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The angiotensin converting enzyme in the kidney
F Alhenc-Gelas1, T Baussant, C Hubert
1INSERM U 36, Paris, France.
Summary
Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) is found in kidney blood vessels and tubules. Its role in blood vessel angiotensin II formation is limited, but its function in kidney tubules remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system.
- ACE is a membrane-bound zinc metallopeptidase with a recently determined primary structure.
- ACE expression and function in the kidney are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and potential roles of ACE within the kidney.
- To understand the functional implications of ACE in renal vascular and tubular compartments.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical studies on kidney tissue.
- Experiments using microdissected nephron segments.
Main Results:
- ACE is expressed in renal vascular endothelial cells and proximal tubule epithelial cells (brush border and basolateral membrane).
- Renal vascular ACE expression, particularly at the glomerular level, is low in adult humans.
- Angiotensin I conversion may be rate-limiting for Angiotensin II formation in the kidney.
- The function of brush border ACE in proximal tubules is currently unknown.
Conclusions:
- Renal ACE localization suggests roles in both Angiotensin II formation/inactivation and potential unknown functions in tubules.
- ACE inhibitors' renal effects are mainly linked to Angiotensin II suppression and kinin potentiation.