Historical perspective of the renin-angiotensin system.
Researchers continue to be fascinated with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) more than 100 yr after its discovery because of its powerful role in controlling sodium balance, body fluid volumes, and arterial pressure. Development of drugs that block different components of this system has led to powerful treatments for hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and other diseases. Molecular approaches to studying this system offer new possibilities for better understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the RAS, and for developing new therapeutic paradigms. Our challenge in the future will be to effectively utilize the technological advances that are taking place in virtually all areas of science, including the RAS, and to translate them into a better understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of human diseases.
Hall
John E
JE
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. jehall@physiology.umsmed.edu
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000809:Angiotensins / Q000266:history* / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure; D006487:Hemostasis; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000809:Angiotensins