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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition, Body Composition, and Physical Performance in Aged Rats

¹ Sticht Center on Aging
² Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
³ Department of Public Health Sciences
⁴ The Hypertension Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Address correspondence to Christy S. Carter, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Geriatrics and Gerontology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem NC 27157. E-mail: chrcarte{at}wfubmc.edu

This study was designed to test the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on body composition and physical performance in aged rats. Male Brown Norway x F344 rats were randomized to receive daily injections of enalapril (40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg) or saline from 24 to 30 months of age. Body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and physical performance was assessed using the grip strength and inclined plane procedures. Performance measures were assessed at baseline and monthly thereafter. DXA was performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up. Compared with the enalapril groups, the saline group experienced a greater 6-month decline in the physical performance measures. Lean body mass declined in both groups; however, the enalapril groups also experienced a significant loss of fat mass. These results suggest that ACE inhibition may prevent age-related declines in physical performance, which may be mediated by a reduction in body fat mass.

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