[Renin-angiotensin system under extracorporeal circulation during heart valve surgery]

Angiotensin I (A I), angiotensin II (A II) and the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were measured in 15 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for mitral or aortic valve replacement. During cardiopulmonary bypass A I, A II, A I/II ratio and arteriovenous A II--difference decreased markedly, whereas the activity of ACE fell only during a small 15 min period after start of extracorporeal circulation. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed.