title: Genetically altered animals in the study of the metabolic functions of peptide hormone systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Here we review the use of genetically altered animals to address the roles of peptide hormone systems in the modulation of energy homeostasis. Despite the disseminated use of transgenic techniques to establish the functional relevance of several peptide hormone systems, we focus on two multifunctional systems, the renin-angiotensin and the kallikrein-kinin systems. Initially, we explored the background information supporting the functional aspects of these systems, followed by novel knowledge obtained with the phenotypic characterization of genetically altered animals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A role for the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of adiposity and glucose metabolism has been suggested. Studies using genetically altered animals not only confirmed the physiological relevance of angiotensin II in the control of energy homeostasis, but also revealed that the adipose tissue renin-angiotensin system participates in the endocrine modulation of cardiovascular and renal function. On the other hand, the involvement of the kallikrein-kinin system with metabolic processes was not so obvious. Recent reports using genetically altered animals, however, provided strong evidence to support an important role for kinins in the control of glucose homeostasis and energy balance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here we present examples of how genetically altered animals contribute to a final postulation of the physiological roles of certain hormone systems, bringing new insights into the field.
authors: Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Marcelo Alves-da-Silva
authors: MA
authors: Mori
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Bader
authors: João Bosco
authors: JB
authors: Pesquero
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified / Q000378:metabolism*; D016234:Kallikrein-Kinin System; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System
chemical_list: D036361:Peptide Hormones