title: Role of the vasodilator peptide angiotensin-(1-7) in cardiovascular drug therapy.
abstract: The renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) is a cascade of enzymatic reactions resulting ultimately in the formation of angiotensin II. Recent research has expanded the knowledge about the RAS by adding new components to the pathways: angiotensin-(1-5) [Ang-1-5], angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], angiotensin-(1-9) [Ang-(1-9)], an ACE homologous enzyme, ACE2, and the G-protein-coupled receptor mas as a molecular receptor for Ang-(1-7). Although previous studies provided some conflicting evidence about the relevance of Ang-(1-7) in the regulation of vascular and renal function, data now demonstrate that Ang-(1-7) contributes to the cardiovascular effects of ACE-inhibitors (ACE-1) and AT1-receptor-blockers (ARBs) both in experimental conditions and in humans. This review summarizes and critically discusses the currently available experimental and clinical study evidence for the role of Ang-(1-7) as a vasodilator and anti-trophic peptide in cardiovascular drug therapy. In addition, the potential therapeutic impact of currently available RAS blocking agents (ACE-1 and ARBs) and new agents still under development (renin-inhibitors) on the RAS-effector peptides is highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany. christoph.schindler@tu-dresden.de
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schindler
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bramlage
authors.forename: Wilhelm
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kirch
authors.forename: Carlos M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ferrario
mesh_terms: D000803:Angiotensin I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D000803:Angiotensin I; C118790:angiotensin I (1-7)