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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 is a carboxypeptidase that degrades angiotensin II and other peptides. In the kidney, ACE2 localization within the glomerulus and tubules is cell specific. This study was aimed to investigate the localization of ACE2 within the renal vasculature. We also studied the effect of the administration of a specific angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, telmisartan, on ACE2 expression in the renal vasculature. ACE2 and ACE were localized in renal arterioles using confocal microscopy and specific cell markers. Quantitative measurements of ACE2 and ACE mRNA were estimated in kidney arterioles isolated by laser capture microdissection using real-time PCR. In kidney arterioles, ACE was localized in the endothelial layer, whereas ACE2 was localized in the tunica media. In mice treated with telmisartan (2 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) for 2 wk, ACE2 expression was increased by immunostaining …