Cardioprotective role for angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in the heart.

Angiotensin-(1-7), a biologically active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, is cardioprotective following ischemia/reperfusion and reduces cardiac hypertrophy. A recently discovered homolog of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, is present in the heart and synthesizes angiotensin-(1-7) from angiotensin II. Cardiac ACE2 is elevated following inhibition of Ang II subtype 1 (AT(1)) receptors or blockade of angiotensin II production, suggesting that angiotensin-(1-7) plays a role in the beneficial effects of AT(1) receptor antagonists and ACE inhibitors in the heart. An increase in ACE2 activity and the production of angiotensin-(1-7) may thus represent a novel therapy for heart failure following myocardial infarction.