Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Angiotensin-(1-7)

Abstract

Abstract-This lecture summarizes the chronology and rationale that led to the discovery of angiotensin-(1-7) as a hormone that, in its own right, opposes the vasoconstrictor and proliferative actions of angiotensin II. The work discussed here additionally analyzes the newest findings on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme homologue that efficiently hydrolyzes angiotensin II into angiotensin-(1-7). Both components of this system may significantly influence our future perspective of the role of the renin-angiotensin system, not just in terms of its role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function but, moreover, as regulators of a vast array of disease processes in which inflammation and immune mechanisms play a role.

Characterization of angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 in the soleus and plantaris muscles of rats

“…This effect could reduce myocardial blood flow preferentially via coronary vasoconstriction or microcirculatory dysfunction. ACE2 is enhanced by ACE1 inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (12,18).…”

“…The substrates identified for ACE2 include Ang I and Ang II, which are cleaved to a nonapeptide Ang-(1-9) and a heptapeptide Ang-(1-7), respectively. The conversion of Ang II to Ang-(1-7) is the preferred pathway, with a 500-fold greater efficiency compared with the Ang I cleavage pathway (11)(12)(13).…”

“…ACE2 has also been described as an enzyme that works as a negative regulator of the RAS, counterbalancing the multiple functions of ACE1 (12,13). Together, ACE1 and ACE2 counterbalance the Ang II and Ang-(1-7) concentration, permitting a balance between the pressor-trophic effects of Ang II and the opposing depressor-antitrophic effects of Ang-(1-7).…”

Simultaneous analysis of angiotensin peptides by LC–MS and LC–MS/MS: Metabolism by bovine adrenal endothelial cells

“…Blood vessels are an important target for the actions of Ang peptides. Ang II is converted to Ang 1-7 by angiotensin converting enzyme-2 in the endothelial cells [21,22]. The vascular action of Ang 1-7 is vasodilation; therefore the opposite to Ang II induce vasoconsriction.…”

Effects of ACE-Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Inflammation

“…Ang III [Ang-(2-8)], a heptapeptide formed by removal of the first N-terminal amino acid, is present in the central nervous system (CNS), where it is thought to play an important role in tonic blood pressure maintenance and in hypertension [81]. Ang IV [Ang- (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)] is a hexapeptide formed by further enzymatic degradation of Ang III [81].…”