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Enhanced expression of Ang-(1-7) during pregnancy
K B Brosnihan1, L A A Neves, L Anton
1The Hypertension and Vascular Disease Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wiston-Salem, NC, USA. bbrosnih@wfubmc.edu
Summary
Pregnancy elevates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), increasing the vasodilator angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and ACE2. This suggests a counter-regulatory role for Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 in normal pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological adaptations, including alterations in the RAS.
- The precise role of RAS components in normal pregnancy and hypertensive disorders remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological role of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and ACE2 during pregnancy.
- To explore how these components may be altered in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing findings on RAS components during pregnancy.
- Measurement of Ang-(1-7) levels in plasma and urine of normal pregnant women and preeclamptic subjects.
- Assessment of ACE2 expression in pregnant rat kidneys.
Main Results:
- Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] levels increase in plasma and urine during normal pregnancy.
- Plasma Ang-(1-7) levels are suppressed in preeclamptic subjects compared to normal pregnancy.
- Increased kidney and urinary Ang-(1-7) in pregnant rats correlates with enhanced ACE2 expression.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced ACE2 expression in normal pregnancy may counterbalance elevated angiotensin II by increasing Ang-(1-7) production.
- Angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 play a significant physiological role in pregnancy.
- Dysregulation of this system may contribute to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.