Angiotensin-converting enzyme is localized on the plasma membrane and caveolae of pulmonary endothelial cells, supporting its role in metabolizing circulating vasoactive peptides.
ACE localization on pulmonary endothelial caveolae in animals supports luminal peptide metabolism; human relevance and functional impact remain unproven.
Goat antibodies to pig lung angiotensin-converting enzyme (kininase II) were conjugated to microperoxidase. Rat lung tissue, previously incubated with non-immune goat serum, was incubated with the antibody-microperoxidase conjugate and then with H2O2 and 3,3-diaminobenzidine. Electron microscopy revealed reaction product on the plasma membrane and caveolae of endothelial cells, especially those of capillaries and venules. These results support the hypothesis that angiotensin I and bradykinin are metabolized by enzymes on the luminal surface of pulmonary endothelial cells.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ryan et al. (1975) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: