Neuromodulatory role of angiotensin-(1-7) in the central nervous system.

Mariela M Gironacci, Nadia A Longo Carbajosa, Jorge Goldstein, Bruno D Cerrato

Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas-CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. mariela@qb.ffyb.uba.ar

Clinical science (London, England : 1979) 2013 Jul 1

filter terms:

Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] constitutes an important functional end-product of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) endogenously formed from AngI (angiotensin I) or AngII (angiotensin II) through the catalytic activity of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), prolyl carboxypeptidase, neutral endopeptidase or other endopeptidases. Ang-(1-7) lacks the pressor, dipsogenic or stimulatory effect on aldosterone release characteristic of AngII. In contrast, it produces vasodilation, natriuresis and diuresis, and inhibits angiogenesis and cell growth. At the central level, Ang-(1-7) acts at sites involved in the control of cardiovascular function, thus contributing to blood pressure regulation. This action may result from its inhibitory neuromodulatory action on NE [noradrenaline (norepinephrine)] levels at the synaptic cleft, i.e. Ang-(1-7) reduces NE release and synthesis, whereas it causes an increase in NE transporter expression, contributing in this way to central NE neuromodulation. Thus, by selective neurotransmitter release, Ang-(1-7) may contribute to the overall central cardiovascular effects. In the present review, we summarize the central effects of Ang-(1-7) and the mechanism by which the peptide modulates NE levels in the synaptic cleft. We also provide new evidences of its cerebroprotective role.

Citation

Mariela M Gironacci, Nadia A Longo Carbajosa, Jorge Goldstein, Bruno D Cerrato. Neuromodulatory role of angiotensin-(1-7) in the central nervous system. Clinical science (London, England : 1979). 2013 Jul 1;125(2):57-65