A Raman study of the copper(II) - Captopril system

Captopril (CpSH), a synthetic 3-mercapto-2 -methyl-propionyl derivative of L-proline, is a drug widely used in the treatment of arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure [1]. Since post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction is mediated, at least in part, by the generation of free radicals [2] and mobilises metal ions such as Cu(II) and Fe(III), which can catalyse the formation of reactive oxygen species (R.OS) able to produce oxidative damage [3], the beneficial effect of CpSH could be related to its scavenging ability towards radicals and free metals. In order to investigate the interaction of CpSH with Cu (II) ions, a Raman study of CpSH in the absence and in the presence of copper (II) was undertaken.