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Multiple Choice

Which enzyme is produced by alveolar endothelial cells and what is its role?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme; its role is to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The alveolar capillary endothelium in the lungs expresses high levels of ACE, making the lung a major site for this conversion. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates aldosterone release, helping to raise blood pressure. ACE also helps by breaking down bradykinin, a vasodilator, which supports the overall vasoconstrictive effect. Erythropoietin is produced mainly by the kidneys, renin by kidney juxtaglomerular cells, and lipooxygenase by leukocytes, not alveolar endothelium, so those options don’t fit this source.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme; its role is to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The alveolar capillary endothelium in the lungs expresses high levels of ACE, making the lung a major site for this conversion. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates aldosterone release, helping to raise blood pressure. ACE also helps by breaking down bradykinin, a vasodilator, which supports the overall vasoconstrictive effect. Erythropoietin is produced mainly by the kidneys, renin by kidney juxtaglomerular cells, and lipooxygenase by leukocytes, not alveolar endothelium, so those options don’t fit this source.