Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, Angiotensin-(1-7), and Receptor Mas Axis in the Kidney

Sergio Veloso Brant Pinheiro,Ana Cristina Simões E Silva

doi:10.1155/2012/414128

Sergio Veloso Brant Pinheiro, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/414128

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Abstract

In the past few years the understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has improved, helping to better define the role of this system in physiological conditions and in human diseases. Besides Angiotensin (Ang) II, the biological importance of other Ang fragments was progressively evidenced. In this regard, Angiotensin- (Ang-) (1-7) was recognized as a biologically active product of the RAS cascade with a specific receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas, and that is mainly formed by the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) homolog enzyme, ACE2, which converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7). Taking into account the biological effects of these two mediators, Ang II and Ang-(1-7), the RAS can be envisioned as a dual function system in which the vasoconstrictor/proliferative or vasodilator/antiproliferative actions are primarily driven by the balance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7), respectively. In this paper, we will discuss our current understanding of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis of the RAS in renal physiology and in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Highlights

Sergio Veloso Brant Pinheiro and Ana Cristina Simoes e SilvaIn the past few years the understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has improved, helping to better define the role of this system in physiological conditions and in human diseases
In vitro receptor autoradiography in C57BL/6 mice showed that the specific binding of 125I-Ang(1-7) to mouse kidney slices was displaced by AVE 0991, whereas no effects were observed in the binding of 125I-Ang II or 125I-Ang IV [35]
Zhang et al [55] showed that a 5-day infusion of Ang-(1-7) improved glomerulosclerosis in a rat model of thy-1-induced glomerulonephritis, whereas Velkoska et al [72] verified that a 10-day infusion of the same concentration of Ang-(1-7) in rats with subtotal nephrectomy was associated with deleterious effects on blood pressure and the heart, with increase in cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and decrease in cardiac ACE2 activity

Summary

Sergio Veloso Brant Pinheiro and Ana Cristina Simoes e Silva

In the past few years the understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has improved, helping to better define the role of this system in physiological conditions and in human diseases. Besides Angiotensin (Ang) II, the biological importance of other Ang fragments was progressively evidenced. In this regard, Angiotensin- (Ang-) (1-7) was recognized as a biologically active product of the RAS cascade with a specific receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas, and that is mainly formed by the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) homolog enzyme, ACE2, which converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7). We will discuss our current understanding of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis of the RAS in renal physiology and in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension and chronic kidney disease

Introduction

Glomerular hyperfiltration Antidiuresis

Findings

Concluding Remarks