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angiotensin-converting enzyme |
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angiotensin-converting enzyme /an·gio·ten·sin-con·vert·ing en·zyme/ (-ten´sin kon-vert´ing en´zīm) see peptidyl-dipeptidase A.
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a glycoprotein (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase) that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by splitting two terminal amino acids. ACE-inhibiting agents are used for controlling hypertension and for protecting the kidneys in diabetes mellitus. angiotensin (ACE) [an″je-o-ten´sin] a vasoconstrictive substance formed in the blood when renin is released from the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney. The enzymatic action of renin acts on angiotensinogen to form the decapeptide angiotensin I, which is relatively inactive. It in turn is acted upon by peptidases (converting enzymes), chiefly in the lungs, to form the octapeptide angiotensin II, a powerful vasopressor and a stimulator of aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. By its vasopressor action, it raises blood pressure and diminishes fluid loss in the kidney by restricting blood flow. Angiotensin II is hydrolyzed in various tissues to form heptapeptide angiotensin III, which has less vasopressor activity but more effect on the adrenal cortex. angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) an enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes cleavage of a dipeptide from the C-terminal end of angiotensin I to form activated angiotensin II; called also peptidyl-dipeptidase A. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors competitive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin. ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, are antagonists of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and potentiators of the kinin system and are used for treatment of hypertension, usually in conjunction with a diuretic. They are also used as vasodilators in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
angiotensin-converting enzyme (anˑ·jē·ō·ten·sin kon·verˑ·ting enˑ·zīm), n glycoprotein that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II by dividing two terminal amino acids.
angiotensin-converting enzyme A key enzyme in the RAA system, which converts the inactive decapeptide angiotensin I to the octapeptide, angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates aldosterone secretion; ACE is also involved
in metabolizing bradykinin Ref range 18–67 U/L, > age 20; those < 20 have higher levels; ACE is ↑ in sarcoidosis, Gaucher disease, leprosy, histoplasmosis, cirrhosis, asbestosis, berylliosis, DM, Hodgkin's disease,
hyperthyroidism, amyloidosis, PBC, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, PE, scleroderma, silicosis, TB; ACE ↓ in response to prednisone therapy for sarcoidosis. See Renin/angiotensin/aldosterone system. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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