Jörg Peters
Pharmakologisches Institut der Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
joerg.peters@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Synonyms
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Definition
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays a central role in cardiovascular hemostasis. Its major function is the generation of angiotensin (ANG) II from ANG I and the degradation of bradykinin. Both peptides have profound impact on the cardiovascular system and beyond. ACE inhibitors are used to decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients, to improve cardiac function and to reduce work load of the heart in patients with cardiac failure.
Mechanism of Action
ACE inhibitors inhibit the enzymatic activity of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme(ACE). This enzyme cleaves a variety of pairs of amino acids from the carboxy-terminal part of several peptide-substrates. The conversion of ANG I to ANG II and the degradation of bradykinin to inactive fragments...
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References
Bader M, Paul M, Fernandesz-Alfonso M, Kaling M, Ganten D (1994). Molecular biology and biochemistry of the renin-angiotensin system Chap. 11, p.214–232; in: Textbook of Hypertension ed: J.D. Swales; Blackwell Scientific Publications. Oxford, London, Edinburgh.
Bader M, Peters J, Baltatu O, Müller DN, Luft FC, Ganten D (2001). Tissue renin-angiotensin systems: new insights from experimental animal models in hypertension research. J Mol Med 79:76–102
Gohlke P, Unger T (1994). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors Chap 65, p.1115–1127 in: Textbook of Hypertension ed: J.D. Swales; Blackwell Scientific Publications. Oxford, London, Edinburgh.
Linz W, Martorana PA, Schölkens B. (1990). Local inhibition of bradykinin degradation in ischemic hearts. J. Cardiovasc Parmacol 15:S99–S109
Brogden RN, Todd PA, Sorkin EM (1988) Drugs 36:540–600
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© 2004 Springer-Verlag
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(2004). ACE Inhibitors. In: Encyclopedic Reference of Molecular Pharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29832-0_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29832-0_9
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-42843-5
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