[Pharmacology of the renin-angiotensin system].
Recent developments in the techniques of molecular biology and the availability of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have provided new insight into renin-angiotensin research. The control mechanism of renin release and the metabolism of circulating renin have been well characterized on the molecular level. Angiotensin II has been shown to play an important role not only in the regulation of blood pressure but also in cell growth and hypertrophy. ACE inhibitors are effective for the treatments of hypertension and heart failure. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that ACE inhibitors may prevent atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists have similar beneficial effects. These effects of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II-receptor antagonists may be mediated by growth factors and the extracellular matrix.
Department of Pharmacology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
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Yammamoto
D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D000804:Angiotensin II; D012083:Renin