Crosstalk between ACE inhibitors, B2 kinin receptor and nitric oxide in endothelial cells

The endothelium is an important target organ of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Within these monolayered cells establishing the interface between blood and vasculature, a complex signal transduction machinery is the basis for a major role of ACE inhibition in the regulation of vascular homoestasis. This chapter will focus on the endothelial aspects of ACE-inhibition, on its interaction with components of the kallikrein-kinin system.