Laboratory tests - angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
What it is
- A zinc metallopeptidase (dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase) - converts angiotensin I -> angiotensin II and degrades bradykinin
- The bradykinin arm explains ACE inhibitor cough and angioedema
- Principal source: pulmonary capillary endothelium
- *In disease, the source is different: EPITHELIOID CELLS OF GRANULOMAS* - hence its use in sarcoidosis
- *A poor test - ordered far more often than it is useful*
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