Frusemide inhibits angiotensin II-induced contraction on human vascular smooth muscle

Aims Frusemide is widely used in the treatment of acute pulmonary oedema, chronic congestive heart failure and, to a lesser degree, in the treatment of hypertension. Evidence suggests that frusemide exerts an anti-vasoconstrictor effect independent of its diuretic properties. Since angiotensin II is a highly potent vasoconstrictor involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases, we have investigated the effect of frusemide on the contraction elicited by angiotensin II on human internal mammary artery (IMA) and saphenous vein (SV).