Optimized assay for serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity

This optimized two-point kinetic assay for serum angiotensin-converting enzyme is based on the colorimetric determination of hippurate with cyanuric chloride/dioxan reagent. The hippurate is released from hippuryl-L-histidyl-L-leucine by angiotensin-converting enzyme in the presence of chloride ion. CVs for the method (within-run and between-run) ranged from 2.1 to 3.2%. Linearity extends up to 200 U/L. Results are unaffected by lipemia and icterus. Hemoglobin in concentrations greater than 1.5 g/L causes a slight negative interference. Reference intervals for men and women are 22-82 U/L and 25-69 U/L, respectively.