Angiotensin converting enzyme: induction by steroids in rabbit alveolar macrophages in culture.

Dexamethasone and prednisone in physiologic range increased angiotensin converting enzyme 7- to 16-fold in comparison to control in 3 days at maximal stimulation (4 nM steroid) in rabbit alveolar macrophages in culture. The increase was inhibited by actinomycin D (0.1 microng/ml) and 1 micronM cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo transcription and enzyme synthesis are responsible for the increased enzyme activity. This result is evidence for a regulatory mechanism for angiotensin converting enzyme, which is important in blood pressure control.