Review: Angiotensin Peptides and their Pleiotropic Actions

Abstract

The concept of tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) is now well established and it is now usual to think in terms of renal and tissue systems. At the same time it has emerged that angiotensin II (Ang II) is not the only biologically active peptide generated by the RAS. At least three others have been identified: the heptapeptide Ang III, the hexapeptide Ang IV and Ang 1-7. Specific receptors exits for the last two peptides. In addition, the range of possible physiological and pathophysiological properties for Ang II„ has been expanding. The current perception of the RAS is therefore that of a much more complex system than previously believed, with autocrine, paracrine and endocrine properties extending beyond the cardiovascular system. This mini-review focuses on the synthetic pathways of the Ang peptides and describes some of their pleiotropic actions.