“…ACE – the dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase widely distributed in tissues – converts Ang I into Ang II, which by activation of its AT1 receptors is responsible for most pathophysiological effects of RAS. ACE2, an ACE homolog, is broadly expressed throughout the body, reaching high levels in epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa, salivary glands, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract as well as cardiomyocytes, adipocytes and endothelial cells [ 28 - 30 ]. Thus, the highest ACE2 expression was reported in the heart, kidneys, small intestine, testis, and lungs [ 31 ].…”