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The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II response to altered posture and acute exercise, and the influence of ACE genotype

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Abstract

The deletion (D) rather than insertion (I) allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with greater ACE activity. We examined: (1) the influence of posture change (recumbent to seated) and acute exercise on serum ACE and angiotensin II (Ang II) activity; (2) the relationship between ACE and Ang II levels; and (3) the influence of ACE genotype on changes in ACE and Ang II levels with posture and exercise. Recreationally active young male Caucasians (10 each of II, ID and DD genotypes) rested for 35 min supine then 15 min upright, took 20 min bicycle ergometric exercise at 70% maximum oxygen uptake, then rested for 40 min. Samples were taken throughout for ACE activity and Ang II levels. Supine ACE levels were dependent upon ACE genotype [24.8 (5.7), 26.9 (4.5), 45.5 (6.4) nmol His-Leu ml−1 min−1; II, ID, DD, respectively; P<0.00005] and thereafter. ACE activity rose with assumption of a seated posture [from 32.4 (10.9) nmol His-Leu ml−1 min−1 to 35.0 (11.5) nmol His-Leu ml−1 min−1, P<0.00001], the absolute rise being independent of genotype [3.22 (1.92), 1.6 (1.6), 2.4 (2.3) nmol His-Leu ml−1 min−1; II, ID, DD; P=0.22], unlike percentage change [12.8 (6.8), 5.6 (5.5), 5.3 (5.0)%; II, ID, DD; P<0.01, and P=0.004 for II vs presence of the D allele]. A further genotype-independent rise occurred with exercise [+2.9 (3.7) units, P<0.0003]. An associated rise in Ang II levels [30.3 (15.9), or 2587.9 (489.76)%, P<0.00001] was independent of ACE genotype or activity. Upright posture increases ACE activity, and this may be influenced by ACE genotype. ACE activity and Ang II levels rise independently with exercise in a non-genotype-dependent fashion.

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Acknowledgements

We should like to thank the volunteers who took part. J.S. and H.M. are funded by the Portex Endowment. This work was supported by an unconditional educational grant from Aventis UK. J.S., S.E.H. and J.R.P. are funded by the British Heart Foundation, who also provide core funding for the Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics. These experiments comply with the current United Kingdom law.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics, Royal Free and University College London Medical School, 3rd Floor, British Heart Foundation Laboratories, Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, UK

    Julie Sanders, Alun Jones, Emma Hawe, Steve E. Humphries, John Payne & Hugh Montgomery

  2. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    David Woods

  3. Institute of Pharmacology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany

    Peter Gohlke

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  1. David Woods
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Correspondence to Hugh Montgomery.

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Woods, D., Sanders, J., Jones, A. et al. The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II response to altered posture and acute exercise, and the influence of ACE genotype. Eur J Appl Physiol 91, 342–348 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-003-0993-1

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