Ang II (Angiotensin II) Conversion to Angiotensin-(1-7) in the Circulation Is POP (Prolyloligopeptidase)-Dependent and ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2)-Independent.

The Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Angiotensin-(1-7) axis of the Renin Angiotensin System encompasses 3 enzymes that form Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] directly from Ang II: ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), PRCP (prolylcarboxypeptidase), and POP (prolyloligopeptidase). We investigated their relative contribution to Ang-(1-7) formation in vivo and also ex vivo in serum, lungs, and kidneys using models of genetic ablation coupled with pharmacological inhibitors. In wild-type (WT) mice, infusion of Ang II resulted in a rapid increase of plasma Ang-(1-7).