Angiotensin receptor biological effects

Saralasin 71 is currently in use as an angiotensin-receptor antagonist in the treatment of hypertension, despite its partial agonistic effect. The disadvantages of 71 lie in the fact that it is administered i.v. and in its short biological half-life. 

While the rate limiting step of the cascade is the renin release, the biological active component is the octapeptide angiotensin n. It is an essential regulator of fluid and electrolyte balance as well as blood pressure. It exerts its actions on various structures like blood vessels, adrenal cortex, kidney and central nervous system. Although at least two different receptor subtypes for angiotensin II have been identified (ATi and AT2) the ATi-subtype is responsible for most of the cardiovascular effects of the agonist. 

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