Angiotensin

Angiotensin: Role, functions and effects on the body

Introduction:

Angiotensin is a key hormone of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and body homeostasis. This peptide hormone has multiple physiological effects, including vasoconstriction, metabolic regulation, and effects on organ function. In this article we will look at the role of angiotensin, its functions and effects on the body.

The role of angiotensin:

Angiotensin performs a number of important functions in the body. One of its main roles is to regulate blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. When the RAS is activated, renin, released by the kidneys, converts angiotensinogen into the inactive form of angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), produced mainly in the lungs, then converts angiotensin I into the active form of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes contraction of vascular smooth muscle, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Functions of angiotensin:

1. Regulation of blood pressure: Angiotensin II stimulates the contraction of vascular smooth muscles, causing their narrowing and increasing the overall resistance of the vascular bed. This leads to an increase in blood pressure and maintenance of optimal blood flow to organs and tissues.

2. Metabolic regulation: Angiotensin II influences metabolic regulation by influencing the adrenergic system and hormone production. It helps increase the release of aldosterone, a hormone that enhances the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys. This can lead to fluid retention and the development of edema.

3. Effect on organs: Angiotensin II has a direct effect on various organs and tissues of the body. For example, it stimulates the secretion of adrenaline and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands, which increases the heart rate and increases the contractility of the heart muscle. In addition, angiotensin II promotes the growth and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle, which can lead to atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular diseases.

The effect of angiotensin on health:

Unbalanced activation of angiotensin can have negative effects on health. Chronically elevated levels of angiotensin II can lead to chronic hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease.

Blocking the action of angiotensin II is one of the methods for treating hypertension and its associated complications. Drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to lower angiotensin II levels and dilate blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Conclusion:

Angiotensin plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and overall body homeostasis. Its functions include blood pressure regulation, metabolism, and effects on organs. However, excessive action of angiotensin II can lead to the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, controlling RAS activation and using appropriate medications are important aspects of maintaining cardiovascular health.

Sources:

1. Crowley SD, Coffman TM. Recent advances involving the renin-angiotensin system. Exp Cell Res. 2012;318(9):1049-1056.
2. Chappell MC. Biochemical evaluation of the renin-angiotensin system: the good, bad, and absolute? Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2016;310(2):H137-H152.
3. Lavoie JL, Sigmund CD. Minireview: Overview of the Renin-Angiotensin System—An Endocrine and Paracrine System. Endocrinology. 2003;144(6):2179-2183.

Angiotensin is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and other processes in the body. It is produced in the kidneys and adrenal glands and is one of the main factors responsible for the increase in blood pressure during stress.

Angiotensin consists of 9 amino acids connected by peptide bonds. It has several forms that differ in their activity and function.

One form of angiotensin, angiotonin (AT1), is a major regulator of blood pressure. It binds to receptors on the walls of blood vessels and stimulates vasoconstriction, which leads to increased blood pressure.

Another form of angiotensin, angiotensinogen (AT2), plays a less important role in regulating blood pressure but is involved in other processes, such as regulating sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

In addition, angiotensins can also influence other processes in the body, such as the release of hormones and enzymes, as well as cell development and function.

Overall, the angiotensin system plays an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the body and its imbalance can lead to various diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and others.

In order to control the level of angiotensin in the body, it is necessary to monitor the level of blood pressure and take appropriate measures to regulate it. You also need to eat right, exercise, and avoid stressful situations to maintain cardiovascular health.