Angiotensin, inflammation, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Angiotensin, inflammation, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease
Creators Name:	Luft, F.C.
Abstract:	We are used to thinking of angiotensin (Ang) II as a regulatory hormone that stimulates constriction of vascular smooth muscle cells, aldosterone release from the adrenal gland, and sodium reabsorption in the renal tubule. We have also become accustomed to understanding that Ang II may be formed and may act locally as a chemokine that induces tyrosine phosphorylation, cell growth, hypertrophy, and differentiation. Viewing Ang II as an inflammatory molecule is stranger still. Nevertheless, recent evidence shows that Ang II is important in stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of ancient inflammatory mechanisms. The nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is pivotal to these processes. Activation of NF-kappaB stimulates the expression of a gene menagerie that is important to chemoattraction, expression of surface adhesion molecules, coagulation, and inflammation. In addition, Ang II has been shown to regulate cellular immune responses. It stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes and contributes to their activation via calcineurin-related pathways. Knowledge of these mechanisms may provide additional therapeutic avenues.
Keywords:	Angiotensin II, Cardiovascular Diseases, Hypertension, Inflammation, NF-kappa B, Vasoconstrictor Agents
Source:	Current Hypertension Reports
ISSN:	1522-6417
Volume:	3
Number:	1
Page Range:	61-67
Date:	1 January 2001
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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