The localization of converting enzyme in kidney vessels of the rat

Abstract

An antibody against pure rabbit lung converting enzyme (CE) showing cross-reaction with CE from other species was used for immunocytochemical studies in the kidney of rats. Using the indirect labelling PAP-technique, specific immunostaining was found in the endothelial layer of all arteries and arterioles of kidney cortex and in some descending vasa recta. CE-positive reactions were also seen in most glomeruli, the reaction product being confined to only a few capillary loops in connection with the glomerular stalk. A few immunostained capillaries in the cortical labyrinth were suspected to belong to the first ramifications of the efferent arteriole. The bulk of all other of the glomerular and peritubula capillaries as well as all veins of the kidney showed no obvious immunostaining. The functional significance of this specific localization pattern of CE in the endothelium of kidney vessels is discussed with respect to the actions of the systemic and the local, intrarenal renin-angiotensin-system on kidney functions.

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme in isolated human glomeruli

“…The results of this study strongly suggest the Glomerular ACE has been demonstrated in the rabbit [8] and in the rat [20]. The fact that it was not detected previously in human adult glomeruli [5,6] by immunohistochemistry is probably due to its low concentration in this species.…”

Evidence for an intrarenal renin‐angiotensin system in the European lesser‐spotted dogfish

“…There is increasing support in mammals that, in addition to the systemic renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), there are local renin‐angiotensin systems responsible for the generation of angiotensin II (Ang II) within a wide range of tissues (Henderson et al ., 1993). These tissues include the kidney, heart, adrenal glands, gonadal tissue, brain, pituitary and arterial wall (Taugner & Ganten, 1982; Erdos & Skidgel, 1990; Hackenthal et al ., 1990; Lindpainter & Ganten, 1991; Dzau, 1993; Danser, 1996)…”

The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular Disease.

“…In situ hybridization revealed that its expression is confined to the proximal convoluted tubule (34) and it could be shown that primary cells obtained from this area are capable to produce AOGEN (66). System in Cardiovascular Disease 3 ACE is present in high amounts in kidney tissue (67)(68)(69) where it is located in blood vessels and in the brush border and basolateral membrane of proximal tubular cells (70)(71)(72)(73)(74)(75)(76)(77).…”