapy. We have studied the effect of an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, on MK 422 (active parent diacid of enalapril)-induced hypotension and potentiated inflammatory skin responses in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. Clonidine was found to abolish dose-dependently MK 422-potentiated ovalbumin-evoked inflammatory dermal responses and it possesses additive hypotensive effects when combined with the ACE inhibitor. It would therefore be interesting to evaluate further alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists and ACE inhibitors in a combination therapy in humans when single drug antihypertensive therapy of the drugs is insufficient.