[Anti-atherosclerotic action of ACE inhibitors. I. Inactivation of the renin-angiotensin system].

The activation of the renin-angiotensin system has been proposed as a very important step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptors antagonists showed their ability to reduce the atherosclerotic process in animals. Inhibition of renin-angiotensin system reduces the development of atherosclerotic lesion either in cholesterol-fed animals and in animals after vascular injury. The precise mechanism for this action may depend on the inhibition of other than hypertensive property of angiotensin II.