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by daxorid 2259 days ago
Thanks. Specifically, from your citation:

"In addition, angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is expressed on myocytes and vascular endothelial cells, so there is at least theoretical potential possibility of direct cardiac involvement by the virus"

The most sane hypothesis I've seen is that the virus will attack any cell with the ACE2 receptor, including the heart and kidneys:

"Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme attached to the outer surface (cell membranes) of cells in the lungs, arteries, heart, kidney, and intestines."

This would require the virus to enter the bloodstream from the lungs, which is possible after sufficient alveolar damage.

ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiotensin-converting_enzyme_...

As an aside, although Wikipedia doesn't mention it, testicular cells also express ACE2, leading to some worry about downstream fertility effects:

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.12.20022418v...

2 comments

Interesting point about the ACE2 receptors in the GI tract. I wonder if that's why certain infections present with GI symptoms?
Would that last point allow SARS-CoV-2 to become an endogenous virus?