**Core Concept**
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a crucial regulator of blood pressure and fluid balance, involving **renin**, **angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)**, **angiotensin II**, and **aldosterone**. Drugs targeting this system are used to manage hypertension and heart failure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, which means it directly inhibits the action of **renin**, an enzyme critical for the initiation of the RAAS cascade. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause cough and angioedema due to the accumulation of **bradykinin**. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, not an inhibitor of angiotensin II formation. Eplerenone is a selective **aldosterone receptor antagonist** with less likelihood of causing gynaecomastia compared to spironolactone. Sampatrilat has a dual inhibitory effect on both **ACE** and **neprilysin**, making it a vasopeptidase inhibitor.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because Aliskiren's mechanism is accurately described as inhibiting renin, not its secretion.
**Option B:** Incorrect as it inaccurately describes Losartan's mechanism of action.
**Option C:** Incorrect because while Enalapril can cause cough and angioedema, the description of Losartan is incorrect.
**Option D:** Incorrect as Eplerenone is less likely to cause gynaecomastia, and the description of Sampatrilat is correct but does not make the entire statement true.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember, **ACE inhibitors** like Enalapril can cause a dry cough and angioedema due to increased **bradykinin** levels. **Direct renin inhibitors** like Aliskiren offer an alternative approach to RAAS blockade.
**Correct Answer: D.**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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