Page 4
ACE not only facilitates the conversion of angiotensin l to angiotensin ll but also facilitates the biotransformation of bradykinin into inactive metabolites. Inhibition of ACE therefore causes the accumulation of bradykinin. This helps to lower the blood pressure (click to see the mechanism). In the lung the accumulation of bradykinin stimulates irritant receptors that are involved in the cough reflex. This gives rise to a troublesome unwanted effect.
