Activity of neurohumoral regulations systems, electrolyte balance and clinical efficacy of renitek in hypertensive patients

Hypotensive effect of renitek (enalapril maleate) was assessed by activity of some neuroregulation systems and electrolyte balance in 16 patients with essential hypertension (EH). Maximal time of treatment for the assessment was 14 days. Renitek in a single dose 20-40 mg/day produced a response in 80% of EH stage II patients with low activity of plasma renin (PR). A hypotensive effect of the drug proved more essential in patients with higher baseline urinary excretion of aldosterone, adrenaline, noradrenaline and sodium. This effect is associated with stimulation of PR activity, urinary excretion of sodium, reduction in plasma and 24-h urine of aldosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations. Renitek nonresponders exhibited high aldosterone concentration in plasma and its normal excretion with urine, diminished sodium excretion with urine. After 2 weeks of treatment blood and urine hormones were close to the initial levels while sodium excretion with urine went down.