Which hormone produced by the adrenal cortex should be highlighted when explaining the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors?

The hormone that should be highlighted when explaining the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is aldosterone. ACE inhibitors work primarily by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II also stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention, leading to increased blood volume and potentially higher blood pressure.

By inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors reduce both vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. This results in decreased blood volume and lowered blood pressure. Therefore, aldosterone plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological effects that ACE inhibitors are designed to counteract, making it the key hormone to highlight in this context.

Other choices mentioned do not directly relate to the action of ACE inhibitors in the same way. Angiotensin itself is the substrate that ACE acts upon, and renin is an enzyme that initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system but is not directly affected by ACE inhibitors. Enalapril, on the other hand, is an ACE inhibitor and thus does not pertain to the hormonal aspect of the question.