Angiotensin function
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Angiotensin Function in the Renin-Angiotensin System
Angiotensin is a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and cardiovascular health. The RAS has two main axes: the classical ACE–Angiotensin II (Ang II)–AT1 receptor (AT1R) axis and the alternative ACE2–Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]–Mas receptor (MasR) axis. These two pathways often have opposing effects on the body’s systems Touyz2017Wu2018Santos2017.
Angiotensin II: Blood Pressure, Fluid Balance, and Cardiovascular Effects
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main active peptide in the classical RAS pathway. It acts primarily through the AT1 receptor to cause vasoconstriction, increase blood pressure, stimulate aldosterone release, and promote sodium retention. These actions help maintain blood pressure and fluid volume, especially during dehydration or blood loss Mi1987Dinh2001Phillips1987+3 MORE. Ang II also stimulates the release of vasopressin, increases thirst, and influences the secretion of ACTH and aldosterone, further supporting blood pressure and fluid regulation Mi1987Phillips1987.
In the cardiovascular system, Ang II promotes cell growth, inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular remodeling, which can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases if the system is overactive Touyz2017Wu2018Matsusaka1997+2 MORE. Ang II also interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting motivation, memory, and motor control, although these effects are less well understood Mi1987Phillips1987.
Angiotensin Receptors: AT1, AT2, and AT4
Most of Ang II’s effects are mediated by the AT1 receptor, which is widely distributed in organs such as the heart, kidney, blood vessels, and brain Dinh2001Matsusaka1997Dostal1997+1 MORE. The AT2 receptor, more abundant during fetal development, is thought to counteract some AT1 effects by promoting vasodilation, anti-proliferation, and cell differentiation, but its functions in adults are less clear Dinh2001Wu2018Matsusaka1997. The AT4 receptor, which binds Angiotensin IV (a fragment of Ang II), is found in the brain and some peripheral tissues and may play a role in memory and blood flow regulation .
Angiotensin-(1-7): The Protective Arm
Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is produced by the alternative RAS pathway and acts mainly through the Mas receptor. It generally opposes the effects of Ang II by causing vasodilation, reducing inflammation, preventing fibrosis, and lowering blood pressure Touyz2017Wu2018Santos2017. Ang-(1-7) also helps regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, providing additional protective effects for the cardiovascular system Touyz2017Santos2017.
Angiotensin in the Central Nervous System
Within the brain, angiotensin regulates thirst, blood pressure, hormone release, and possibly cognitive functions. The blood-brain barrier usually limits the effects of circulating Ang II on the brain, but high levels can activate central receptors, influencing both fluid balance and cardiovascular responses Mi1987Phillips1987Wright1995+1 MORE.
Conclusion
Angiotensin plays a central role in maintaining blood pressure, fluid balance, and cardiovascular health. The classical Ang II–AT1R pathway increases blood pressure and promotes cardiovascular remodeling, while the alternative Ang-(1-7)–MasR pathway provides protective, counterbalancing effects. Angiotensin also influences hormone release, kidney function, and brain activity, making it a critical hormone for overall physiological regulation Touyz2017Mi1987Dinh2001+7 MORE.
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