Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Localized in the Rat Pituitary and Adrenal Glands by [3H]Captopril Autoradiography*

Abstract
We have localized angiotensin-converting enzyme (EC 3.14.5.1) in the rat pituitary and adrenal glands by [3H]captopril autoradiography. The maximal numbers of [3H] captopril-binding sites are: posterior pituitary, 4500 fmol/mg protein; anterior pituitary, 1950 fmol/mg; intermediate pituitary, < 100 fmol/mg; adrenal medulla, 480 fmol/mg; and adrenal cortex, < 25 fmol/mg. The distribution within the posterior pituitary and adrenal medulla is homogeneous, whereas that in the anterior pituitary is patchy. Subcellular fractionation of the bovine adrenal medulla reveals enrichment of angiotensin-converting enzyme in plasma membrane fraction, but not in chromaffin granules. [3H]Captopril autoradiography in the rat pituitary gland is unaltered by dehydration, adrenalectomy, or reserpine treatment and in Brattleboro rats. [3H]Captopril binding in the adrenal medulla is increased by 75% 3 weeks after hypophysectomy and is elevated by 80% after reserpine treatment. The change after hypophysectomy is not reversed by dexamethasone treatment.

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