Re: why the lungs? [HAPP-L]

[Alan Magid <amagid@xxxxxxxxx>]

> We were reviewing the R-A-A pathway yesterday and my students asked why ACE
> was in the lungs particularly. My text says it's in the lungs 'and other
> organs' -- anybody know whether it is generally distributed, or more active in
> the lungs?
>
> Pat

Pat-

Found this abstract online:
http://bibd.uni-giessen.de/ghtm/2001/uni/d010029b.htm

The author compares the tissue distribution of ACE in man and animals using
monoclonal ab binding. Bottom line: always in lung endothelium.

Why? All one can do is speculate until experiments changing the
tissue-specific expression are done.

My guess is that by making angio II (and kinin) in the lung capillaries, it
can then be sent to the entire systemic circulation for distribution and
action. Nifty trick to avoid action on pulmonary arterioles with the
consequent risk of pulmonary hypertension (a very bad thing).

-Alan (under snow cover) in Durham


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