Novel antihypertensive hexa- and heptapeptides with ACE-inhibiting properties: From the in vitro ACE assay to the spontaneously hypertensive rat

► Synthetic heptapeptides were designed and screened as ACE inhibitors and antihypertensors. ► Heptapeptides inhibit in vitro ACE activity and ex vivo ACE-dependent vasoconstriction. ► Heptapeptides and lead hexapeptides lower blood pressure in hypertensive rats. ► Heptapeptides and hexapeptides do not modify normal blood pressure and are not cytotoxic.