Captopril test

The Captopril test is performed according to the following principles. Under normal physiological conditions, the renin-angiotensin system is the main factor regulating aldosterone secretion, and bioactive angiotensin can stimulate aldosterone secretion. Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which can block angiotensin Ⅰ from turning into active angiotensin Ⅱ, thereby reducing the stimulation of aldosterone secretion and lowering aldosterone levels in the blood. In patients with primary aldosteronism, aldosterone secretion is independent or only partially dependent on the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system, and aldosterone secretion is not inhibited after captopril is administered. Patients with renal artery stenosis can secrete too much renin, which can be blocked by captopril and converted into angiotensin II, which reduces aldosterone secretion.