Cardiac Intracellular Renin-Angiotensin System

Pp: 79-91 (13)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

As a hormonal system, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is known for endocrine and autocrine/paracrine physiological functions. An intracrine role of the RAS has been proposed long ago; however, evidence for this function has started accumulating only recently. Angiotensin (Ang) II is the major hormone of the RAS and is the focus of research for the intracrine nature of this system. The intracrine functionality is characterized by intracellular actions of the hormone within the cell of synthesis or following internalization. Intracellular synthesis and actions of Ang II have been demonstrated in several cell types and tissues, with a significant amount of work in the heart. This review focuses on the cardiac intracellular RAS, delineating differences from the extracellular RAS that further consists of the circulatory and local RASs. The pathophysiological significance of the intracellular cardiac RAS has been discussed.

Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme, Angiotensin II, Angiotensinogen, Autocrine, Chymase, Diabetes, Diabetic cardiomyopathy, Heart, Hormone, Intracrine, Nucleus, Paracrine, Renin, Renin-angiotensin system.