Effect of chronic converting-enzyme inhibition on kidney function of senescent hypertensive rats.

The age-related changes in the structure and the function of the kidney and the effect of chronic inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity on these alterations were assessed in senescent, genetically hypertensive rats. Mean blood pressure was unchanged between 6 and 21 months, being 136±10 and 135±21 mm Hg, respectively. Hypertrophy of the glomeruli with a high incidence of glomerulosclerosis was reported in the 21-month-old animals. Renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and filtration fraction were reduced between 6 and 21 months, whereas albuminuria and cGMP excretion were markedly enhanced with aging. Chronic ACE inhibition by administration of 0.3 mg/kg/day trandolapril from 18-21 months increased the life expectancy of the animals without affecting their mean blood pressure