title: [The importance of ACE2 in regulating the cardiovascular system].
abstract: A recently discovered homologue of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, ACE2, insensitive to ACE inhibitors, was found in rodents and humans. ACE2 is expressed mainly in the vasculature, heart and kidney. ACE2 removes a single amino acid of the carboxy terminal of peptides. In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), it is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I (Ang I) and angiotensin II (Ang II) to Ang 1-9 and Ang 1-7, respectively. While ACE forms Ang II, a potent vasoconstrictor, ACE2 degrades this peptide to form Ang 1-7 which has an opposite action. Therefore, ACE2 counteracts ACE in the balance of vasopressor/vasodilator as well as heart and kidney function. The importance of ACE2 in physiological and pathophysiological conditions is unclear and is currently being studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Ayelet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raz
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gamliel-Lazarovich
authors.forename: Ido
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bogner
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strigevsky
authors.forename: Shlomo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Keidar
mesh_terms: D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000378:metabolism*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; C000705307:ACE2 protein, human; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2