Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Nitropeptide Profiling and Identification Illustrated by Angiotensin II
Published on: June 16, 2019
Angiotensin II in Vasodilatory Shock
Brett J Wakefield1, Laurence W Busse2, Ashish K Khanna3
1Department of General Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8054, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Angiotensin II is now approved for treating vasodilatory shock, showing effective vasopressor and catecholamine-sparing properties. This review covers its history, use, and clinical utility in managing this critical condition.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Vasodilatory shock presents a significant therapeutic challenge requiring effective vasopressor support.
- The Angiotensin II for the Treatment of Vasodilatory Shock (ATHOS-3) trial investigated novel therapeutic agents.
Observation:
- The ATHOS-3 trial highlighted the potent vasopressor effects of angiotensin II.
- Angiotensin II demonstrated significant catecholamine-sparing properties in patients with vasodilatory shock.
Findings:
- Angiotensin II has received Food and Drug Administration approval for treating vasodilatory shock.
- The drug offers a new therapeutic option for managing refractory hypotension.
Implications:
- This approval expands treatment options for vasodilatory shock, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Understanding the clinical utility and recent research on angiotensin II is crucial for critical care physicians.
Related Concept Videos
Shock Waves
When the source's speed approaches the speed of sound, constructive interference between successive wavefronts emitted by the source occurs immediately behind it. Initially, scientists believed that this constructive interference would result in such high...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
Hormonal Regulation

