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Gonadal effects on plasma ACE activity in mice
Yew Koon Lim1, Leslie Retnam, Balasubramanian Bhagavath
1National University Medical Institutes, Blk MD11, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
Atherosclerosis
|February 19, 2002
Summary
Gonadectomy significantly reduces plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in both male and female mice, suggesting gonads influence its regulation. This effect is more pronounced in males, impacting blood pressure management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is crucial for blood pressure regulation and a key target for hypertension treatment.
- Hypertension exhibits a gender bias, with differences in ACE activity observed between sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of gonads on plasma and tissue ACE activity in male and female mice.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which gonads affect ACE activity and its implications for hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma and lung ACE activity in male and female mice before and after gonadectomy.
- Analysis of ACE mRNA levels in lung tissue to assess transcriptional regulation.
Main Results:
- Plasma ACE activity was significantly higher in male mice compared to females.
- Gonadectomy reduced plasma ACE activity in both sexes, with a more pronounced effect in males.
- Lung ACE activity increased significantly after gonadectomy in both sexes, independent of gender.
- Lung ACE mRNA levels remained unaffected by gender or gonadectomy.
Conclusions:
- Gonads significantly influence plasma ACE activity, particularly in males, suggesting a role in sex-based differences in hypertension.
- The gonads may affect plasma ACE by modulating the cleavage of tissue ACE or altering plasma ACE stability.
- Lung ACE activity is regulated by gonadectomy, but not by gender, indicating tissue-specific effects.