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Brain renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases

Gianna Huber1, Franziska Schuster1, Walter Raasch2

  • 1Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Germany; CBBM (Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism), Lübeck, Germany.

Pharmacological Research
|July 9, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), involves the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This review explores brain RAS peptides and their role in blood pressure regulation, identifying potential hypertension drug targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading global cause of death.
  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD.
  • The peripheral renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure, but its central role in the brain is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of brain angiotensin peptides in central cardiovascular control.
  • To elucidate the interactions between brain RAS components.
  • To identify potential central drug targets for hypertension treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on central nervous system (CNS) RAS.
  • Analysis of brain angiotensin peptide interactions.
  • Evaluation of CNS mechanisms in cardiovascular regulation.

Main Results:

  • The brain RAS is complex and regionally specific.
  • Brain and peripheral RAS are interconnected via circumventricular organs (CVOs).
  • Brain angiotensin peptides significantly influence central cardiovascular control.

Conclusions:

  • The central RAS is a critical regulator of blood pressure.
  • Understanding brain RAS pathways offers novel therapeutic strategies for hypertension.
  • Targeting brain RAS components may provide effective CVD prevention and treatment.

Keywords:
Angiotensin (1–7)Angiotensin IIAngiotensin IIIBrain renin-angiotensin systemCardiovascular diseaseHypertension

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