ACE

ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. It is part of the renin–angiotensin system, which is a major target for drugs that lower blood pressure. ACE converts the hormone angiotensin I to the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Therefore, ACE indirectly increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict.

Function

ACE is a central component of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which controls blood pressure by regulating the volume of fluids in the body. It converts the hormone angiotensin I to the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Therefore, ACE and its inhibitors are of great interest to medicine due to their effect on blood pressure.

Clinical significance

ACE inhibitors are widely used as pharmaceutical drugs in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. ACE inhibitors inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and thus lower arteriolar resistance and increase venous capacity.

See also

• Renin–angiotensin system
• ACE inhibitor
• Angiotensin II receptor antagonist

References

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