title: CHF: circulatory homeostasis gone awry.
abstract: The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is integral to salt and water retention, particularly by the kidneys. Over time, positive sodium balance leads first to intra- and then to extravascular volume expansion, with subsequent symptomatic heart failure. This report examines the role of the RAAS in regulating a less well recognized component essential to circulatory homeostasis--central blood volume. The regulation of central blood volume draws on integrative cardiorenal physiology and a key role played by the RAAS in its regulation. In presenting insights into the role of the RAAS in regulating central blood volume, this review also addresses other sodium-retaining states with a predisposition to edema formation, such as cirrhosis and nephrosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. KTWeber@utmem.edu
authors.forename: Karl T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Brad S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Burlew
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Kevin P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Ivan A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: D'Cruz
authors.forename: Ralph G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: Barry M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009318:Natriuresis / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology