Losartan Increases Bradykinin Levels in Hypertensive Humans

Abstract

Losartan increases bradykinin levels. The reductions in BK-(1-7)/BK-(1-9), Ang II/Ang I, and Ang-(1-7)/Ang I ratios suggest that the increased bradykinin levels were the result of reduced metabolism by ACE and neutral endopeptidase. Increased bradykinin levels may represent a class effect of AT1 receptor blockers that contributes to their therapeutic actions and may also contribute to the angioedema that may accompany this therapy.