Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanisms and Inducing Models of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: July 5, 2024
Angiotensin-(1-7), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Mas Receptor in Rat Polycystic Ovaries
Virginia M Pereira1, Fernando M Reis2, Maíra Casalechi2
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Background:
Hyperandrogenism is a pivotal mediator in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the mechanisms of androgen excess in this condition are not fully understood. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is an active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that stimulates ovarian follicular growth and testosterone release in vitro.
Objective:
To investigate whether Ang-(1-7), its receptor Mas and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the enzyme that converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7), are expressed in rat polycystic ovaries (PCO) and thus if this peptide system might be associated with excess androgen production in PCO.
Methods:
A rat model that shares some features of PCOS such as disruption of folliculogenesis and multiple ovarian cyst formation was used in the study.
Results:
We found reduced levels of Ang-(1-7) and Mas receptor in PCO compared to normal ovaries. Also, ACE2 mRNA expression was reduced in PCO compared to ovaries of control rats (p < 0.05). PCO had high levels of estrogen and testosterone and increased mRNA for upstream enzymes of the steroidogenic cascade, but not of P450 aromatase.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that the ovarian ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis is inhibited and therefore may not be a co-factor of excess testosterone production in rat PCO.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...

