Renin-angiotensin pathway

In reality, the role of the renin-angiotensin pathway in the cardiovascular disorders is extremely vital and critical by virtue of the faet that it exclusively is responsible for the maintenance of blood volume, arterial blood pressure, and the electrolyte balance in the body. Therefore, any slightest abnormalities in this prevailing pathway, such as excessive release of renin, overproduction of angiotensin II, may ultimately give rise to a plethora of cardiovascular disorders. 

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Aldosterone is the primary mineralocorticoid. It retains sodium (and subsequently water) in the blood. It is stimulated in the renin-angiotensin pathway. 

Fig. 28.1. Schematic representation of the renin-angiotensin pathway. The labile peptide bonds of angiotensinogen and angiotensin I are highlighted.

Actions and Properties of Renin-Angiotensin Pathway Components... 

Role of The Renin-Angiotensin Pathway in Cardiovascular Disorders... 

Because the renin-angiotensin pathway is central to the maintenance of blood volume, arterial blood pressure, and electrolyte balance, abnormalities in this pathway (e.g., excessive release of renin and overproduction of angiotensin II) can contribute to a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Specifically, overactivity of this pathway can result in hypertension or heart failure via the mechanisms previously described. Abnormally high levels of angiotensin II can contribute to hypertension through both rapid and slow pressor responses. Additionally, high levels of angiotensin II can cause cellular hypertrophy and increase both afterload and wall tension. All of these events can cause or exacerbate heart failure. 

Overview of Drug Therapy Affecting The Renin-Angiotensin Pathway... 

Lead nephropathy has also been complicated by the toxicological interactions of chronic kidney disease with adverse cardiovascular effects such as hypertension. Hypertension, as noted in this chapter, is a risk factor for Pb-associated and non-Pb-associated kidney disease, while mechanisms for inducing hypertension include the participation of kidney biochemistry and physiology via, for example, the renin—angiotensin pathway. 

Kifor I, Dzau V Endothelial renin-angiotensin pathway evidence for intracellular synthesis and secretion of angiotensins. Circ Res 1987 60(3) 422-428. 

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