LOCAL RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM OF SMALL INTESTINE

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is the universal multiple-factor regulator of many vital processes at the organismal, tissue and cellular levels. Classical (circulating) RAS provides maintenance of arterial pressure, a water and salt balance, lipid and glucose homeostasis. Local tissue RAS are functioning independently and participating in metabolic processes and protective reactions. Local RAS of a small intestine mucosa is presented practically by a complete rangeof the components (renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzymes, angiotensin receptors) localized, mainly, in an intestinal epithehum, lamina propria and muscularis mucosa. Local RAS participates in regulation of the most levels of activity ofa small intestine, influencing on an intestinal motility, secretory-transport processes, adaptation and protective reactions. The experimental data presented in this review are very promising for the detection of possible complications when using drugs that alter the activity of the RAS-related unexplored effects of the interaction of these drugs with their potential targets, localized not only in the blood vessels, but also directly to the niucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially important in connection with the extensive use of drugs that modulate the activity of the RAS in the practice of the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and others.