THE EFFECT OF ENALAPRIL MALEATE ON CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW IN CHRONIC CEREBRAL INFARCTION

The influence of long-term oral administration of enalapril maleate (an angiotensin II-converting enzyme inhibitor) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied in 10 patients with chronic cerebral infarction. The rCBF was measured by a Xe-133 inhalation method before and after a mean of sixty-five days' administration of 5 mg of enalapril. Results: Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was mildly decreased in 6 patients, but the average change in MABP was not significant (Endtidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PeC0(2)) was not changed significantly. The mean rCBF was increased by 8% after administration of enalapril (0.05 < p < 0.l) There was no significant correlation between percent change in MABP and the percent change in rCBF. These results indicate that enalapril has not only antihypertensive action but also a beneficial effect on the cerebral circulation in patients with chronic cerebral infarction.