Even though plasma Ang II levels are determined by plasma renin activity regulated by JG cells, levels of hepatic angiotensinogen production, and pulmonary ACE activity, can ACE and AT1R mRNA expression in the myocardium be used to determine Ang II regulation?
Not at all. As you indicate, Ang II is made by the sequential actions of angiotensinogen produced largely by the liver; renin, made by the kidney; and ACE, present in many cells and predominantly in lung endothelial cells. ACE levels in the heart might be important for local conversion of ang I to ang II, but will not reflect systemic Ang II. Also, AT1R mRNA in the heart might reflect local expression of the receptor's mRNA, but would not reveal systemic AT1R or the protein levels. A good journal would reject any notion that cardiac levels of these reflect Ang II "regulation".
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Enzymes