angiotensin-converting enzyme

Thân thiện

A doctor explains the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme on a medical chart.

Definition

Noun: * Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): A proteolytic enzyme (a type of protein that breaks down other proteins) that is crucial in the renin-angiotensin system. Its primary function is to convert the inactive peptide angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor explained that the medication works by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme.
  • High levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme in the blood can be a marker for certain diseases.
  • The action of angiotensin-converting enzyme increases blood pressure.

Advanced Usage

• "ACE inhibitor": A common class of drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure by blocking the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme.
  • He was prescribed an ACE inhibitor to manage his high blood pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• ACE: A widely used acronym for angiotensin-converting enzyme.
  • The test measures serum ACE levels.
• Kinase II: An older, alternative name for the same enzyme.
• Peptidyl-dipeptidase A: The more precise biochemical name for angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Synonyms

• Peptidyl-dipeptidase A (biochemical synonym)
• Kinase II (historical synonym)

Related Phrases

• ACE activity: Refers to the functional level or measurement of the enzyme's action.
  • The lab report showed reduced ACE activity after starting the medication.
• ACE pathway: Refers to the biochemical pathway involving this enzyme.
  • Drugs target the ACE pathway to achieve their therapeutic effect.

Học thuật

Noun

1. proteolytic enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II

Từ đồng nghĩa

• angiotensin converting enzyme
• ACE