Question

How do diuretics work (hint: most of them affect Na + reabsorption)? How would administering a
patient an ACE inhibitor (drug that inhibits the enzymatic activity of ACE) help with hypertension?

Answer 1

Answer) Diuretic drugs increase urine output by the kidney (i.e., promote diuresis).

• Too much salt (Na+) can cause extra fluid to build up in your blood vessels which raises the blood pressure.
• If the kidney excretes more sodium, then water excretion will also increase.
• Diuretics produce diuresis by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium at different segments of the renal tubular system in kidney.
• So that excretion of sodium along with extra fluid is increased and thereby reduces the blood pressure in blood vessels i.e Helps in Hypertension.

FUNCTIONS OF ACE :-

• ACE, is a central component of the renin–angiotensin system (RAAS), which controls blood pressure by regulating the volume of fluids in the body.
• ACE converts the hormone angiotensin I to the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin II which increases blood pressure.
• The RAAS functions to elevate blood volume and arterial tone in a prolonged manner. It does this by increasing sodium reabsorption, water reabsorption, and vascular tone.

IF WE INHIBIT ACE :-

• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are medications that slow (inhibit) the activity of the enzyme ACE, which decreases the production of angiotensin II.
• As a result, blood vessels enlarge or dilate, and blood pressure is reduced and helps in Hypertension.