Angiotensin actions on and within brain

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system, via actions of its effector peptide angiotensin II, regulates body fluid balance and arterial pressure. Circulating angiotensin II acts on circumventricular organs of the brain to stimulate thirst, sodium appetite, vasopressin secretion, and sympathetic nerve activity, complementing its peripheral actions. Angiotensin II, III, and IV may also be generated within the brain, and a separate central angiotensinergic system may also participate in regulating body fluids and arterial pressure via angiotensin II receptors of the AT 1 subtype. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.