The Effect of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor on Bone Health in Castrated Hypertensive Rats Is Mediated via the Kinin-Kallikrein System

Abstract

Background. In previous studies, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use was associated with increased bone loss, while an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker had no effect on bone loss in elder subjects, which suggested that the effect of ACEI on bone loss was not mediated through the classical renin-angiotensin system. In this study, we set to investigate whether the effect of ACEI on bone deterioration was mediated via the kinin-kallikrein system. Methods. Six-month-old male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats were used. The effect of captopril on blood pressure, serum Ang II, and bradykinin concentration was measured in intact rats. Ovariectomy and orchidectomy were performed to establish an osteoporosis model in female and male rats, respectively. Captopril and the bradykinin receptor blocker icatibant (HOE140) were administered after operation for 12 weeks. Serum Ang II and bradykinin concentration, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone microarchitecture were evaluated. Femur samples were subjected to a mechanical test. Results. Captopril decreased blood pressure and serum Ang II concentration and increased serum bradykinin concentration in intact rats ((Formula presented.)). After castration, captopril decreased serum Ang II concentration ((Formula presented.)); in female rats, icatibant increased serum Ang II concentration ((Formula presented.)). Captopril increased serum bradykinin concentration ((Formula presented.)); in male rats, icatibant decreased serum bradykinin concentration ((Formula presented.)). Captopril increased the rat urine deoxypyridinoline-creatinine ratio (DPD/Cr) and serum osteocalcin concentration ((Formula presented.)). Icatibant decreased urine DPD/Cr in male rats ((Formula presented.)) and increased osteocalcin concentration in female rats ((Formula presented.)). Captopril increased cancellous BMD in castrated hypertensive rats ((Formula presented.)), and icatibant further increased cancellous BMD ((Formula presented.)), which was due to the increased trabecular bone number. In mechanical testing, ACEI increased bone strength ((Formula presented.)), and icatibant further improved it ((Formula presented.)). Conclusion. ACEI decreased bone deterioration in both male and female hypertensive rats, and the bradykinin receptor blocker further decreased bone deterioration.