Efecto de la inhibición de la síntesis de angiotensina II en el consumo de alcohol / Effect of angiotensin II synthesis inhibition on alcohol consumption

ABSTRACT

Background: Central reninangiotensin system modulates alcohol intake and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme reduces ethanol consumption in rats, and may be potentially useful in the treatment of alcoholism. Aim: To study the effect of captopríl on alcohol intake, both in humans and animals . Material and methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 15 alcoholics who met DSM-IV criíteria were randomized to receive captopril 100 mg/day or placebo for 12 weeks. In the experimental study, daily consumption of ethanol (10 percent v/v), water and solid food was assessed in 12 male Wistar rats before and after the intraperítoneal administration of captopríl 50 mg/kg/day. Results: In alcoholics, mean weekly standard alcoholic drínk consumption was not different during captopríl treatment or placebo. However, both groups had a signiñcantly lower intake than duríng baseline. Days of abstinence increased and days of drunkeness decreased in the group receiving captopril, when compared with baseline but not with placebo. Craving was significantly reduced by captopríl when compared with placebo. In rats, captopríl reduced not only alcohol consumption but also water and food intake. Conclusions: Captopríl decreases alcohol intake in rats and this effect is not speciñc for ethanol. Captopril did not alter alcohol consumption in alcoholics when compared with placebo but reduced craving.