Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Implantation of an Isoproterenol Mini-Pump to Induce Heart Failure in Mice
Published on: October 3, 2019
Current concepts of neurohormonal activation in heart failure: mediators and mechanisms
Christopher S Lee1, Nancy C Tkacs
1School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 420 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. lee5@nursing.upenn.edu
Abstract:
Neurohormonal activation is a commonly cited array of phenomena in the body's physiologic response to heart failure. Although various neurohormones and pharmacologic agents that moderate their pathophysiologic effects have been reviewed in the nursing literature, both the mechanisms of neurohormonal system activation and cellular and organ system effects have been described only in brief. Accordingly, this article reviews mechanisms of neurohormonal activation and describes cellular and cardiovascular effects of the (1) sympathetic nervous system, (2) renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, (3) kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system, (4) vasopressinergic system, (5) natriuretic peptide systems, and (6) endothelin in the context of heart failure. This article implicitly details the physiologic basis for numerous current and potential future pharmacologic agents used in the management of heart failure. It is intended that this article be used as a reference for advanced clinical nursing practice, research, and education.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers