Involvement of nitric oxide in the antiaggregatory effect of enalapril

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Jun;23(5):255-7. doi: 10.1358/mf.2001.23.5.662121.

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effects of single dose enalapril (1.6 mg/kg) on platelet aggregation alone and after an intravenous bolus dose of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 40 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2 and 6 h after the administration of drugs in rhesus monkeys. Enalapril was administered via a nasogastric tube while L-NNA was administered by the intravenous route. Platelet aggregation was stimulated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in platelet rich plasma (PRP). Enalapril significantly inhibited platelet aggregation with a peak effect at 6 h. Upon administration of L-NNA, there was a significant increase in the percentage of platelet aggregation. This effect was partially antagonized by enalapril. The present study demonstrates that enalapril may possess antiaggregatory effects, which may be mediated via nitric oxide mechanisms.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Enalapril / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitroarginine / pharmacology
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Nitroarginine
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Adenosine Diphosphate
  • Enalapril
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase