Abstract
ACE is a carboxypeptidase whose activity includes conversion of angiotensin I to II and inactivation of bradykinin. The elevated ACE reported in infants with idiopathic respiratory distress (IRD) may reflect pulmonary immaturity. To evaluate the role of ACE on pulmonary vascular maturity, serum ACE levels were measured in cord and peripheral blood samples in 21 term and 21 preterm infants. ACE was measured spectrophotometrically using hippuryl-histidyl-leucine as substrate. Cord ACE activity(units/ml)was significantly higher(p<0.005)in preterm(26.82±1.35 SE) than term infants(18.98 ± 1.43). There was a significant correlation between gestational age and cord ACE, best described as a parabola. From 27-34 wks, ACE activity decreased slowly; after 35 wks, a rapid decline in ACE was noted. ACE activity in peripheral blood during the first 24 hrs was also higher in preterm than term infants but values were similar among preterm infants, maternal and adult controls. Cord ACE in preterm infants who developed IRD(27.71 ± 1.89) was similar to preterms who remained healthy(26.27 ± 1.90). Cord ACE levels may not be used to predict the infant who will develop IRD. However, cord ACE may serve as an additional marker for pulmonary ontogenesis.
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Bender, J., Davitt, M. & Jose, P. 1049 ANGIOTENSIN-I-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) ACTIVITY IN TERM AND PRETERM INFANTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 538 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01055
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01055
