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[The cardiac tissue renin-angiotensin system]
G G Neri Serneri1, M Boddi, T Chechi
1Istituto di Clinica Medica I e Cardiologia, Università degli Studi, Firenze.
Cardiologia (Rome, Italy)
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Molecular studies reveal messenger RNA for the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in human heart cells. Elevated levels in conditions like heart failure suggest a local cardiac RAS, distinct from the blood system.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Cardiology
- Genomics
Context:
- Recent molecular studies indicate the presence of mRNA for renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in animal and human myocytes.
- Elevated mRNA levels for cardiac RAS components have been observed in experimental models of myocardial hypertrophy, infarction, and heart failure.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence and potential function of a cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) within human myocytes.
- To explore the implications of observed mRNA expression patterns in various cardiac conditions.
Summary:
- Molecular biological evidence confirms the expression of mRNA for various renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in human heart muscle cells (myocytes).
- Higher expression levels of cardiac RAS components are noted under conditions such as myocardial hypertrophy, infarction, and heart failure.
- These findings suggest the existence of an intrinsic cardiac RAS, although its autonomous function separate from the systemic RAS requires further direct evidence.
Impact:
- Provides foundational evidence for a localized renin-angiotensin system within the heart.
- Highlights potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions in cardiovascular diseases.
- Opens avenues for further research into the functional role and regulation of the cardiac RAS.