title: [Potential role of angiotensin receptor antagonists in renal protection].
abstract: Recent clinical studies have established an important role of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) as a tool for renal protection. Although angiotensin receptor antagonists (AII-A) share the common property with ACE-I with regard to blockade of angiotensin activity via angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1), AII-A is also reported to stimulate AT2 that plausibly activates nitric oxide production within renal medulla and augments synthesis of vasodilatory P450-metabolites in renal afferent arterioles. In contrast, AII-A is reported to have no effect on bradykinin activity. Results obtained in experimental animals indicate that AII-A effectively prevents the progression of renal injury. Several clinical studies are in progress, and the preliminary results suggest that AII-A has potent renal protective action in a variety of renal disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Honda
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saruta
mesh_terms: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors