ACE2 and COVID-19: For instance, the initial trigger for downregulation of ACE2 in COVID‐19 is through SARS‐CoV‐2 binding, whereas in the MCT‐treated rat, as described earlier, this is believed to be mediated by mRNA changes and further influenced by changes in the RAS induced through MCT impact on hypoxia and the kidney.91, 92, 93