Angiotensin Converting Enzyme: From 1 Different Sources
A substance that converts angiotensin I to its active form, angiotensin. Drugs that reduce the action of this enzyme are known as ACE inhibitor drugs and are used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
Usually a protein made by the body to make chemical reactions take place at a faster rate or to cause a colour change in a laboratory test.... enzyme
A substance formed in tissues or blood vessels when there needs to be local or even massive vasoconstriction. The primary precursor is renin, made by the kidneys, and elevated when the blood seems dehydrated or low in volume; the next substance needed for this reaction is a liver protein, angiotensinogen; when both are present in the blood, local factors can then form this pressor substance. Excess production is often implicated in high blood pressure.... angiotensin
An endonuclease ENZYME, extracted from BACTERIA, that is used to cut DNA into short segments – a process essential in GENETIC ENGINEERING.... restriction enzyme
The ENZYME that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (see ANGIOTENSIN) is called angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin II controls the blood pressure and is the most potent endogenous pressor substance produced in the body; angiotensin I has no such pressor activity. Inhibition of the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II will thus have marked effects on lowering the blood pressure, and ACE inhibitors have a valuable role in treating heart failure when thiazides and beta blockers cannot be used or fail to work, especially after myocardial infarction (see HEART, DISEASES OF). Captopril was the ?rst ACE inhibitor to be synthesised: it reduces peripheral resistance by causing arteriolar dilatation and thus lowers blood pressure. Other drugs such as enalapril, lisinopril, cilazapril, quinapril and ramipril have since been developed. Some kidney disorders increase the production of angiotensin II and so cause HYPERTENSION.... angiotensin-convertingenzyme (ace) inhibitors
This is a sensitive method for measuring the quantity of a substance. An antibody to the substance is prepared along with an ENZYME which binds to the antibody and which can be accurately measured using colour changes that occur as a result of the chemical reaction.... enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa)
An enzyme is a substance produced in the body, acting as a catalyst to trigger chemical change in another. Complex substances are thereby broken down into simple compounds to facilitate assimilation and absorption, as in the digestive juices. ... enzymes
A group of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). They have a similar action to ACE inhibitors but do not cause a dry cough. Examples are losartan and valsartan.... angiotensin ii antagonists
any one of a class of drugs that block the action of the hormone *angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels; they are therefore useful in treating *hypertension. These drugs include candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. Side-effects are usually mild.... angiotensin ii antagonist
(ELISA) a sensitive technique for measuring the amount of a substance. An antibody that will bind to the substance is produced; the amount of an easily measured enzyme that then binds to the antibody complex enables accurate measurement.... enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(PERT) a therapeutic approach using supplements of the digestive enzymes lipase, amylase, and protease (Creon, Pancrex), which are given when there is insufficient endogenous production of pancreatic enzymes: for example, to patients with pancreatic cancer or cystic fibrosis. The capsules must be taken with all meals and snacks to be effective. PERT treats the symptoms of *steatorrhoea.... pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
a digestive enzyme that causes the breakdown of protein. See endopeptidase; exopeptidase.... proteolytic enzyme
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