Preclinical studies on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

The identification of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the control of blood pressure, and the preclinical development of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic use are reviewed. The properties of these compounds are discussed with respect to their in vitro enzyme inhibitory potency; prevention of the pharmacological effects of angiotensin I; potentiation of those of bradykinin; tissue enzyme inhibition; mechanism of effect on blood pressure both alone and in combination with other antihypertensive agents; and effect on cardiac parameters.