Immunofluorescent detection of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in Gaucher cells.

The cellular localization of the elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the spleen of a patient with Gaucher's disease was examined by immunofluorescence using an antibody prepared against highly purified human lung enzyme. Intense ACE-specific cytoplasmic fluorescence was observed in Gaucher cells, but not in various controls, indicating the localization of large quantities of enzyme in these cells. These results and the demonstrated capability of mononuclear phagocytes for marked induction of this enzyme suggest the possibility that induction of active synthesis of ACE in Gaucher cells may be responsible for the elevated enzyme levels in the serum and spleen of patients with Gaucher's disease.