Effects of Captopril on Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Polypeptide and the Renin Angiotensin System in Rats

Abstract
We investigated the effects of captopril on the plasma atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) level and the renin angiotensin system in rats. A single oral administration of captopril decreased the plasma ANP level and increased the plasma renin activity (PRA). Chronic administration of captopril for 2 weeks caused no changes in plasma ANP level, but PRA was increased. This suggests the hypothesis that the hemodynamic changes rather than changes in the renin angiotensin system caused by captopril may affect the plasma ANP level.