Each year, more than 40,000 new patients require treatment for end stage renal disease, a condition which is 4-fold higher among African Americans than Caucasians. Trials of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in Caucasians support a role of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. Yet, despite the high prevalence of nephropathy among African Americans, Blacks have been under-represented in studies in ACEIs. Data from our laboratory suggest that the renal effects of ACEI may differ in African Americans. African Americans are resistant to the anti-hypertensive effects of ACEI and, thus, may be resistant to the renoprotective effects as well. The ACE deletion allele, a variant associated with increased ACE activity and progression of renal diseases, is increased in frequency in African Americans, while the frequency of the Ang AT1 receptor C allele, a variant associated with antihypertensive responsiveness to ACEI is decreased. Moreover, African Americans exhibit decreased sensitivity to Ang I and increased sensitivity to bradykinin. Taken together, these data suggest the hypothesis that ACE activity is increased in African Americans, leading to decreased bradykinin levels ( and receptor sensitization) and increased tissue Ang II (and receptor desensitization).