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 vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM
Note générale sur le champ d'application :
note entry term but do not index under ALDOSTERONE unless particularly discussed