The Protective Arm of Renin Angiotensin System; Recent Research Progress and Expectation for new Therapeutic Approach
Horiuchi, M.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 74(9): 1583-1589
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 30557497 Document Number: 687033
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in the cardiovascular system including blood pressure regulation. Angiotensin II binds two major receptors, angiotensin II type 1(AT1) receptor and angiotensin II type 2(AT2) receptor. The majority of well-known angiotensin II actions are mediated via AT1 receptor stimulation; however, there is recent accumulating evidence suggesting that the AT2 receptor not only opposes the AT1 receptor, but also has unique effects beyond interaction with AT1 receptor signaling. Moreover, novel pathways beyond the classical actions of RAS, the angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE)/ angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis, have been highlighted: the ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7)/ Mas receptor axis including AT2 receptor as a new opposing axis, So-called 'Protective Arm of RAS' against the ACE/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis.