Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
12:03

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors

Published on: June 7, 2016

Local adipose tissue renin-angiotensin system

Lisa A Cassis1, Sara B Police, Frederique Yiannikouris

  • 1Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, Wethington Building, Room 521b, 900 South Limestone Street, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, USA. lcassis@uky.edu

Current Hypertension Reports
|May 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists in fat cells, influencing obesity and high blood pressure. Blocking this system may help treat hypertension in diabetic and obese patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • A local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in adipocytes.
  • Adipocyte RAS component production is linked to obesity-hypertension.
  • Angiotensin receptors (AT1 and AT2) are found in adipocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the adipocyte RAS in physiological processes.
  • To investigate the link between adipose tissue RAS and hypertension.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of RAS blockade.

Main Methods:

  • Localization of RAS components and receptors in adipocytes.
  • Assessment of Angiotensin II effects on adipocyte function.
  • Analysis of regional RAS expression in adipose tissue depots.
  • Review of clinical studies on RAS blockade efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Angiotensin II regulates adipocyte growth, differentiation, lipid metabolism, and adipokine release.
  • Angiotensin II promotes oxidative stress in adipocytes.
  • Regional differences in RAS expression suggest a link between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular disease.
  • RAS blockade shows antihypertensive effects in obese and diabetic patients.

Conclusions:

  • The adipocyte RAS plays a significant role in regulating metabolic functions and blood pressure.
  • Targeting the adipocyte RAS may offer therapeutic benefits for hypertension, particularly in obese and diabetic individuals.
  • Further research on adipocyte-specific RAS component deficiency is crucial to confirm its physiological relevance.

More Related Videos

Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion08:35

Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion

Published on: May 26, 2022

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches06:51

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches

Published on: September 5, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...