[Effects of hypoxia on the production of angiotensin converting enzyme in decompensated liver cirrhosis].

The high angiotensin-converting activity, in 13 of the 17 patients afflicted with hepatic cirrhosis, has been put in relation to the hypoxia influence. The insufficient cession of O2 seems to stimulate the enzyme activity, especially for the patients who simultaneously present low values of blood pseudo-cholinesterase. The AA think that this behaviour is to be ascribed to a deficiency of the hepatic proteic synthesis of vasoactive substances, such as the angiotensins.