THE ROLE OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME IN BLOOD-PRESSURE CONTROL, RENAL-FUNCTION, AND MALE-FERTILITY

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc peptidase that plays a m ajor role in the renin-angiotensin system. In mammals, the enzyme is p resent as two isozymes: a somatic form involved in blood-pressure regu lation and a testis form of unknown function. Mice lacking ACE have be en created and shown to have low systolic blood pressures and defects in renal development and function. These mice also have reduced male f ertility, implicating the testis isozyme in reproductive function. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.