Regional Distribution of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme in the Rat Kidney

Angiotensin converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1:ACE) plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin cascade by its catalytic action of the conversion of angiotensin(ANG) I to ANG II, although the enzyme also degrades bradykinin and some other peptides. ACE in the lung and plasma can influence the plasma ANG II level, however, the role of ACE in other organs such as kidney, brain, vascular wall, heart etc. have been considered in view of the tissue(or local) renin-angiotensin system that appreciates the significance of production of ANG II at the site of its actions1,2.