Discuss the primary function of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) in the body.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) plays a crucial role in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. 

ACE helps in the conversion of Angiotensin - 1 to Angiotensin -2 (Active). 

Angiotensin - II has many physiological functions like-

  • Induction in Sympathetic Activity---- increase in Heart rate. 
  • Arteriolar Vasoconstriction ----- Increase in blood Pressure. 
  • Induction in Tubular Na, Cl reabsorption and K excretion and H2O Retention 
  • Induction of Aldosterone Secretion from adrenal cortex ----- (Tubular Na, Cl reabsorption and K excretion and H2O Retention)
  • Induction in ADH secretion from Posterior pituitary ----- (induction in H2O reabsorption in collecting duct). 

Mechanism of ACE inhibitors in the maintenance of Hypertension 

  • Heart Rate: ACE inhibitors reduces the production of Catecholamines and indirectly inhibits the sympathetic activity and Heart Rate becomes slow. 
  • Blood Pressure: Reduces BP by - 
    1. Inhibition in Arteriolar vasoconstriction 
    2. inhibition in aldosterone release 
    3. inhibition in ADH secretion 



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