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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
[Role of the renin-angiotensin system in pregnancy and preeclampsia]
N Martell Claros1, J E Asenjo de la Fuente2, M Abad Cardiel1
1Unidad de Hipertensión y Riesgo Vascular, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, España.
Abstract:
The renin-angiotensin system (ARS) is a hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure, electrolytes and water balance. AngiotensinII (AII) exerts its effects through the AT1 and AT2 receptors. AT1 is found in the syncytiotrophoblast, AT2 predominates during foetal development and its stimulation inhibits cell growth, increases apoptosis, causes vasodilation and regulates the development of foetal tissue. There is also an SRA in the placenta. The local generation of AII is responsible for the activation of AT1 receptors in the trophoblast. In normal pregnancy, concomitantly with reduction of blood pressure the circulating RAS increases, but blood pressure does not rise due to AII refractoriness, which does not occur in preeclampsia. We review the role of the SRA in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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