ACE Inhibitors Central Actions

This volume examines the influence of the renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on the central nervous system. The first section describes the direct effects of the renin-angiotensin system within the brain. The next section examines the trophic actions of angiotensin 11 and explores the prospect of modulating growth and differentiation in the central nervous system.;A section on ACE inhibitors and cerebral blood flow includes detailed analyses of the effects of various ACE inhibitors and other antihypertensive drugs on cerebral blood flow. The final section places in a balanced perspective the potential of ACE inhibitors to alter cognitive function. The authors stress the importance of including cognitive effects in the risk/benefit analysis of ACE inhibitor therapy, and also underscore the cognitive impact of the two conditions for which these drugs are commonly prescribed: hypertension and cardiac failure.