Oats J N, Broughton Pipkin F, Symonds E M
Clin Exp Hypertens B. 1982;1(1):73-91. doi: 10.3109/10641958209037182.
In a prospective study the interactions between ACE and the renin-angiotensin system in 18 primigravid normotensive women were investigated throughout pregnancy. ACE activity was found to be depressed throughout pregnancy, rising in the last trimester and returning to non-pregnant values by 6 weeks post partum. No significant differences were found between cord arterial or venous and maternal venous ACE levels at delivery. ACE was inversely related to systolic and mean arterial blood pressures, inversely to serum sodium and urinary potassium and directly to serum potassium levels. Within the system, ACE was correlated only to aldosterone levels. In company with other components of the system ACE activity appears to be altered in pregnancy and to be influenced by similar control mechanisms. It is possible that ACE plays a modulating role on aldosterone secretion via the (des-asp1), Angiotensin I pathway.
