Neurology

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting ACE could help treat lupus-associated cognitive dysfunction. In hippocampal tissue samples from a mouse model of the indication, ACE expression was higher than in samples from normal mice. Also in the model, the generic blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable ACE inhibitor captopril increased hippocampal dendritic spine complexity compared with the generic BBB-impermeable ACE inhibitor enalapril, and captopril increased cognitive function compared with vehicle. Next steps could include testing captopril in lupus patients with cognitive dysfunction.

Captopril is marketed for hypertension, heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction, and diabetic nephropathy...