[Serum activity of angiotensin converting enzyme during extracorporeal circulation in man]

Serum activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) were measured during extra-corporeal circulation in five patients undergoing aorto-coronary bypass surgery. We observed a significant decrease of serum ACE levels in the absence of pulmonary circulation, suggesting that in man the lungs were the major source of circulating ACE. An effective extra-pulmonary liberation of ACE could take place during cardiopulmonary bypass. The levels of serum ACE increased with pulmonary recirculation, but preoperative levels were not reached 24 h later.