Effect of the Inhibition of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme in Endotoxin and Hemorrhagic Shock

We studied the role of the angiotensin I converting enzyme in shock Dogs were shocked by injection of E. coli endotoxin or by bleeding. The animals in the experiments were pretreated by iv administration of SQ 20881, the synthetic peptide inhibitor of the converting enzyme. The administration of the inhibitor blocked or attenuated the compensatory rise that followed the initial drop in systemic arterial pressure. In hypovolemic shock, as well, the inhibitor significantly delayed and decreased this compensatory rise in blood pressure. The results indicate that the enzyme has important function in shock.