Centrally Acting ACE Inhibition in SLE

SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that often involves multiple systems and organs of the body. An autoimmune disease is one which your immune system attacks the cells and tissues in different parts of the body. SLE is characterized by inflammation that leads to tissue damage in many different organ systems. Lupus can cause fever, joint pains, rashes, and other symptoms. It can also affect organs such as the skin, the muscles, the kidneys, the heart, the lungs, the blood and the brain. The exact cause of SLE is not known. Problems with memory and concentration are common in lupus; these problems are called cognitive problems. Cognitive problems can be caused by things like depression, fatigue, medication and infections. However, previous studies that have been done in animal models of lupus and in lupus patients suggest that inflammation due to lupus can affect the brain directly. This research study is being done to test the effects of centrally-acting ACE inhibitor, named lisinopril, on resting metabolism in the brain and on cognitive function. The investigators will see if Lisinopril will decrease resting metabolism in the brain and improve cognitive function (memory and concentration) compared to a non-centrally acting ACE inhibitor called benazepril.