Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor potentiates the hypoglycaemic effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats

Abstract

The inhibition of renin angiotensin system pathway has been largely documented to be effective in the control of cardiovascular events. The present study investigated the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor on fasting blood glucose level in hypertension induced by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in male Wistar rats. Hypertension was induced by the inhibition of NOS using a non-selective NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The blockade of NOS resulted in an increase in blood pressure, ACE, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 levels, and a decrease in fasting blood glucose and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The hypertensive rats treated with ACE inhibitor (ramipril) recorded a decrease in blood pressure, ACE, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, NO and fasting blood glucose levels, and an increase in prostacyclin level. In conclusion, ACE inhibitor potentiated the hypoglycaemic effect of NOS inhibitor and this effect is independent of NO and pancreatic insulin release.

Keywords:

• Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor
• ACE inhibitor
• fasting blood glucose
• nitric oxide
• insulin
• prostacyclin

Author contributions

EOA designed the study and drafted the manuscript. VUN managed the literature searches and edited the manuscript. AAF revised the manuscript draft. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).