For the RAAS, the activity of ACE is not the rate-determining step. ACE is produced by many endothelial and epithelial cells, the pulmonary activity is very high. Furthermore, ACE inactivates the bradykinin-kallikrein-kinin system. Other proteases can also non-specifically activate angiotensin II. ACE cleaves two amino acids from angiotensin I, turning it into angiotensin II. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)Īngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc-containing glycoprotein with dipeptidyl-carboxy peptidase activity. Angiotensin II, estrogen and glucocorticoids stimulate the synthesis of angiotensinogen, whereas renin is inhibitory. Angiotensinogen is produced in the liver, but it is also formed in the CNS, kidney, adrenal gland, leukocytes and heart. Renin cleaves angiotensinogen into angiotensin I. The function of angiotensinogen is a serine protease inhibitor. Inhibitory effects have angiotensin II, ANF, endothelin and vasopressin.