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Angiotensin-converting enzyme in the human nasal mucosa
K Ohkubo1, C H Lee, J N Baraniuk
1Allergic Diseases Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is present in human nasal mucosa and secretions. Histamine and allergen challenges increase ACE secretion, suggesting its role in respiratory inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a role in inflammatory peptide regulation, potentially impacting respiratory inflammatory diseases.
- Understanding ACE presence and regulation in the nasal mucosa is crucial for respiratory health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and location of ACE in human nasal mucosa and secretions.
- To investigate the regulation of ACE secretion in response to inflammatory stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry, enzyme activity assays, and immunoblotting were used to detect and quantify ACE.
- Nasal lavage fluid was analyzed after histamine, allergen, and methacholine challenges.
- Immunogold labeling localized ACE at the ultrastructural level.
Main Results:
- ACE activity was significantly higher in membrane-rich fractions of nasal mucosal extracts compared to soluble fractions.
- Histamine and allergen challenges increased ACE secretion into nasal lavage fluid, correlating with IgG and albumin levels.
- ACE was localized to the glycocalyx, intercellular spaces, lamina propria, and endothelial cells, but not within gland cells.
Conclusions:
- ACE is present in the human nasal mucosa and its secretions.
- Inflammatory stimuli like histamine and allergens promote ACE release, suggesting a role in nasal inflammatory responses.
- ACE localization indicates its potential involvement in regulating the nasal environment during inflammation.