[The importance of ACE2 in regulating the cardiovascular system].
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.
Raz
Ayelet
A
Department of Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
Gamliel-Lazarovich
Aviva
A
Bogner
Ido
I
Strigevsky
Alexander
A
Keidar
Shlomo
S
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
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; C000705307:ACE2 protein, human; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2