ACE2 and cardiomyopathy: Administration of exogenous Ang (1-7) peptide (or its analogue AVE-0991) improved vascular tone responsiveness, cardiac contractility and decreased oxidative stress in diabetic rats, while the inhibition of Ang (1-7) formation by ACE2 inhibitor DX600 or blockade of its active site by Mas receptor antagonist A779 deteriorated the cardiomyopathy (257–259).