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Vascular angiotensin pathways: a new therapeutic target
1Division of Vascular Medicine and Atherosclerosis, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
The local renin-angiotensin system in blood vessels influences vascular resistance and artery compliance. This local system may play a role in hypertension and blood pressure regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure and blood flow via systemic and local mechanisms.
- The circulating endocrine RAS is crucial for acute cardiovascular homeostasis.
- Emerging evidence points to a local RAS within the blood vessel wall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of locally produced angiotensin in vascular resistance and arterial compliance.
- To explore the potential involvement of the arterial wall RAS in hypertension.
- To understand how local RAS influences blood pressure responses to RAS inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- The study speculates on the autocrine and paracrine functions of locally produced angiotensin.
- The research focuses on the physiological effects within the blood vessel wall.
- Analysis of potential links between local RAS and hypertension development.
Main Results:
- Local angiotensin production in blood vessels contributes to arteriolar constriction.
- Arterial wall renin-angiotensin influences the compliance of large conduit arteries.
- Local RAS activity may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Conclusions:
- The blood vessel wall possesses a local renin-angiotensin system with significant physiological roles.
- Local angiotensin production impacts vascular resistance and arterial compliance.
- This local RAS is a potential factor in hypertension and a target for therapeutic interventions.