Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)
Sample: Serum (Separate serum immediately after collection. See instructions)
Schedule: Daily
Units: ACE Units
Range: 16 - 68
Remarks: The principal site for production of ACE is the pulmonary bed of endothelial cells. It is known for its generation of Anigotensin II. The principal use of ACE is in sarcoidosis diagnosis, mainly when the disease is active as well as in assessing the response to corticosteroid therapy.
Serum ACE activity is increased in more than half of sarcoidosis patients. Low ACE levels correlates well with favorable prognosis whereas raising levels may reflect activity uncontrolled by the therapy. ACE test has low sensitivity as a diagnostic tool for sarcoidosis. On the other hand, ACE levels are less likely to rise in chronic sarcoidosis. High levels of ACE are seen also in Gauchers disease.
