Angiotensin Converting enzyme is involved in catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin I into a physiologically active peptide angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide that controls blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance. This enzyme plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin system. ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II by release of the terminal His-Leu, this results in an increase of the vasoconstrictor activity of angiotensin. Also able to inactivate bradykinin, a potent vasodilatator. ACE exists in two forms, a 170KD somatic form and a 90KD germinal form. The somatic form is expressed by endothelial cells (especially those of lung capillaries and arterioles), epithelial cells (especially in proximal renal tubules and small intestine), by some neuronal cells and variably by some macrophages and T lymphocytes. The germinal form is expressed by spermatozoa.
