Angiotensin II induces endothelial dysfunction by reducing NO availability and increasing reactive oxygen species. We assessed whether cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 or COX-2 participate in the angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction in murine mesenteric small arteries and examined the role of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent reactive oxygen species production. Mice ...

This study was designed to demonstrate the characteristic pattern of angiotensin II-induced JAK/STAT (indicating just another kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) activation in cultured rat cardiomyocytes by comparing it with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-induced activation. Angiotensin II (10(-7) mol/L) induced rapid phosphorylation of JAK2 and Tyk2, but not JAK1, and ph...

Angiotensin II activates cytosolic phospholipase A(2)α (cPLA2α) and releases arachidonic acid from tissue phospholipids, which mediate or modulate ≥1 cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II and has been implicated in hypertension. Because arachidonic acid release is the rate limiting step in eicosanoid production, cPLA2α might play a central role in the development of angiotensin II-induced hy...

The initial view of the renin-angiotensin system focused on the role of angiotensin II as a hormone involved in blood pressure control, based on its role in renal salt and water regulation, as well as central nervous system (thirst) and vascular smooth muscle tone. Subsequent data showed a role for angiotensin II in long-term effects on cardiovascular structure, including cardiac hypertrophy an...

Sympathoexcitation contributes to the progression of heart failure. Activation of brain angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) causes central sympathoexcitation. Thus, we assessed the hypothesis that the increase in circulating angiotensin II comparable to that reported in heart failure model affects cardiac function through the central sympathoexcitation via activating AT1R in the brain. In Sp...

Myogenic and angiotensin contractions of afferent arterioles generate reactive oxygen species. Resistance vessels express neutrophil oxidase-2 and -4. Angiotensin II activates p47/neutrophil oxidase-2, whereas it downregulates NOX-4. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that p47 enhances afferent arteriolar angiotensin contractions. Angiotensin II infusion in p47 / but not / mice increased renal...

1. The intrarenal role of angiotensin II in controlling sodium excretion was examined in anaesthetized, dehydrated dogs by infusing the angiotensin II antagonist Sar1-Ile8-angiotensin II directly into the renal artery. Comparisons were made with dehydrated dogs receiving only sodium chloride solution intrarenally. 2. Intrarenal angiotensin II blockade resulted in significant increases in urinar...

This review article looks at the emerging concepts about the renin angiotensin system. The specific aspects it covers include angiotensin II receptors, angiotensin receptor antagonists and alternative enzymatic pathways for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II other than angiotensin converting enzyme. The review, additionally, looks at the current and future clinical applications o...