Understanding Angiotensinase: Its Types and Role in Regulating Blood Pressure

Angiotensinase is a type of enzyme that breaks down the hormone angiotensin II, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Angiotensinase is produced by various tissues throughout the body, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

There are two main types of angiotensinase:

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): This type of angiotensinase is found primarily in the lung and is responsible for breaking down angiotensin II into a less potent form called angiotensin (1-7). ACE is also involved in the breakdown of other peptide hormones, such as bradykinin.
2. Angiotensin-transforming enzyme (AT1): This type of angiotensinase is found primarily in the kidneys and liver and is responsible for breaking down angiotensin II into a less potent form called angiotensin (1-9). AT1 also plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure by influencing the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys.

Overall, angiotensinase plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Dysregulation of angiotensinase activity has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease.