Newly recognized components of the renin-angiotensin system: potential roles in cardiovascular and renal regulation.
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a coordinated hormonal cascade in the control of cardiovascular, renal, and adrenal function that governs body fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as arterial pressure. The classical RAS consists of a circulating endocrine system in which the principal effector hormone is angiotensin (ANG) II. ANG is produced by the action of renin on angiotensinogen to form ANG I and its subsequent conversion to the biologically active octapeptide by ANG-converting enzyme. ANG II actions are mediated via the ANG type 1 receptor. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the components and actions of the RAS, including local tissue RASs, a renin receptor, ANG-converting enzyme-2, ANG (1-7), the function of the ANG type 2 receptor, and ANG receptor heterodimerization. The role of the RAS in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function is reviewed and discussed in light of these newly recognized components.
Carey
Robert M
RM
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. RMC4C@virginia.edu
Siragy
Helmy M
HM
D000803:Angiotensin I / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D019281:Dimerization; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000502:physiology; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000502:physiology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000502:physiology; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 / Q000502:physiology; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000737:chemistry; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000803:Angiotensin I; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; D012083:Renin; C118790:angiotensin I (1-7)