angiotensin converting enzyme definition
An angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and congestive heart failure. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors competitive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin. Renin, stimulated by juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney in response to decreased blood volume and serum sodium levels, acts as an enzyme in the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is rapidly hydrolyzed to form the active compound, angiotensin II. Any of three polypeptide hormones that function in the body in controlling arterial pressure. The most important is known as angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor that stimulates steroid production by the adrenal glands, reduces fluid loss from the kidneys, and also functions as a neurotransmitter. Angiotensin II is formed from inactive angiotensin I by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (or ACE). angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) an enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes cleavage of a dipeptide from the C-terminal end of angiotensin I to form activated angiotensin II; called also peptidyl-dipeptidase A. (ACE) [an″je-o-ten´sin] a vasoconstrictive substance formed in the blood when renin is released from the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney. The enzymatic action of renin acts on angiotensinogen to form the decapeptide angiotensin I, which is relatively inactive. angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) a glycoprotein (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase) that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by splitting two terminal amino acids. ACE-inhibiting agents are used for controlling hypertension and for protecting the kidneys in diabetes mellitus. The vasoconstrictor polypeptide hormone, angiotensin II, which is released by the action of the enzyme renin. Its precursor, angiotensin I, is inactive until acted on by the angiotensin-converting enzyme, mainly in the lungs. Angiotensin II has a powerful effect on raising the blood pressure. It binds to angiotensin receptors and constricts the circular smooth muscle of blood vessel walls. noun, Biochemistry. 1. any of three oligopeptides occurring in plasma, an inactive form (angiotensin I) and two varieties (angiotensin II and angiotensin III) that elevate blood pressure and stimulate the adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors competitive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin.
It is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.