Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)

A zinc metallopeptidase that converts angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and also degrades bradykinin. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by reducing angiotensin II formation and potentiating bradykinin-mediated vasodilation. The bradykinin accumulation also accounts for the characteristic dry cough side effect.

Ví dụ

• Enalapril — first orally active ACE inhibitor (prodrug of enalaprilat)
• Lisinopril — ACE inhibitor not requiring hepatic activation
• Ramipril — shown to reduce cardiovascular events in HOPE trial