Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to treat hypertension. This en
ID: 3515312 • Letter: A
Question
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to treat hypertension. This enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, so that inhibiting it leads to reduced angiotensin II levels. A. Angiotensin II causes efferent arteriole vasocontriction. What will happen to GFR if an ACE inhibitor is taken? B. What will be the effect of taking this drug on salt regulation and how will this affect the countercurrent multiplier? C. What will be the effect of taking this drug on water regulation and how will this affect the countercurrent multiplier?
Explanation / Answer
Answer a. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors causes decreased formation of angiotensin 2. Since angiotensin 2 causes efferent arteriole vasoconstriction. Thus after decreased angiotensin 2 level, efferent arteriole vasoconstriction will be less, thus GFR will be less. Because efferent arteriole vasoconstriction create pressure on fluid in GFR.
Answer b. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors causes salt loosing action, which in turn loose extra water from the kidney. Angiotensin 2 causes sodium retension by aldosterone hormone release. Thus angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors cause salt loosing and water secretion in to the kidney for blood pressure control.
Answer c. Sodium is water holding ion. Since angiotensin converting enzyme is having sodium losing property thus water is also released along with sodium in order to control blood pressure. There occur sodium secretion in the counter current system and water follows the sodium.