Angiotensin-converting enzyme: Characteristics in human skin fibroblasts

Robert C. Smallridge, George T. Gamblin, Charles Eil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme, although most prominent in vascular endothelium, has been identified in numerous tissues. Recent studies have indicated that several hormones, including glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone, may affect the activity of this enzyme. In the present study, angiotensin-converting enzyme was examined in homogenates of cultured human skin fibroblasts. Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity was measured by a radiometric assay using [Glycine-1-14C] Hippuryl-l-histidyl-l-leucine (1.1 mmol/L) as substrate, and was expressed as nmol hippuric acid formed per minute/mg protein. Angiotensin-converting enzyme was identified in all five cell strains tested, and the activity observed was 0.97 ± 0.18 nmol/min/mg protein (mean ± SE). The optimum pH was between 6.9 and 7.6, and optimum temperature was 37 °C, with loss of activity of 55 °C and higher. Buffer strengh was optimized at Tris 0.025 mol/L, and 1.0 mol/L NaCl. Activity increased linearly with protein concentration and with time, and the Km = 1.14 mmol/L. The most potent inhibitor of fibroblast ACE was captopril (SQ 14,225) with an IC50 = 10-10 mol/L; other inhibitors included SQ 20,881, EDTA, and phenanthroline. Competitive substrates included angiotensin-I, substance P, and bradykinin. Four hormones, T3 (10-9-10-7 mol/L), 1,25 (OH)2D3 (10-8-10-7 mol/L), dexamethasone (10-7-10-6 mol/L), and a synthetic androgen, R1881 (10-8-10-7 mol/L) were incubated with cells for 72 hours. In all incubations, there was no significant effect on cellular ACE activity induced by any agent. Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in serum free media was <1% of cell activity and was unaltered by hormone treatment. Human skin fibroblasts have ACE activity similar in many respects to other tissues, although several hormones failed to affect the activity of this enzyme. Recent evidence in several tissues suggests there may be local, functioning renin-angiotensin systems. The presence of ACE in skin fibroblasts may indicate that such a system is available for local regulation of cutaneous vasoconstriction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)899-904
Number of pages6
JournalMetabolism
Volume35
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1986

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Angiotensin-converting enzyme: Characteristics in human skin fibroblasts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this