The renin-angiotensin system. Normal physiology and changes in older hypertensives

The long-term effects of angiotensin (ANGII) on arterial pressure regulation appear to be closely linked to volume homeostasis, via the renal-pressure natriuresis mechanism, both in normal humans and in older hypertensives. In response to disturbances such as increased sodium intake, suppression of ANGII and aldosterone formation greatly amplifies the effectiveness of the pressure natriuresis mechanism, thereby preventing large increases in body fluid volumes and minimizing the rise in blood pressure needed to maintain sodium balance. When ANGII levels are inappropriately elevated, the antinatriuretic effects of ANGII cause increased arterial pressure, which then serves to maintain sodium and water balance via the pressure natriuresis mechanism. The primary intrarenal and extrarenal mechanisms by which ANGII controls renal excretion and arterial pressure include: (1) a direct effect of ANGII on tubular sodium transport; (2) a preferential constrictor action of ANGII on efferent arterioles, which increases sodium reabsorption by altering peritubular capillary physical forces (efferent arteriolar constriction also prevents excessive decreases in glomerular filtration rate when renal perfusion is compromised, such as in renal artery stenosis); and (3) extrarenal effects of ANGII, including stimulation of aldosterone secretion. Current evidence suggests that the direct effects of ANGII on the kidney are quantitatively more important than indirect effects mediated by aldosterone. In older hypertensives, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration are often suppressed, perhaps due to loss of functional nephrons and increased sodium chloride delivery to the macula densa of the remaining nephrons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)