Objective: The role of angiotensin II (Ang-II) in inflammation and the mechanisms through which it exerts this role are explored. Signaling through angiotensin stimulation of inflammatory cells often amplifies inflammation. Formation of Ang-II from tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown to be of greater importance in the development and progression of inflammatory diseases than plasma ACE.
Conclusion: Quinapril, which is a potent and selective inhibitor of both plasma and tissue ACE, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in many disease states such as atherosclerosis, nephritis, scleroderma, diabetes and arthritis, and, thus, offers new therapeutic possibilities for disease treatment.