ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME IN MONOCYTES-MACROPHAGES OF VASCULAR WALL

Angiotensin converting enzyme was determined in aortas and carotid art eries of 60 men aged 20 - 40 years, Concentration of the enzyme was es pecially high in macrophages from early fatty streaks while it was muc h lower in macrophages from preatheromas, atheromas and fibrous plaque s, Angiotensin converting enzyme was found in clusters of macrophages, in adhered monocytes, in smooth muscle and endothelial cells, The res ults allow to suggest that angiotensin converting enzyme accumulating in damaged blood vessels can cause local spasm and thus facilitate pro gression of atherosclerosis.