Effect of Reduced Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Expression and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition on Angiotensin and Bradykinin Peptide Levels in Mice

Abstract

There is uncertainty about the contribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to angiotensin II formation, with recent studies suggesting that non-ACE enzymes may be the predominant pathway of angiotensin II formation in kidney, heart, and lung. To investigate the role of ACE in angiotensin II formation, we measured angiotensin I and II levels in blood, kidney, and heart of 2 mouse genetic models (ACE.1 and ACE.4) of reduced somatic ACE gene expression and in blood, kidney, heart, lung, adrenal, and brain of mice administered the ACE inhibitor lisinopril. We also measured the levels of bradykinin (1-9) and its ACE metabolite bradykinin (1-7). Reduced ACE gene expression and ACE inhibiti..