[ACE inhibitors and the kidney].

Renal diseases as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis (e.g. analgetic nephropathy) or systemic disease with renal involvement are responsible for renal hypertension. High blood pressure remains the most important factor for progression of chronic renal failure. On the other hand, effective anti-hypertensive therapy results in inhibition of progression. Clinical and experimental studies show a renoprotective effect of ACE inhibitors due to lowering of systemic blood pressure, reduction of glomerular capillary pressure, reduction of proteinuria and antiproliferative effects.