Objective · To investigate the alterations in renal caspase signaling and apoptosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-knockout (KO) mice and the effects of recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (rACE2) on these alterations. Methods · The ApoEKO mice aged 11- or 12-week were infused with 1.5 mg/kg of Ang Ⅱ and/or 2 mg/kg of recombinant ACE2 (rACE2) per day for 2 weeks. Alterations in renal caspase signaling and renal cell apoptosis were determined with Western blotting and TUNEL method, respectively. Results · The renal cell apoptosis level was elevated in the ApoEKO mice as compared with the wild-type controls. Ang Ⅱ infusion promoted the increases in systolic blood pressure, renal cell apoptosis, expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8, and levels of plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine, which could be revered by rACE2 intervention. Conclusion · The rACE2 treatment can lower the elevated blood pressure induced by Ang Ⅱ in ApoEKO mice and significantly improve renal cell apoptosis and kidney function, which suggest that ACE2 has certain protective effect on atherosclerotic renal injury.