Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins > Macromolecular Systems > Renin-Angiotensin System Terms and Definitions

Renin-Angiotensin System

Medical Definition:	A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodialator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.
Guide Notes:	note X ref but do not index under ALDOSTERONE unless particularly discussed; DF: RA SYSTEM
Also Called:	Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
Previously Indexed:	Angiotensin II (1966-1981),Renin (1966-1981)

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