AGTR1 and achalasia-alacrima syndrome: Given that both of these NEP substrates, namely AngII and natriuretic peptides, have been linked to atherosclerosis and AAAs, in this study we hypothesized that combined therapy of NEP inhibition and AT1R antagonism would provide added benefit beyond either drug alone on AngII-induced hypertension, atherosclerosis, and AAA in hypercholesterolemic mice.