Removal of angiotensins from the systemic circulation

Abstract

The extraction of α-angiotensin and its aminopeptidase-resiistant analogue β-angiotensin by the pulmonary, hepatoportal, femoral, and renal vascular beds was studied in normal anesthetized dogs and rats by comparing the systemic pressor responses to infusions into the afferent and efferent vessel of each organ. The extraction percentage of both peptides by the pulmonary circulation was negligible whereas it averaged 70% for α-angiotensin and 63% for the β-analogue in the other three systemic vascular beds studied. It is concluded that the main process responsible for the clearing of angiotensin from the systemic circulation is not the activity of circulating angiotensinases but rather occurs in the tissues.