The Brain Renin-Angiotensin System: Molecular Mechanisms of Cell to Cell Interactions

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Abstract
The components of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) have been found to be expressed in the brain. Angiotensinogen, the high molecular weight precursor of the system, is widely distributed and expressed in areas not related to control of blood pressure and body fluid homeostasis as well. It has been shown that it is regulated by steroid hormones independently from the liver and that it is also regulated in a different manner in several brain areas. Angiotensin 11, the effector peptide of the system, may be generated in the brain via the classical pathway, using renin and angiotensin converting enzyme or directly from angiotensinogen by cathepsin G or tonin. N-terminal peptides of angiotensin I1 have been found in several brain areas with ANG (1-7) involved in vasopressin release however without influence on blood pressure and with ANG 111 acting as potent as ANG 11. Trangenic animals may be used to study the pathophysiology of an activated brain RAS.