The novel gaseous vasorelaxant hydrogen sulfide inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme activity of endothelial cells

H2S exhibits direct inhibitory action on ACE activity in HUVECs, obviously by interfering with the Zn in the active center of the enzyme. Thus, beside the known influence of H2S on SMC KATP-channels, the observed direct ACE inhibitory effect may add to the vasorelaxant effect of H2S in the vasculature by reducing angiotensin II production and inhibiting bradykinin degradation.