Effect of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Captopril on Body Weight, Food and Water Consumption in Oral Contraceptive-Treated Rats

Studies have shown that hormonal changes that occur during menstrual or oestrous cycle influence angiotensin-induced water intake. However, little is known about the effects of Oral Contraceptive (OC) on body weight and eating habit when Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is suppressed. This study documents the effect of OC on weight gain and food and water consumption. It also assesses whether suppression of RAS by captopril would affect OC-induced changes. About 40 female rats distributed into 4 groups (10 rats in each) were used for the experiment. Vehicles-treated, OC-treated, captopril-treated and OC + captopril-treated groups. Body weight, food and water intake were recorded daily throughout the experiment period. Food and water consumed per day per 100 g body weight was also calculated. OC-treated and OC + captopril-treated rats had significantly lower body weight when compared with those of vehicle treated and captopril-treated rats. OC-treated rats consumed significantly less food than vehicle-treated and captopril-treated groups. OC + captopril-treated rats consumed significantly less food than other groups but when food consumption was adjusted to body weight, there was significant decrease in food consumption in OC-treated group. OC administration is associated with reduction in weight gain and food and water consumption. Co-administration of captopril significantly augments this effect.